Brandi, I use the Gutterman, single strand but also use bees wax if I find it tangling. I have better luck if I cut my thread no more than 18" long. Hope this helps.

are you talking about hand applique? Any nice THIN thread will do, some prefer (I am one) that like silk thread to do my hand applique.

If you are using a spool thread the needle from the loose end not the end you are cutting. If you are using a bobbin thread the needle from the fresh cut end. Less tangles:)

Silk thread. Stitches won't show.

You will get as many answers as there are quilters. It all depends on what you want to accomplish. I can not answer for hand applique, because I don't do THAT! For machine, each project may require something different. I love to do black with a satin stitch if I want the piece to look cartoonish. If I want to bring up the applique rather than the edges I use a fine thread that match the color of the piece and stitch with a very small blanket stitch. If I want it to look more rustic I use a double blanket stitch with a color determined by how much I want for it to show. Sometimes I want the edges to get more attention, and I then use a bright color or a variegated, with a big double blanket stitch. I have also done some raw edge, and I just use a straight stitch about 1/8 inch or less inside the edge of the piece, and again, the color depends on how much I want for it to show.

I use Aurifil 50 wt. to match the applique piece. It sinks into the fabric nicely and I also use this for machine piecing, so I've got lots on hand. I know silk is wonderful, but I refuse to buy a bunch of extra thread for applique. I use what I already have and have found out a lot of others use Aurilfil for hand applique too.

I have just entered into the realm of hand applique and I am using YLI silk thread and loving it. The stitches really do disappear. I have 5 colors ranging from a dark brown to a white. I bought the assortment from CT. The mediums are a greenish color but they are blending in beautifully on all the different fabrics I am using. I just try to match the shade.

Thanks for all your replys. I mostly have regular thread and quilting thread. I don't have any silk thread.

for hand applique i use silk thread, it comes in so many wonderful colors, is thin, strong and disappears - it is very smooth -glides nicely. for machine applique i use what every thread is the correct color and weight for what i am appliquing-- for wool applique i use wool threads, and purol cottons most of the time but also use silk floss and other specialty flosses/threads. 50-weight or higher (the higher the number the thinner the thread) in a color that matches or is one shade darker- or a neutral the will blend.

Hi Brandi Below link is what i use for hand applique i try to match the color i am not sure of the equivalent in the USA as i am in Australia they have lots of colors and i use 2 threads for the hand applique i really enjoy hand applique and have made a few. :) good luck

http://www.coatscrafts.co.uk/Product...or+Marlitt.htm

For hand applique I like silk, embroidery thread and sewing thread for my appliques depending on the look I am trying to achieve. I use the colors to match the piece and fabric as best as possible.

For machine applique I use my King Tut trying to match the fabric color as best as I can.

As Maride said you're going to get as many answers here as there are people. It just comes down to what you prefer.