any applique project can be accomplished using any applique method you like. if you like needle turn then you simply add a seam allowance around your appliques when you cut them out...i use freezer paper instead of fusable, and hand applique all the time. i also do alot of fusable applique (i just love applique of all kinds!) i do not always use a blanket stitch around my appliques, only if it's wools or some sort of primative style that needs blanket stitch. sometimes i use an invisible hem stitch, sometimes a straight stitch right along the edges sometimes i wait until i load the quilt up to quilt it and stitch the appliques down with the quilting. don't limit yourself because you don't like the method one person uses, use the method you want...it's your project!

I don't think I would trust an applique to stay on with just fusing. It would have to have some kind of stitching, for me, it would be raw edge.

My personal preference is no fusible, don't like the stiffness at all. I pin the object in place and either machine stitch with a satin or fancy stitch that I want or needle-turn which is my preferred method.

Just remember its your quilt and you can use whatever kind of stitch that you want. I have many different stitches on my machine and have used a few of them.

Good Luck!

I use fusible on the main part of a large piece then turn under with needle. Sometimes if I use a light fusible, I simply do a buttonhole stitch around. I always do this by hand. I've tried machine stitching around but I don't like the look.

there are alot of softer fuses out there now that eliminates the "hard" look...I took a class where she cut the middle out of larger pieces so only the outer edges were fused and that eliminated the hard look also.

Since I like to make my sewing life as simple as possible, my favorite applique method is "in the hoop" - quick and easy, and the pieces are super secure. I wish more designers would offer this option.

I also use the Eleanor Burns method. This is when I want instant gratification. When I want to relax, I do needle turn applique.

What is "in the hoop"?

in the hoop is done with the machines that have embroidery capabilities there are (programs?patterns) that can be appliqued by hooping the fabric and setting up certain embroideries that allow you to add applique pieces as you go...pretty cool stuff!

[quote=ckcowl]in the hoop is done with the machines that have embroidery capabilities there are (programs?patterns) that can be appliqued by hooping the fabric and setting up certain embroideries that allow you to add applique pieces as you go...pretty cool stuff!

[/quote

Thank you!