Thanks everyone for your suggestions! They are nudging me in the direction of actually moving forward.

Does anyone have an opinion on using superior's mono-filament thread on this?

Here are a few of the mermaids. I'm using a few AccuCut paper doll dies to cut these.

Heat-n-Bond light with blanket stitch. Never had a problem with fraying or coming off.

Live large! Try some of the embroidery stitches on your machine. My daughter bought a pattern that did just that and it sure added a lot to the quilt. Any stitch that will hold the edges down works fine. Use a scrap and try some of them to see what you like.

Your mermaids are adorable ... I like the diversity :thumbup: I can relate to your hesitation to move forward actually stitching on them. I just did my first machine raw edge applique using satin stitch ... the straight and slightly curved edges were not difficult but the tight curves gave me issues. My advice: Practice practice practice on test pieces .. become comfortable with your speed and technique. Wish I had practiced more !

I primarily use the buttonhole stitch, close stitches or turkey tracks or if the fabric is really easily frayed then I will use a satin stitch. It took a lot of practice and trial and error to find the settings that gave me the look that I wanted. Some of my earlier work reflects that search. Now that I've finally found what settings to use I love machine applique.

I also use the satin stitch with the needle just off the edge of the piece and the majority on the piece. Drive the needle along the edge lifting the presser foot and realigning when needed especially for the tight curves. You can always do a second pass to smooth out an area if needed. Be sure to use a tearaway stabilizer on the back side of the background fabric as it will help control the movement and keep things flat.

I think that's the prettiest appliqued fish I've seen :)

Lovely fish and adorable mermaids. What a talented group! :-)

That is a pretty cute fish!

It never occurred to me to try to keep the needle at the fabric edge and then into the piece. I probably would have just tried to center it the edge, but I believe you're likely suggesting this to keep it from fraying and to help maintain the shapes of the mermaids. Thanks!