I haven't done applique in a long time. I learned applique by tracing on freezer paper, cutting it out , folding over edge of paper basting then basting to the block. Pulling the paper out when finished. Since there are so many steps here, I tried fusible applique on a Sun Bonnet Sue Block. Worked great, but I realized I needed to blanket stitch arount the applique. I don't know how to applique on the machine so I had to do it by hand. It was very hard and stiff. Is all fusible applique that way. If it is, it doesn't make for a snuggly quilt. I guess I'll try needle-turn method of applique.

A lot of the fusibles are like that. There is a newer one called Misty Fuse that is supposed to be much softer. Haven't used it yet, but wil the next time I want to try fusible applique.

What brand fusible did you use? Steam-a-Seam Lite is softer than many others, although not as soft as I would like. I thought Wonder Under left the applique very stiff.

yes, they are stiff, and it also depends on which one you used. Heat-n-bond lite is what i have used with raw-edge applique, but I only apply it around the very edge on larger pieces, that way the middle is still soft and pliable. For some reason I have not had much luck with wonder-under. I have done numerous settings and even different irons, I may have had some "old" stuff that didn't stick properly. Just don't use the Heat-n-bond ultra, its not meant to be sewn thru :)

I used Steam 'N Seam fusible. There is a Steam 'N Seam lite now. It is easy to stitch around the applique using either the blanket, zig zag, or other stitch on your machine. I do this with YLI Invisible thread & a walking foot. When applique pieces are larger, cut out the centers of the fusible to keep the piece from being too stiff.

There are lighter weight fusibles available. I haven't used them for hand applique, but you could check to see if you're using the lightest weight.

When I do fusible applique, I trace the piece, then cut out the center leaving between 1/4 to 3/8 inch of the fusible. That does help alleviate the stiffness although I don't know if it would help with hand applique. Also, I use Steam A Seam 2 Lite.

I use Light Seam A Seam. Heat and Bond and the other bonding fusibles get so stiff. Also when using the light Seam to Seam I often cut out the center of the piece of fusible so the whole piece isn't so stiff. Leave about an half an inch to and inch if your applique piece is large enough. I do love needle turn applique and after some practice it does get pretty easy. I was taught to outline whatever you are appliquing on the back side of your fabric.
Take a piece of the fabric you want to applique, place it on the front being sure to cover all of the area you want appliqued. Then outline it with a basting stitch from the back.On the front trim about 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the basting stitch and then just take out one stitch at a time as you go around your piece you are appliquing.

Have you tried a light weight fusible interfacing? Place fusible side to right side of applique fabric, sew around all edges, cut a slit in the interfacing and turn right side out. Fuse to your block then use what ever stitch you like to sew it down. Hope this helps.

I was using regular steam a seam!! I was really disappointed as I was trying out the Sun Bonnet Sue Accuquilt Die and their suggestion was to cut out the fusible web at the same time as the applique. It worked beautifully. I just didn't like the finished block. I'll try Misty Fuse and see how it does.

I use Pellon fusible interfacing (I also sew alot of clothng) for my applique and it is very soft.