Hey Lee, It's better if you do a few layers of mud, feathering each layer out a little more than the last one. Doing a few thin coats, rather than one thick coat is best. The thick layers always wanted to crack when they dried. At least that's what I was taught.
I hate drywall ... Boop R J , when you say" feather out the patch". is this done in one setting or is another application usually required? Lee