In my experience, the Kaufman Kona solids have quite a "meaty" hand -- thicker than you would expect -- and I would not use them for applique. I have some Moda Bella solids, and they are more like quilting cotton; I would definitely try them for applique. I'm not sure why, but solid colors from all of the manufacturers seem to be broadcloth (which is a different weave from the prints); however, the thickness and softness of the solids seems to vary by manufacturer.