I use the starch method over templates made from layers of freezer paper or from Templar heat-resistant plastic. (freezer paper if I only need a few pieces, Templar if I'm going to need a lot of the same piece) My favorite starch is Niagara non-aerosol. I pour a little into a cup and apply it with a brush or - as I recently discovered - I fill a watercolor brush with the starch, instead. (Like these:
https://www.amazon.com/Arteza-Water-...f=sr_1_17_sspa)
I try to do as much applique on the borders before I sew it onto the quilt center as I can, up to about 3/4-1" from the raw edge. Much less fabric to maneuver under the needle if you're applique-ing by machine - which seems to be most of what I'm doing, lately.
