Can I applique on top of a quilt as you go blocks.
 

Hello All.
Is it possible to applique on top of a quilt as you go blocks.

Not sure I understand your question. Appliqued blocks can be assembled w/ qayg techniques. If your asking about appliqueing after you have quilted. The hot temps and pressing isn't great for your batting (especially if it is a poly blend) if you are hand appliqueing that will be tricky w/ the extra bulk. If you are machine sewing that can get dicey keeping your edge w/ the extra bulk, much harder to keep a clean look.

sure. machine applique to block before you add the backing. If you are hand appliqueing, you can do that (and embroidery) after you have added the batting.

I do this without using the backing. I add it later, tacking it with machine tack stitch, or using buttons in the corners. or stitching echo block around the block. I do a lot of applique baby quilts on my embroidery machine, and finish this way. The batting is already sewn down, so you just need something to hold the backing in place.

Sure! I do like to bury the applique knots into the quilt somehow, though, just so they don't show on the back.

You can do whatever you want to do!

What is your desired end result? If you want your applique to "float" on the block, complete the block, quilt it down, and then add hand applique. If you just want it "in" the block, machine applique along with appliqueing the block. Either way will work; it's just how you want your finished block to look. Hope this helps!

I always cut my background fabric at least 1/2" larger on all 4 sides to allow for any shrinkage during the applique and embroidery process and then I square up the completed blocks to the correct size when I finish the applique. I quilt the blocks to highlight the applique work and the applique really stands out.

Yes, but depending on the applique technique, it may cause your block to slightly shrink in size. Also, if it's a large piece of applique & is not quilted, it is more likely to pull away from the rest of the quilt.