start out with some raw edge. Any applique can be raw edge and it looks so ruggedly pretty after its been washed a time or two.

I can identify with this, I was too afraid to machine applique. Don't really like needle turn, but I love blanket stitch. Last weekend, had 3 month old grandson for the whole weekend. Mum had been having a bad time, so decided to make a reindeer of Kadens hands and feet. Not wnough time to handsew, so had to just jump in on the machine.And it was fun!! Not only did I machine applique, but alo did some FMQ, which also scares me. Just jump on in and start. It'll be fine, and I'm sure you can do it...
I'll try and add a pic of Kadens reindeer.

I do a lot of machine appliqué using the technique in Fat Quarter Fonts Quilt Book Atkinson Designs It's super easy and works for small pieces too. It sure saves time and the appliqué is very secure which is great for practical quilts.

Forgot to add, if you're doing hmachine allpique, don't forget to add the stabiliser under the fabric. Guess who did that a few times!!

Thankyou all for the helpful hints - tonight I'm going to tackle it and see what happens. Cute sweetikins Lindyline!!!

I love to use the blanket stitch to secure my ironed-on applique. The tricky part is going around curves for me but I set the machine to slow and keep on going. If you don't want the stitches to be noticed, use a thread color that blends and you will be just fine. Make sure you put a stabilizer behind your block so the stitches won't pull your pattern in and make it look distorted. Also, practice on a trial piece. You'll do fine!

I use freezer paper as a stablizer..iron it right on the back and tear away when done.

Play around on scrap material so if you make goof, you won't have to rip it out just keep practicing until you are sure. You know it won't take long once you have practiced a little.

You can do it! If you tackled paper piecing you can do applique.

I adore appllique..While others lover it, for me needle turn is too slow and tedious..I took a class in machine applique and it's alot quicker and not hard at all....Hit the you tube videos for direction as well....You can do it girl!!!

San
FL