You would put it under the backing, sometimes if I am just making a small wallhanging I put batting under my backing piece and then do the applique, then you'd just have to put your quilt back on and do an outline stitch around the piece or even just around the borders. That being said your piece is really cute, and you will get better with practice. Have fun... I love doing applique.
I know there are other stabalizers on the market but this is the one I use, you can get more information on stabalizer at
http://www.sulky.com/stabilizers/tear.php
Originally Posted by dgreen
I didn't use stabilizer...what is that? Do you put it under the appliqued piece or the backing? I also had difficulty getting narrow pieces to stay put, as the needle would push it to the side. Pins didn't quite keep things still.