After you have cut away the backing fabric ...Take out the basting stitches that were used to hold the edges of the applique piece in place until they were appliqued down.
Remove the Freezer paper. Remember to hold onto the seams if the freezer paper is caught in them so you don't pull out your stitches.
Trim up any spots that have excess fabric that will make it hard to quilt through.
BE CAREFUL NOT TO CUT THROUGH STITCHES OR THE FRONT!
Press from the front again. 
