The stitch is generally easy to do and most often creates a cute border all the way outside of the applique. As a pro tip, always choose the embroidery floss in a color that complements your applique. Step 2 - Thread a size 24 needle Pull out exactly 3 strands from the bundle of embroidery floss and cut them to about 18 inches. Now, hold the freshly cut end of the thread in your dominant hand and insert the strands into the eye of the needle and then pull the thread until about ⅓ of it is through the eye. Step 3- Pin the applique Identify where you want the mickey mouse applique design to go and then pin in onto the front side of the fabric, Then, insert the pins through the applique about 1 inches from the edges so that they do not get in the way of your stitches. Then insert the needle about 0.15 inches from the edge of the applique.