I seem to be reading a lot of of you machine applique just on the top without batting. If I did that my blanket stitching would not be even. I have always been told to either applique on the top with the batting on or with all three layers attached and go thru all. Depends on what you want to show thru on the back. Patchabilities patterns suggest you sew thru all three layers so you don't have to quilt when your all done.