This is what I'm trying now to avoid the two steps of basting the fabric edges under the freezer paper and basting or gluing the piece to the background. Exactly what interfacing works well for this?

Iron on stuff. Determine just how stiff you want your applique to be. Some might have too many curves to make this even possible. Simple curves or circles can handle a very stiff interfacing. Leaves and smaller items would take the kind you put into knits. I guess it would be your call since I don't know what kind of fabric you are using or what your design is. Very small branches or long and thin items might require a needle-turn application with no interfacing at all . Good luck, and keep me posted! I almost forgot to mention that you still need to clip or trim your curves. :lol:

I starch the background fabric super stiff and then use the Eleanor Burns method of turning the edges under with fusible interfacing. Of course, I only do machine work so it probably wouldn't work for anyone who wants to do it by hand.

I use tear away...lite...I get at Joann's by the yd

this is an interesting idea. i'll have to give it a try.

depending how dense, sometimes I just starch heavily...