I appreciate the good suggestions, but as to "I might be using the wrong fusing material". OK, do I use: woven/non-woven, iron-on/sew-on, fusible web/tape/interfacing/adhesive, reg. fusible material/light/firm/dbl.stick? Can any be left on? Thanks...if anyone bothers to read thru so many question?

Eightylady, I am glad you are asking all these questions. I am new to applique too and am picking up some good tips from the answers. Keep asking!

Wonder Under

I use Steam N Seam which can be purchased at JoAnns. The quilt in my Avatar was made with this product.

Yes, Love Steam-A-Seam....

another question - how do you apply the fusing material? If you cut out the shape in the fusing then fuse it to the material then cut out the material, you will usually end up with some loose threads on the fabric since few, if any of us can cut exactly identical shapes/lines.

The more effective way is to put fusing material on the back of the applique fabric before cutting out your shape - this ensures that you have fusing material all the way to the edge of the fabric shape. If you use fusible with paper, you can trace the design (in reverse) onto the paper, rough cut the design, fuse to fabric then do the fine cut of the design.

I love steam a seam2. Have tried other brands...don't like them.
make sure you aren't leaving your iron on too long. It over melts the sticky stuff and it doesn't work right. Just a light once over is about all you need.

The directions are clear on the Steam n Seam product. You end up cutting out the pattern fabric with the bonding attached to the back so there are no edges to fray. I do a lot of floral applique, so being able to move the pieces around before permanetly ironing to fuse is great.

you will also wan tto use a lite fusible.
the heavier ones are almost impossible to sew thru even with a machine and make a very stiff quilt
my suggestion is to buy a yard of a few different ones and try small projects(pillows or potholders)
this will give you an idea of what you like to work with
I like the lite wonder under or Pellon

I use Heat'n Bond Lite, it's my favourite.