I use the 2nd method - took a class from Karen Kay Buckley - she uses the heat resistant mylar plastic for templates - make once use many times (she files the edges of the template with an emery file for nails - this makes a very smooth edge.) However her method was too hard for me and I switched to the double freezer paper. I use a needle nose tweezers for holding my fabric down and use a small steam iron (Roweynta sp?travel iron)The other recommendation Buckley offered was using sizing instead of starch - it does not darken your ironing board or muck up your iron. I use magic sizing.