i use a very light weight fusible, like Eleanor Burns does on Quilt In A Day. i draw the pattern piece on the fusible and place on the right side of the fabric, sew on the lines, then turn. i clip the fabric if needed to turn. then the fusible is on the back of the fabric piece. then i place all the pieces onto the background and sew. it gives a slight raised feeling and looks great to me. not stiff at all.