I absolutely love hand applique!!! I've tried lots of different methods but my favorite is needle turn. I was lucky enough to take classes from Beverly Hindman and Linda Jenkins, both of whom are amazing teachers! A good tip for hand appliquing is to always keep a glue stick or some fraycheck near at hand. It helps with those pesky fabrics that like to shred a lot, especially when cutting a V or U corner. Just dab a bit of glue or fraycheck on your needle and run the threads underneath. It works wonderfully and keeps the extra threads from popping up. Another tip, after you are done, stick your needle into a bar of soap or a bit of bees wax. This will help keep your needle nice and sharp, which is helpful. If you have ever tried to applique with a dull needle, you'll know exactly what I mean; very frustrating!
Piece ~ Tiffany