I use wonder under and have never had any problems.
Trace your shapes onto the paper cut it out a bit larger and fuse to the fabric.
Then cut it out on the lines for a crisp clean cut.
Handle the fused pieces very gently once the paper has been removed...it may be fused, but the edges can stretch, especially when removing the paper backing.

I use Wonder Under Lite. Using light box (or window) copy pattern onto paper side of fusible. I cut out each piece individually even if using the same fabric and fuse to wrong side of fabric per instructions on pkg. Cut out each piece and then fuse to base fabric, starting with the "behind" pieces. I usually use the applique stitch on my Baby Lock, or the buttonhole stitch. I like to use Transparent Nylon Quilting Thread. I do most of the stitching before sandwiching but do all the echo or stippling after sandwiching layers.

Just curious, have you tried needleturn? You don't have to go through all of that. :-D

A friend of mine just turned me onto Wonder Under. I LOVE it. I made a sample Gingerbread House yesterday. I must say for a beginner at applique, it came out wonderful.

Can we see, huh? can we, can we??

Under Wonder is good but so is the lightest weight fusible at Walmart. It comes in a fairly large roll for only around $5.