I use Light Seam A Seam. Heat and Bond and the other bonding fusibles get so stiff. Also when using the light Seam to Seam I often cut out the center of the piece of fusible so the whole piece isn't so stiff. Leave about an half an inch to and inch if your applique piece is large enough. I do love needle turn applique and after some practice it does get pretty easy. I was taught to outline whatever you are appliquing on the back side of your fabric.
Take a piece of the fabric you want to applique, place it on the front being sure to cover all of the area you want appliqued. Then outline it with a basting stitch from the back.On the front trim about 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the basting stitch and then just take out one stitch at a time as you go around your piece you are appliquing.