It says what fusible it is...What a great idea to use black backing!

I have the entire set of hangings all appliqued down. In my pattern, there are lines to be quilted to hold it together. Otherwise, it might sag if you try to hang it.

I made bunches of these (mine were not precut) I stitched around all the black figures with black thread. It didn't take that long. I figured I wanted it to last -- the quilting did add another dimension. But it is your quilt-- do what you want.

The pattern i have is vague...but I saw the other set. i might get it.

I made a wall hanging similar to yours a few years ago and stitched all the raw edges with a black metallic embroidery thread. Took awhile to get my tensions set for the metallic thread but I really liked the end look. And I did use a denim needle because it has a larger eye which the metallic thread seemed to like better that than the metallic needle.

I would use Edyta Sitar's applique method with a teeny tiny zigzag stitch. Make a sample for your machine. I did one of her quilts and loved doing this method. Mine went like this: Tension = between 0 & 1-- Width = 1.5 -- Length = 1.0 - The stitch should just show a little of the zig zag very very small stitches (not a satin stitch) and it is very fine. You have to experiment. You applique entirely inside the very edge of your figures that you are appliqueing and with the blanket stitch the middle section of the stitch would be outside the design. I think that around the family figures especially, you would need an invisible stitch. Edyta also uses invisible thread. (Just my opinion.) The main question answer--you definitely need to quilt it. I see some frays on the picture already just from handling it. This is a gorgeous piece and you did a super job so far. I even looked up where you got it--absolutely love it. Good Luck!

Next time I go to Joanne's, I'll get some invisible thread. Our machine uses Guterman's, according to the Viking people. I'll get some black backing. I'll have to get batting for my large quilt, which top should be done tonight, and backing. So excited. 2 projects will be done.

It's over 7 years old, and it's held up well for how long it's been in the box.

I have three of those but never got them together, however I thought you ironed on the design, layered it and then quilted by sewing down both sides of each of the black "lines" so nothing slips and it is quilted all at the same time.

I started it but ran out of thread. I swatched it, and orange thread looks good, so that's what I'm using. I'm sewing very close to the black, sometimes catching it. My machine does pretty good for this one, but anything bigger, I'm taking to the shop with the long arm machine.

That is how I handled it. It came out very well and I hang it every Christmas, roll it during the rest of the year. All is well.