smooth curves in machine applique

All the instructions that I've ever read for satin stitch or blanket stitch machine applique on curves instruct you to stitch a few stitches, lift pressure foot, pivot & repeat. I have found this to be too time consuming & I end up trying to cheat by doing too many stitches before pivoting-resulting in bumpy curves. I've been doing some blanket stitch applique & discovered a little trick. I use my right hand for major steering while using my index or middle finger to hold the fabric & act as a pivot-middle finger for outside curves & index finger for inside curves. The finger that is not acting as a pivot is doing minor steering. I feel like I've just taken a quantum leap in my skill level. Finished product-pretty smooth curves.