I use glue all the time for applique. I took an empty Glue Baste It bottle with the needle tip applicator, filled it with glue and baste with a tiny dot of glue. Works like a charm. However, I dont use the higher quality glue like Elmers. I use the cheap white school glue from the Dollar Store. It has a higher water content but is still sticky enough to baste with yet washes out easily and is cheaper than the brand names.