I have tried a method I like alot. I put a piece of interfacing (the cheap light NOT fusible kind) on the right side of my piece. Flip it over and sew on the stitch line or just inside a thread, leaving a gap for turning. Trim and clip as needed, turn inside out. Be sure to push out the curves and corners well. Press and use starch or sizing if you want. Take special care with the turning gap. Now you can hand or machine applique , your choice. I found a got nice edges. No one knows if it was needle turn or lined with interfacing. Small pieces would not work as well. This would work well for a travel project as well. Just plop it down and go...or glue a few pieces before you leave home.