I always cut my background fabric at least 1/2" larger on all 4 sides to allow for any shrinkage during the applique and embroidery process and then I square up the completed blocks to the correct size when I finish the applique. I quilt the blocks to highlight the applique work and the applique really stands out.
Last edited by Fabric Galore; 03-06-2017 at 02:57 PM.
Reason: add information