I applique clockwise with the motif above the needle. I do the same when sewing on binding. I'm right handed. I have friends who applique much better than I do who do it counter-clockwise with the motif below the needle, and others who do it my way. It's all a matter of personal preference. In fact when I took a hand applique class the teacher said that she does it one way and her sister (a co-owner of the quilt shop) does it the other. Try both ways and decide which you like.