Appliquing is very easy to do. It makes the quilt look lovely. If you can do the applique first, I would. I made a quilt when I first started sewing and didn't applique. The LAQ tried to quilt where I appliqued but couldn't get it all and even though it's a wall hanging, it's starting to come apart. I so wish I would have taken the time and appliqued when I made it. I've since appliqued it in the last year. Doesn't look as nice and was more difficult to do.