For my favorite method of hand applique I use thin cardboard (old cereal box weight), Cheep brush like the ones you get with childrens watercolor sets, Starch, an iron, and a needle and thread. Cut the cardboard into the exact shapes I need, cut the fabric a little bigger ( aprox 1/4 inch). Spray a little starch into a small container. Use the brush to heavily starch just the edges of the fabric, lay the cardboard on the fabric, and carefully turn the edges of fabric over the cardboard a little at a time and iron dry. Pull out the cardboard and stitch into place. Curved edges turn smoothly because they are wet when you start to turn and press, points are crisp and there is nothing adding thickness when you begin to sew.