I am making applique quilt blocks that have lots of really tiny things, for which I like to use batik fabric ... it goes exactly where I want it to without shredding. Also, I cheat a bit ...I can do needleturn; however, since I use pins to get exact placement, at the same time I fold the seam allowance under as I go and then just stitch it in place. I have applique pins, but find them to be too tiny and therefore annoying, so I just use silk pins as I do for everything else.