I hate to hand applique - ok, I hate hand work! I use the fusible when I do applique and do all the sewing on my longarm. That said, what about cutting the fusible 1/4" in from your cutting line and then do needle-turn with a 1/8" turn under? I understand you would still have to go through the fusible if you were layering.
I think that if you like raw-edge applique, fusible is the way to go. If you like the appliqued with little stitches or a blanket stitch, then maybe you can use little spots of fusible to hold your piece in place while you stitch them down.
Maybe I should just keep my mouth shut since I will only do raw-edge applique with fusible!!! :roll: :lol: :oops: