when I hand applique stems etc. I cut them on the bias and and with right sides together I sew them down the side. Then I have strips of plastic made just for stems etc. (found at most quilt shops) insert them in the tube I have made and iron them with the seam in the center so as to have it hidden on the underside as I hand sew the stem down. Once ironed of coarse you pull the strip of plastic out. I hope you understand what I am trying to say. Maybe someone on here has a tutorial they can show you. Marge