the easiest method is to use WonderUnder or some other kind of heat bond to stick your appliques to your base fabric and then sew around the edges with your machine or by hand. I use my machines fancier stitches for applique around the edges. You can use the basic zigzag around the edge which is what I used to do until I got a new machine. Most times now I use a kids glue stick to attach my appliques. I can pick them up and move them around for about a half hour. They then are stuck pretty good until the quilt goes through the wash and it washes out unlike the wonderunder which is permanent.