Have you tried a glue stick ~ one that washes out? Many people use them for applique. Or a small amount of Elmer's glue around the edges.
I haven't had any trouble appliqueing batiks, but I always prewash with no softner. Maybe it's the particular brand of fusible that's the issue. Have you tried any others? I usually use Light Steam-a-Seam 2 or Ultra Bond Light.