when you applique---appliques are done on individual blocks (long before quilting steps are reached)
you do your appliques- stitching around each shape- then square up your blocks (doing appliques -draws up- the fabric some so blocks need to be cut a little oversized then squared when applique or embroidery is done)
then put the blocks together into your quilt top.
as for the tiger tape- i like using it- you can get it with different distance marks - if you choose to use a tape instead - use painters tape NOT masking tape- masking tape leaves alot of gooy residue that sometimes stains- sometimes is terrible to get off- painters tape will not leave the mess you get from masking tape. the longer the tape is left on the bigger the problem later-