I do both hand and machine applique.
I am taking a class and found that you can use any stitch to machine applique. I have a Pfaff 4.0 so I have lots of different stitiches.
I don't know what you have but you can use a zig zag, button hole, satin stitch, blind hem etc.
I use heat and bond but the last quilt I did was quite stiff.
I am not sure if that is because it was old or what. I just bought new yesterday so I will let you know.
Hope this helps

I have only hand appliqued but I haven't done that many to experiment with other means.

I do both techniques, and enjoy them all. If you cut your fuseable to the exact size you want, then leave at least an
/8 inch margin, you can turn your piece before you hand stitch it down. Then use either the button hole stitch or satin stitch to trim if you like. But it isn't necessary. I am hooked, just finished Lorraine's Garden, and am now starting a sunflower table topper that is my on the run project.

My favorite is applique. Machine or by hand.

I use heat and bond light weight or the one that says sewable. I used the heavey duty once and what a mess I had trying to machine stitch the blanket stitch. Gummed my needle terrible. The lighter weight is very good and then use the blanket stitch on your machine if you have it.

This may sound silly, but the reason I'm hooked on hand applique is because I took a class that made just one block, and fell absolutely in love with the fabric. I had to buy enough to finish the entire quilt. I keep my applique project in my purse, along with the threads I'll be using. One tip I learned, and love to use, is the double stick applique tape. Once you submerge it in water, it is supposed to disappear. In the meantime, I can lay out an entire block, and slowly sew through the different layers as I am ready. The other pieces are stuck in place, so every time I pull out my block, I'm reminded how beautiful it will look when I'm done. Good luck!

My quilt friend told me to get Karen Kay Buckley's DVD on applique. I did and it is very good. I started a BOM with a lot of applique and I have come to the conclusion, hand applique may not be my thing. My learning curve is too steep. I have machine appliqued by using a light fusible and doing a small zigzag stitch. I go around once with a smaller stitch not to close together, then I go around the second time with a little bit wider stitch a little tighter stitch. Karen Kay does it with a blind hem stitch which I have not tried.

Bucket, where do you get the double stick applique tape? I've never heard of it before.

Yes it is. I've done both and I don't think one is easier than the other.

daylily4, I listen to audio books while doing hands and machine sewing. I use my imagination for the pictures and keep my eyes on my stitches. It is so fun.