Ami Simms uses poly thread for her ladder stitch applique.

Thank you Ritzy, I will give it a try

I believe that Superior Threads' Bottom Line is polyester and I used it for my 2009 BOM when I did my hand applique on cotton. It worked great and is very fine so you don't see the stitches.

Finally I am making some progress in a better stitch for hand applique. Practice makes maybe not perfect, but definitely better. I am ready to experiment with thread. I have been using Masterpiece or Aurifil 50 weight cotton. This has worked well. How do you all feel about using polyester thread for hand applique on cotton fabric? Thanks for your input