Helpful Hint 1: When pressing your applique, press it on the front and then turn it over and press from the back. This will help insure your appliques staying on.
I chose to do mine raw edge applique. To make the hat contrast just a little from the beard and mustache, I used a fusible fleece on the pom and cuff. Wool felt is a great alternative to use also. I did end up stitching around the fleece to help it show more. See last picture on this post.
Buy fusible fleece HERE. Buy wool felt HERE.
Helpful Hint 2: When stitching around fabrics that do not contrast with the surrounding fabrics, mark them with a water soluble or heat disappearing marker.
Santa is expressing how I felt trying to stitch around his mustache. I just could not see the white on white fabrics.
I traced along just inside the edge of the applique pieces (just the white) to give me a guide of where to stitch.
I then ironed the disappearing ink to leave only the thread.
Voila!