Machine Stitching Fused Applique

Over the years I've made several fused applique quilts.

I usually do a free-motion squiggle on the edges of the fused pieces.  When there are lots of small pieces, like here, it's a good choice.  Plus, you can take that opportunity to add a little extra decoration.  This is a closeup of my Tulip Quilt, and the extra stitching is supposed to represent dimension on the tulip petals.

One time I did satin stitching.  It reminds me of traditional machine embroidery and I don't like it.

Yesterday I did the shoe applique for my Boutique Apron.  The pattern said to do a blanket stitch, so I dutifully did.  

It was the first blanket stitch I've done on a machine.  For the most part it turned out very good - except for the bottom of the heel when I hadn't quite mastered the art of when to pivot on a blanket stitch.  

The gobby areas are where I started and stopped, but that doesn't show on the front.

I like this stitch a lot.  It holds the edges securely and neatly, and depending on the thread color, it can be decorative or surreptitious.