I am starting to do my first applique quilt. The applique itself will have two fabrics--black and yellow. (Do you know what the applique is?) Should I stitch all in black or do I stitch in black on the black fabric and stitch in yellow on the yellow fabric? Is there a "right" way?

you are supposed to use thread the color of your applique piece not the color of the base

I've always used the color thread the same as the piece that I'm appliqueing but recently seen a block on this forum that was appliqued all in black and it looked wonderful. I didn't bookmark it and don't know the name, but trust me, it looked good.
There isn't a rule, it's whatever looks good to you.

Many antique quilts have the applique pieces all sewn down with black.

I generally match the color of the thread to the pices, but I've also used invisible thread.

Relax, and realize the choice is a personal one. THERE IS NO RIGHT OR WRONG! I always think when i use the same color thread as what I am appliquing down 9like black with black) it gives a more refined look. While any contrasting color makes for a more country or relax look. Make a smaple of each, and decide after that.

Julie :-o

I try out threads on a sample piece and see which look I like the best if I am machine sewing the applique down. If sewing by hand, using an invisible stitch, you will want to use a matching thread :D:D:D

This is how I applique, but the others are right too. It can, depending on the design, look great stitched with black, or a slightly different shade of the applique colour. Do a practice piece and see what you like. Or post a pic here and you will get loads of opinions and advice.

If you have a stitch that shows it'll disappear better if the thread matches the background.

If you're doing machine applique you can pretty much do what ever looks good to you. Matching thread, contrasting thread, invisible thread, etc.

Thanks everyone. I was leaning towards same color thread but was thinking twice on all the starts and stops. In my heart, I knew I would do it the right way.

I think one of the ways I think of it is how well you want them to see your stiches. You are not comfortable with good stiching then I would stick close to the project colors.I myself love showing the stich look. I agree with making a sample to help with your choice.