I have only done a small piece this way (I do satin stitch on my edges). However I fused down all the pieces using Misy Fuse because it is so much softer and lighter, then I applied a piece of Misty Fuse over the top of the piece and fused it down. It does dull the colors quite a bit so you might want to audition them first. I also use this method for postcards so the little pieces stay stuck and cannot be picked off. I have that top here somewhere. The background was black so that is where the duller part shows. No stitching required.