How about light weight iron on interfacing then you could leave it in

I think this is another place where you'll get lots of different opinions. Janet Stone suggests using stabilizer in her instructions for the BOM and that is certainly the safest route. I haven't had any problem with the fusible applique that I've done without stabilizer. I think it probably all depends on the weights of your fabrics and fusible and on how tightly your machine stitches. You could always do a test on scrap fabric and that would tell you if you need to use the stabilizer.

Nancy

I am working on a really cute applique quilt for an expected great grandchid due in June. I am using Pellon Lite EZ-Steam II fusible web (not the easiest to work with, even after a YouTube tutorial about it - but Steam a Seam II has gone bye-bye ). I have the base fabric square with the applique pieces fused on it. The next step is to buttonhole stitch around each piece. I have done limited applique in the past and can't remember if I used any stabilizer underneath or not. I have some Ricky Stable Stuff, but not enough for the whole project. I bought some "tear away" stabilizer some time ago only to find out that it only tears in one direction...very difficult to remove. I have also used just copy paper. But I don't want any puckering so am here for advice. I know a lot of you can help me.