Want to applique baby's name.... But never did it before
 

I am happy enough about cutting out the letters but, since the quilt is for a baby, I dont want to leave them with a raw edge. I guess that means needleturn? Any other technique I could try??? What is the name of the technique where you stitch over the edge with dense wide stitches? Is that hard to do freehand?

I do a satin stitch on my applique letting...its the zig zag but very close

I use a small satin stitch and let my machine do the work.

I use pellon and Iron the appliques on then use a satin stitch (one shade lighter)

I use a lightweight fusible and often choose a blanket stitch over satin stitch. If the letters are large enough, you can cut out the middle of the fusible and just adhere the edges. It makes the center softer, more like a needle turned applique.

You really can do that on your machine but it sounds like you just might rather want to do it by hand. If you do decided to try it on the machine, I would practice first with a couple of different stitches, and stitch lengths - blanket and satin. You might find you like one better than the other. I know I did one applique recently with a tight satin stitch and now I really don't like it.

Good luck - take a picture of your work when it's done for us to see!

Yes take a picture!

Eleanor Burns has a method that you applique with interfacing put right sides together, stitch a scant seam, cut a hole in the interfacing, and turn to the right side, then attach with decorative stitches. Check out her Quilt in A Day site if you have any questions

If you are wanting to do them by machine, the satin stitch would be the sturdiest. Just be sure to use an interfacing as
satin stitch does "pull" in some while sewing.

I add the names of toddler quilts I make. I make a printout on the computer with different fonts until I find one that I like. I then print it mirror image on freezer paper. I then iron the freezer paper on the fabric that I want to use for the applique. I then use either the heavyweight fuse or the light weight depending on whether I want to edge stitch the pieces. I have seen some of my quilts after 4-5 years of use and the names are still great looking. And the kids really love having their names on their quilts.