I have appliqued with DMC embroidery floss and the colours have been fast and held up to washing. If your stitches are neat and your tension even, you should be just fine. I do understand silk is the best, however, if DMC is what you have, go right ahead. Why not do a little practice piece and see how you go....just a little table mat/coaster ..... wash it a time or two and see how it holds up.