First, though, a (dumb) QUESTION please.
I bought an applique file to use for my DD's birthday outfit. For the applique, for example, the first three steps are one of the letters. For instance, A, step 1 is outlined in the color thread needed. Then step 2 is outlined in black thread. Then step 3 satin stitched in the color from step 1. I'm assuming that step 1 is showing where to place the fabric, step 2 is tacking it down, and step 3 is satin stitching over it. I don't really need to change to black thread, though, do I?
Yes, that first step is to show you where the fabric will go. The second step will tack down the fabric. Then you take the hoop out of the machine and trim the fabric but don't un-hoop it. Then the machine does the satin stitch around the edge. I am lazy so I just use whatever the satin stitch color is going to be for all three steps. Most designs will have you put on all the fabric pieces first before they start any of the satin stitching but some designs do it differently.