When you make the little cuts around curves, make them to just one thread before where the edge will turn and make your cuts at a diagonal to the weave of the fabric. When you get near the inside corners, start making your stitches closer together and give an extra stitch right in the corner to tack it down well. Needle turning works best for me and I have to use silk thread for any applique. It "dissolves" into the fabric and can barely be seen. Enjoy.