I HATE fused applique, so I don't use it. I cut applique shapes out of paper. Use a dab of elmers glue stick to secure it to the fabric, cut out using a seam allowance. Clip the seam allowance at curves, fold them to the paper edge, using the edge as a guide, press a serious pressing. After it is cool remove the paper (should only have a tiny spot of glue in the center so very easy to remove). Now I use the glue stick again to glue while pressing the tabs and seam allowances in place to the back, the previous pressing will make this relatively simple. Now I just use a straight line stitch at the very edge of the applique piece. All edges are finished, except the ones under other applique pieces.