Try using your buttonhole/blanket stitch around the edges. And if you don't want to do that...just stitch it....on your machine...and no, the quilt police won't be coming to your door!

I machine applique mine.

I made Eleanor Burns Christmas Wreaths two years ago which were large Dresden Plates and my machine has several blanket stitch options. I used the one I liked best and it looked really good.

I have the book from Elanor Burns and it directs you to attach the plate with a machine blind stitch

there are several methods to hand applique and if you want it to look like it is done by hand use your blind hem stitch adjust length and width use monifiliment thread on top neutral in the bobbin and it will look hand stitched practice first to get the right setting on your machine

At considerable sacrifice of quilting time, I have wracked my brain to figure out some of the acronyms on the board, but P.I.G. just won't come to me! I love the concept, but what does that stand for?

I made 2 Dresden quilt tops and only did machine applique. They turned out beautifully and I got them done.... I do love to hand applique but had I saved these two quilt tops to do by hand I would never have started them. One quilt is in many, many shades of purple. Saved for a long time to get it together. I covered the center with heavy white lace from fabric and did the applique stitch in varigated purple embroidery thread. The border on 4 sides is twisted vines with pretty purple flowers.
The second one is a bright all color quilt, just as pretty only different. I enjoyed making these tops so much. Got the pattern out of some magazine with a plainer looking Dresden plate quilt on the cover. Mine looks better, especially the purple one. These were so enjoyable I am thinking of getting pinks and burgundys together along with lots of greens for the borders.

It's your quilt you do as you like. I always do my appliques now with the machine, gopes much faster and if you use same colored thread or neutral thread you cannot see the stitching.Go for it.

I have been collecting fabric for a Dresden Plate and mine will definitely be machine appliqued. I admire those who do hand work but that is not for me.

I did a Hawaiian Dresden when I was in a postcard swap on another website. I also cannot do a lot of handwork so I used a buttonhole stitch.