As you can see, there are all kinds of ways to do applique. I prefer to trace my applique pieces onto a "sewable" fusible and iron my fabric with the right side up to the fusible. Follow the directions on the fusible, because there is a side that you pull an extra piece off, which is done before you place the cut out piece on the background fabric before sewing down with the sewing machine. This is a good video of my preferred method
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKuCZmr5URA
Edited to add: This video is more like the Sharon Schamber method. I haven't tried it, but would if I wanted an extra special, very nice, clean looking applique.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItBeO5qxWl8