Sharon Schambers, a well know prize winning quilter and author of many books, uses the Elmers WASHABLE school glue--the purple one--for her applique with applique fiber. She then machine quilts it down. I am doing a hand applique project using her method. I many never go back to needle turn! And I really liked needle turn. If it is good for the best, it is good for me too.
It is worth mentioning that Sharon Schambers heat sets (dries) the glue. I urge you not to sew through wet glue. That just may damage or stick to something.