I think cutting away the background is probably your best choice if you are doing hand applique. I also sometimes add a little fiberfil before I finish needleturning the applique piece--this looks really cute when you want to add a little dimension to a flower, animal, etc. It also helps to keep the background from showing through. Judy in Torrance

I like to use a Pellon "base" or "backing" for my applique, as shown to me by Sharon Schamber in a class. I've really gotten into the black backgrounds, and nothing shows through with that Pellon! Go to her website & check it out! Kathy B.

Assuming that this is needle-turn applique, Jinny Beyer and Elly Sienkiewicz both recommend cutting away all but a 1/4" of the background fabric underneath your applique.

BethMI

Back your light fabric with fusible, the lightest weight that will work?

Cut a piece of light fabric the finished size of the appliqué and stitch over it?

I guess it depends on which technique you are using and what you are comfortable with.

I'm not a very experienced Appliquéist, I'm sure others with more knowledge than me will have a good answer!

I am appliqueing on a dark background and some of my applique pieces are light enough that the background shows through. What can I do? Thanks for any suggestions.