I use the light weight fusable Pellon and sew around the outside of the applique and turn and finger press. This way I do all my applique pieces ahead of time. When I get ready to apply the applique piece to the background, I cut out the center of the fusable Pellon and just leave the outside edge about 1/4". Then I fuse on to the back ground. This keeps my appliques soft. I always use Heat and Bond Lite.