another question - how do you apply the fusing material? If you cut out the shape in the fusing then fuse it to the material then cut out the material, you will usually end up with some loose threads on the fabric since few, if any of us can cut exactly identical shapes/lines.
The more effective way is to put fusing material on the back of the applique fabric before cutting out your shape - this ensures that you have fusing material all the way to the edge of the fabric shape. If you use fusible with paper, you can trace the design (in reverse) onto the paper, rough cut the design, fuse to fabric then do the fine cut of the design.