I like to use steam a seam or heat bond lite; you can find them both at Joanns. The steam a seam is great because one side is a little sticky so it holds your applique until you iron it in place; keeps the pins out of the way and it can be repositoned until you get it where you need. I like both of these products because they leave your finished product soft where some of them leave it stiff. You should always to a test sample on scrap fabric of the same type before doing the project just so you know your stitch is right. Then when you know your stitch is right, write down the settings so that if you have to come back to it late or your power goes out you know what the settings were and it'll save you time