I use 'steam a seam light' to attach machine appliques before I sew them on. You can just use it on the perimeter of your design and then cut out the pieces underneath that would make it too bulky. You need to read up on this before trying it, but it is easy. There are lots of free tutorials on the web that will show you how to do this. I haven't done it yet but am going to use this method on the quilt I am making for my son. Otherwise I would be able to explain it, but better to find out from someone who really knows. Hope this helps.