These are a couple of the 20 ladybug squares I am working on but when I decided to do them, I chose machine applique. However, I can't see how I can do a really nice job on such skinny little legs. I've done some machine applique quilts that turned out great years ago but that was before a wreck messed up my right side. It's hard to even cut out things so I figured I would make any adjustments when I did the machine work. Now I am not so sure. It's hard to get around all the edges when they are so small. I'm not worried about the bodies, just the black parts which are wonder-undered on. Somewhere I read where you can just do a zig-zag stitch up the middle on the skinniest part of the legs but how much fraying will happen after a few washes? Any advice? I don't want to give up on it but I need to understand techniques better.

Why not just satin stitch the entire leg?

Think that is what I would do too.

Ladybug blocks are cute. I would use the satin stitch.

Satin stitch would be my vote to instead of the applique too. there is fray check that helps with fraying but I don't know for how long.

I think that a satin stitch would be a good option. If your machine doesn't do a SS that wide, I would go with a tight zigzag on the applique legs the widest your machine can do. I wouldn't worry too much about fraying, it will make the legs look a bit hairy and bug-like! The only other option would be to use some black bias tape so you could totally enclose the edges.

i've done alot of stained glass applique and it seems like that technique would work just fine for your black areas/legs...
i have used 2 different techniques- one- i use my double needle- threaded with black- and do a straight stitch--this works IF the legs are 1/4" wide (or the width of the double needle)
i have also used a zigzag- since it was black on black i did not tighten it to a satin stitch just a zigzag that was the width of the pieces- so i did not have frayed/rough edges.

LOVE THE QUILT BLOCKS!!

You might want to try using a double needle and just sewing down the middle. Another option would be the iron on fusible bias tape and sew it down same way. then you wouldn't have to cut the legs out.

If you choose machine applique, maybe use a stabilizer underneath to prevent puckering.

Where's there's a will, there's a way.

I think a zigzag down the center of each legs would be fine. The edges will fray a little but bug legs are usually not perfectly smooth anyway. I would use a zigzag that was almost the same size as the legs, just staying inside the outline to not distort the shape. Your ladybugs are very cute!

I think your idea to zigzag up and down the center of each leg would work really well! If the legs fray (and I think they eventually will), it will give the ladybugs fuzzy legs. I really like that idea. This look would appeal to me more than simply satin-stitching the legs.