You can certainly use Elmer's to stick them down. I think this would work if you were going to do some stitching inside of the applique. If you aren't and especially if they are large pieces, once you wash it there would be nothing holding the applique to the quilt and you might get some sagging. The fusible keeps the qpplique (at least mostly) adhered to the rest of the quilt once it is washed since it doesn't wash out.