I have done very little applique, but when I do I use invisible thread with a narrow zig zag stitch.

I still like the narrow applique that looks like the blanket st. It can be made very narrow and if lengthened works well for me if I match colors. I also us a satin stitch but like it narrow and tight. 1.5-2 w and 3-4 l.
A narrow blanket st. also works but I don't have as good luck with that as I do with the quilt applique st.
Invisable thread workds but I prefer matching colors as invisable is sometimes scratchy and has a slight gloss. Jayne

I think for something like you described I would use a very close and narrow zig zag stitch.

Vicky

Can someone explain TURKEY TRACKS to me - I have been looking everywhere and not able to find a link......saw it mentioned and just wondering how to do....

That sounds like a wall hanging. Sometimes this is fun..a bit tedious...but fun.
I'll put the pieces down with fusible web or just a dab of washable glue stick...depending on the look I want. Then run around on the piece as close to the edge as I can with a tight reg straight stitch. For small really curvy pieces I'll drop the feed dogs. While your at it you can "draw" on the piece. Like veins on leaves..wings on birds...petals on flowers....whatever. Use your machine like a pencil. I always use a matching thread for the outlining but for the drawing part the color depends on what I want to see. I'm not as great at this as I want to be. There's a lot of failed pieces but I have a wonderfully relaxing time at it anyways.
Bon
:)

Thanks for your responses. I think I'll have to experiment on the little pieces of the applique. One is an open gridwork bridge that will be the most difficult. The instructor said some people use ultra suede with no appliqueing. I would only do that, if I can't accomplish an acceptable stitched bridge. The purpose of these classes, for me, is to learn,learn,learn. I've never taken instruction before this year, and I've mentioned before, I've started quilting less then a year ago after a 30 year break, although I had continued to sew extensively.

I really appreciate all your suggestions I finished the background which was all PP, so the appliques are next.
I think the small blanket stitch is one that I did 'master' so I'll stick with that stitch on the larger pieces.

Bon, the piece can be a wall hanging or part of the quilt.
I've already PP one block & I bought 3 more of her block patterns that she said I could do. A few of the others are different techniques I want/need instruction. Thanks for mentioning the added stitching for effect and dropping the feed dogs~her quilt did use this~although quilted on a longarm, but I had forgotten about her added stitch detail.(In one day - I forgot!)

Bill - I think the turkey tracks is a block pattern. Maybe it is also a stitch and someone else knows. I've linked the block below. We did a very similar block for a recent Block Lotto.

Here is a link that might be useful: Turkey Tracks Block

I've done a few different stitches (and yes, it's okay to combine in one block). I do mostly fusible applique. A small zigzag, like Vicky suggested, often will blend right in (that's what I used on my reindeer quilt, in the "I won a ribbon" post). I like blanket stitch, it's a more "country" feel, I think and adds another embellishment to the quilt which sounds like you might not want with this one. I've also done McKenna Ryan's technique of going over all the edges with invisible thread while quilting. I've learned the technique to do the invisible stitch that's supposed to look more like hand applique, but I haven't done the methods to turn under the raw edges (starch, interfacing, etc), so I stick mostly to fusible.

Thanks - my question about combining stitches in one block was really one I've not found the answer to - so I appreciate you giving me the okay! I also remember your other quilts, but I couldn't find the post - The reindeer and the red ladies were my favorites, as I recall. Congrats again on your award - you must be thrilled.

On the Stroll The Block I did mostly button hole and zigzag (on the smaller pieces), all with coordinating or contrasting thread. I'm not a fan of invisible thread, to me it's like sewing/quilting with hair, but when necessary I'll do it. Here's the Stroll link if you want to see the different ones in one block.

Here is a link that might be useful: stroll the block top thread