Well I think you did a fine job on your first applique
Keep up the good work :thumbup:

It's a great start. After all, it's only your first one and I think you did it very well.

Instead of using stabilizer for applique, I "paint" the background fabric with a heavy starch solution (1:1 Sta-Flo and water), throw it in the dryer, then iron with steam -- all this before I ever cut the background square. The fabric becomes about as stiff as cardstock so it does not tunnel or distort while I do machine applique.

You did a good job!

Your first try looks great. Did you turn the edges under or is it raw edge applique? If it is raw edge applique try using Lite Steam A Seam II or Misty Fuse.

when I tried doing it that way with the buttonhole stitch, when I washed it my thread moved and twisted and didn't look good at all, so I just stick to needle turn now.