Adding to the OP's question:
On Threads & Needles:
- What size needle for the straight stitch
- What weight thread for the straight stitch
- What KIND of thread for both the straight stitch, and the "attaching" stitches (embroidery thread? Silk, cotton, rayon? Weight?)
I'm going to attempt applique soon, I think, and need to do the homework first
Thanks much, and thank you to the OP for starting the thread