All I have is the #20 for applique so I don't know if I'd like the #39 better. I bought the #20 when I was doing a lot of satin stitch and it does work well for that. I have used the #20 for buttonhole too but it doesn't hold one edge down as well when you are stitching over the side. It does help if the applique edge is solid because you can run one side of the toe along the applique edge. I basically use #20 for all sewing that I want an unobstructed view of and sometimes with my magnifying glass attachment.
Last edited by Tartan; 05-26-2012 at 06:30 AM.