Next lesson, making the heart:
At the bottom point, take an extra stitch to secure the point. I take an extra stitch when making leaves.
At the cleft, cut into the cleft to within a thread or two of the deepest point. Then when stitching, take three extra stitches a little deeper into the cleft. One to the left, one to the right and one in the center. The stitches will look like three little toes. They will show, but will show nicely and neatly. Since there is so little fabric remaining, these deeper stitches will secure and avoid freying.
New heart: this time, using your template, draw the shape on the right of the fabric with a pigma pen. YES, right side, permanent pigma pen. Cut out (1/4" or less seam allowance) and center onto the background. Pin or baste into place. If you want, you can wait and cut into the cleft when you get to it. Use needleturn and use the pen line as your turning line. If done correctly, it will not show.
Always start your applique stitching on a straight side rather than a curve or point.
Please post how you make out. Suz