DOTTYMO

I use bondaweb to stick applique down then blanket stitch the edges . This holds very well. But once the stick has been washed out they do fray.
I have never used whip stitch or ladder stitch on applique only used them for joining hexagons.Once fraying began inside the seam they can theoretically unravel. Never had the problem though or seen it.

my avatar is reverse applique which I hand stitched with a slip stitch. Didn't like it so used a fancy stitch on my sewing machine and went round edges. I worked in small blocks so was easy to do. Would hate the job on a full quilt.