I'm working on a scenery quilt of Lake Superior. Directions state cut and paste designs. I have completed the design and glued it down. Now my edges are fraying. They state now to stitch all around the edges of each piece before I start quilting. That is making some pieces fray more. Help! Does anyone know how to stop this? Or what I can do?

I use lightweight or featherweight fusible interfacing on the back of each piece that I applique, then use a quilting basting spray to hold it onto the background until I stitch around the edges. I haven't done much applique so I'm not sure it works all the time but I haven't had a problem with fraying yet.

I have used that method some. It does work on small pieces but it also depends on the shape of the pieces. I just tried it on a bunch of circles but for the life of me I couldn't sew a nice circle. I tried several different methods. I ended up using heat proof template plastic and starch.

You can do this on smaller pieces (not too small) If you take a few more steps....carefully pink your edges after grading the seam. Also I have used this method using water soluble thread, after my piece is pressed (dry iron) I steam it....removing the thread...and the fusible material...leaving a nicely creased edge that is not heavy with fusbile stabilizer...lays much flatter....though be it a bit fussier.

good to know....I have a kit of precut SBS and really did not want to hand app or machine app, but since you did with f/interfacing, I will try that....have used that method for circles and liked the results.....good, another ufo is on its way to being a quilt!!!!!!!

I do needle turn and plan to do it on a dresdan plate quilt. Hopefully soon.

I have tried this method, and I find that the edges of the fusible show enough to bother me and th fusible is not worth the trouble. I will sometimes back an appliqué piece with the same fabric as the front, and then use a small piece of fusible to keep it in place as I sew it. This makes rounded edges like circles easier, especially since if anything peeks out from the back, it's the same fabric, not interfacing.

Applique method
 

I had the same problem. "Edges" drove me crazy. I solved this by trimming the fusible. After you cut a replica, trim the fusible about 1/16" then attach as discussed. When you turn it, the smaller back will force the fabric edge under. No more "edges". If that isn't enough trim a little more next time until you get the look you want.

I think you mean sew with Right Sides Together.

Yes this method has been used by Eleanor Burns. I am an extreme fan of hers. This method works great with small pieces. To turn them she uses a straw and a ball point bodkin. I don't have a bodkin so I use a crochet hook. You put the straw into the piece that you are turning, *pull so the fabric is over the end of the straw and use the bodkin and push the fabric into the straw. Pull it out of the straw, turn the fabric and repeat from *. Or you can watch any of Eleanors tutorials on the flower appliques. She shows this technique as well as using fusable. Have fun!