searched this topic for if anyone recommends it for a beginner at hand-quilting but really didn't find out a lot.

Does it really help to make stitches more even?

On the machine applique question: The pattern I'm doing now has "you" machine appliqueing each block before even assembling them together. Is this normal or is it usually done after the quilt is layered? If done before, do I then stitch right around the shapes after the quilt is layered? Aah, my bad, that IS what "they" did.

Thanks. So I'm just interested in the tiger tape for now!

Saw a good review on this stuff. They had a good idea - try marking lines on masking tape first and see if that works for you. Is most useful for the "stab" type stitch which is where I'm at now.

So, answered my own questions!!

Hi Kitsie. The applique's I have done have all been on the blocks before & machine appliqued with a blanket stitch or satin stitch. You could also hand sew the applique on the block. When the quilt is ready to quilt you can decide how you would like to do it. Hve fun & experiment.

Thanks, smiles! Love your colorful avatar!

when you applique---appliques are done on individual blocks (long before quilting steps are reached)
you do your appliques- stitching around each shape- then square up your blocks (doing appliques -draws up- the fabric some so blocks need to be cut a little oversized then squared when applique or embroidery is done)
then put the blocks together into your quilt top.
as for the tiger tape- i like using it- you can get it with different distance marks - if you choose to use a tape instead - use painters tape NOT masking tape- masking tape leaves alot of gooy residue that sometimes stains- sometimes is terrible to get off- painters tape will not leave the mess you get from masking tape. the longer the tape is left on the bigger the problem later-

Thanks ck! Was just going to try the masking tape because I have some and I'm doing it on a scrap of old layered quilt, but thanks for the warning!