Ditto on the Softfuse. I love this product - it's easy to stitch through, and leaves your finished piece feeling "soft" and natural. Good luck with using it in your project!

I just use pins to hold it down in place and then use a blanket stitch around the edge. I've done a lot of wool applique and that works for me.

Sorry, I don't have any suggestions just wanted to say that I think your dog is adorable. Looks like a cuddly stuffed
animal ( I mean that as a complement!)

Thanks! He is a cockapoo - this is an older picture of him but he is still cute - lol

the staple idea is fascinating. I hate getting thread caught on pins.

Try applique pins - they are short and tiny and your threads don't get caught in them very easily