I use freezer paper,with a 1/4 in trimmed off and ironed back on the piece to be apliqued,use a small amount of sprayed water to moisen the edges and press your margin then peel off your FP and start appliquing.
I have also hijacked a lot of my husbands tools,he had a telescoping magnet,if works great to pick up pins or anything you can't reach.
d.swindle