I need some opinions.
 

I am wanting to make a raw edge applique wall hanging and I can't decide if I want to sandwich and quilt the background first and then apply the applique or if I should applique the pieces to the background first and then sandwich the piece and do the quilting afterwards. I would love to hear some pros and cons on the subject. Thanks in advance for your input.

I plan to applique first and then quilt.

I always applique first then quilt.

I agree applique first. If you are going to stitch down the raw edges by using a blind hem or zig zag stitch, it can be part of your quilting.

I do the applique first, that way the pieces are anchored down, even if you do stitch around the raw edges.

I always applique first and then quilt. I usually blanket stitch around the applique pieces before I quilt but that is just because I don't really like the look of the blanket stitch on the backing. However, if its a wallhanging it wouldn't really matter.

Always think about what the stitching will look like on the back of your quilt. I wouldn't want blanket stitching or any kind of decorative/zig zag stitching to show on the back, generally speaking.

I've done it both ways and have no problem with either way, but then I don't mind the appliqué stitching showing on the back. However, there is another way I use occasionally. I appliqué on the quilt top and then put the sandwich together, then echo quilt around the general outline of the appliqué, then proceed with the rest of the quilting stopping at the echo line. On the back you just get the general shape of the appliqué without the stitching. Oh, yeah. Sometimes, I put the batting under the top and appliqué on just those two layers (sorta like trapunto without the puffiness). Then put it all together and QAD.