I use the wash away stabilizer similar to what Sharon Shaumber sells. I have tried every variety of appliqué technique I think and for hand work this gets the best results for me. It irons onto the back of the piece and provides a heavy enough edge that doing the needle turn under it is very crisp and sharp. There is no doubt where the edge is. Then when washed it dissolves and gives a bit of a raised look to the appliqué even before the quilting is done.