I just finished a cowboy rodeo little quilt and I like the look of the blanket stitch. I do vary the width and length according to the size of the applique so it is on there with the strength needed for it to survive many washings. I also like to change thread colors to match the piece I am sewing down. Although, I have used a slightly darker thread to suggest shadow on some applique I have done on other projects. Here is one I did some time ago, I haven't photographed the rodeo one as yet.