I like Steam a Seam because it's repositionable until ironed and I like to use an iron on interfacing (Vilene here in the UK) under the background piece - not on the applique piece itself. I'm currently working on some now and I am using invisible thread on top, Invisifil in the bobbin and a zigzag that on my machine is 2.0 in width and 1.5 in length. Hope this helps. Perhaps your spray adhesive has over wet the fabric causing it to pucker? Regarding spray starch, I don't use it with any fusible product as it can prevent it from sticking.