I learned how to applique as part of my 1st basic quilting class. I was brand new to quilting and I mean seriously GREEN! :)
My teacher considered applique a quilting technique to learn with 4patch, 9patch and piecing. I am so glad she did. I read a lot of posts here on the QB where people are hesitant to try applique and I've never had that fear. At first I complained about hand sewing/needle turned applique but I very quickly found it to be relaxing and I now love having a project to work on that's easy to pick up and go with. Give it a try.....you'll love it!