penski

i would go with black

MadQuilter

I'd use a small zig-zag in black. Cool top!

totosmom

Oh, this will be a darling quilt. You're off to a great start.

As for the applique, I would never be patient enough to change colors with each one. Life is too short! I vote for black buttonhole stitch.

ywoodruff5

I agree with the black - remember, black not only goes with everything but makes the colors "pop".

BarbaraSue

how about black thread in a raw edge applique - just straight stitch near the edge of the applique it is a little less time consuming and uses less thread. :)

snipforfun

I would do invisible thread so not to distract fro. The toys. If not that, then black in a blanket/buttonhole stitch. A zig zag would look cheesy.

Divokittysmom

I do alot of machine embroidery, and applique work. I tend to not use black as it seems a bit harsh,I feel it can sometimes overpower my designs. If I don't outline with each different color (yes I too am a glutton for punishment) LOL... I will use a dark grey or dark brown color. They are less harsh and for me I like the end result better. I do like the suggestions of using the deep blue to outline too. I personally think your plaid fabric would be the best option of the three for sashing. I too feel the prints would take away from the applques.
Totally IMHO
And... your quilt is just darling!!

dungeonquilter

Invisible thread would blend in and not show.

stillvnu

You have "repeating" colors in your blocks so I would change thread colors to match the fabrics ... stitch the blue on all blocks then yellow, etc. I would use a small blanket stitch. Great looking quilt!

Sierra

If I were to do them with all the same stitch I'd make it BOLD, otherwise I think it would look like I just didn't want to bother changing thread. It needs to be part of the ambience of the quilt.

I'm one of those people who pretty much make the thread match each appliqued piece :>)