Okie,
I love needle turn applique! I like to have a project going to work on while watching tv or waiting anywhere. It is a great take along project.
I use cardboard (cereal box, etc) & make templates for leaves & gentle curves. I cut my fabric with 1/4 inch or a little larger seam allowance, take a running stitch in the seam allowance, lay the template on the wrong side of the fabric & tighten the running stitch. I iron the pieces- still on the templates, then remove the templates just before stitching to the background. I usually just pin but if it's a to go project I use safety pins or baste it to the background, then use very small stitches to attach it to the background. I use thread the same color as the applique & have found prints are better than solids for hiding the stitches.
I used this technique on the quilt in my avatar.
I hope this is clear & doesn't just confuse you!
Jo