Originally Posted by lots2do
Let me know if this doesn't make sense.
One way that I learned to do this was to trace my applique shapes onto the dull side of freezer paper. Cut out. Iron the shiny side onto the wrong side of the applique fabric. Cut around the shape leaving about 1/4 inch all the way around. Glue this edge with a regular washable glue stick to the paper side of the freezer paper. Pin into place and whip stitch with little stitches, as invisible as you can make them onto your background fabric (with matching fabric. I really like YLI silk thread if you can find it). Then you could always use a blanket stitch with floss if you wanted to for a decorative touch. Oh, then when your sewing is done, make a careful slit in the middle of your applique (background fabric) and clip away the background to about 1/4 inch of your applique (on the wrong side again). Pull your freezer paper shape out. You may have caught a few places with your stitching so be careful and ease it out.
Phew, that sounded like a lot of steps. I do seem to be attracted to complicated processes. But this method makes sure that you don't have a raw edge.
lots2do
I hand applique, only I pin instead of glue stick, I use a really tiny blind stitch, try to do no more than 10 to the inch. I use the freezer paper too. That is how I did the one I am attaching, although this time I pulled the freezer paper out first, until you have appliqued for a while, would not advise that. I also use a product from clover called a fabric fold pen that is great for turning edges especially if it is a curve.
You don't always have to cut the back, sometimes, I leave a small area and pull the paper out before I finish sewing, you may have to use tweezers, but it does just fine. I do it both ways, but prefer not to cut the back. These rings were so large I did not want to do either so pulled the freezer paper out after turning under the edge and then pin, pin, pin to keep the edges tight.