I made a paper-pieced wall hanging for my sister 2 years ago. On a couple of the seams, I didn't have enough seam allowance, and the seams popped open when it was quilted. Because it was a frog/pond scene, I bought some iron-on appliques of ladybugs and butterflies to place over the ragged seams.
The effect was perfect, my sister loves her wall hanging, so it was a win-win.