Just as Izy says...I have some leaves tucked under stems right now and it is a hand applique..I did not snip any off the underneath. Depends on how thick, your preferences, and what kind of applique you are doing...make sense?? There are many different applique methods..in fact, I just did one on my machine using a hem stitch and I had eyeballs over eyes, on top of the cat's head...(:0)) I did not snip any of my underneath..just let it layer. Hope this helps...Skeat