I am brand new to applique. I thought I would start small and I downloaded a poodle pattern. I've cut out the pieces and applied them using fusable web to a plain square. Now I'm not sure what to do. Do I blanket stich around the pieces before or after I've made the quilt sandwich? Am I better off hand sewing or maching sewing the first time around? For this particular project once I am done I will bind it without any borders or detail and use it as a kennel quilt for my new toy poodle.... had to start with something that was okay to screw up :wink: Please help with your suggestions.