sometimes with my applique die I cut the fabric and I cut the fusible. Then I remove the middle of the fusible so that it will only cover about 1/2" around the outer edge. Then I fuse the fabric and the fusible together on a teflon applique sheet.(just in case I don't line it up right.) This eliminates some of the stiffness you get when you use the fusible.Takes a little longer but it depends on the feel I am after.