I do a lot Applique and I never trim the fabric. I do however trim the light heat and bond around the applique before ironing on background to limit bulk.

Quote Originally Posted by KalamaQuilts View Post
If I can't quilt through 2 pieces of fabric I'm pretty weak.

Well, I did a double sided Dear Jane using applique rather than piecing on most of the blocks, and hand quilted it with gold metallic thread. I had to drop to a size 10 quilt needle because the 11 and 12 sizes bent or broke, but where there is a will there is a way.

There is no one way of doing anything in quilt making. And quilters are always at different skill levels.
Part of why I love it.

I was taught to trim the fabric from behind the appliqué by grandma, but I have since learned that for me, it can be a real problem because I have small seizures once in a while. While doing one project that was my very first personal design, I had a small seizure while trimming. I had made a cut that went through the front fabric. Arrrrrrgh! I was able to selvedge it by using a small purchased appliqué of a bumble bee, but I don't always have something like that handy, so no more trimming from behind. I never make show quilts so I don't know if shows have any requirements about it, but I am happy with them.

I think it all boils down to what works best for you in that particular situation/project.

I do not cut, either.

I do the name thing that Onebyone does...cut away the middle part of the fusible web so the quilt will be soft.

I had to chuckle at your question, all I could think of was "cat hair". But to answer better, I window paie my fusible and just have it around the edges. I don't cut away the back fabric to make it a single layer.

I think the reason to cut away under the applique is so you don't hand quilt through so many layers. Since I don't hand quilt, that isn't an issue.

I do not cut fabric behind my applique. I think it weakens the block. Needs to have stability. my opinion.