Originally Posted by
Prism99
There are many different ways to applique. Whether or not you cut away the back can depend greatly on the method you use.
My favorite applique method is machine applique with freezer paper (a la Harriet Hargrave). This method requires cutting away the background behind the applique in order to remove the freezer paper.
The last appliqué I did, I didn't want to cut the background of the quilt away, so I got some of Beth Ferrier's wash away appliqué paper instead of using freezer paper. It worked really well. I quilted on the appliqué to give it a bit of dimension as it was leaves. I think that part is a personal choice.