Funny you should ask...I just got out this 10-year-old project yesterday. It a flimsy I never quilted because I wasn't sure it was done. Anyway, I had a vision of cats on the quilt somewhere so added the two after piecing. If you can see clearly there is no puckering and the appliques seem to have had no real effect on the quilt itself. My machine (Brother Innovis 1250D) has applique stitches built in but I think the satin stitch set at the longest/widest setting would work. Good luck.