lots of embellishments are added to quilts after they are quilted and bound, including applique :thumbup: go for it and have fun with it! :-D

Needleturn applique is beautiful when done on an already quilted piece..

The last quilt I did, I used the applique and quilted through all the layers and used it as an additional quilting. I think, as long as you know the back will look different, it can be really pretty.
I don't have any experience with hand stitching, but I assume that would work.

This is what the back of mine looked like after I appliqued a cross and 18 hearts onto the quilt.
https://www.quiltingboard.com/member...63-593870.html

I am working on Dance of the Dragonflies. Plan to quilt the entire background first, lay the dragonflies on it, then raw edge them down with a straight stitch.

This is the pattern.


http://www.nancysnotions.com/product...ilt+pattern.do

One time I bought pre quilted fabric in a light green and Appliqued a basket of flowers on it for above my dry sink. Put the usual binding on it. I tried not to go through the back.

I have hand quilted 2 queen/king size quilts, then needle turned all my applique after all the quilting was finished.

Thanks for asking this question. Just in the nick of time!

Watson