Another way that works for me(all thumbs) is freezer paper is ironed to wrong side of applique fabric. Cut the applique out leaving 1/4 inch aroun the freezer paper/ applique. I use glue stick to glue 1/4 inch or less to back side of the paper. I leave the paper on or in the fabric to applique to background fabric. After all applique work is done I open the back side of foundation fabric under the applique. I soak the whole block in warn water and the glue releases the freezer paper. I remove the paper and trim the backgroung fabric to just a little more than 1/4 inch. Or the slit can be slip stitched shut after removing freezer paper and ironed dry. Hope this makes sense.Got this from an applique book.