Hi there, well I am a newbie, but joined our local stitching group here in Spain (check us out) www.perianastitchers.net. Anyway i was advised to use steam-a-seam2, works very well, does not gunk up the needle and bonds very well. The way you are describing it though it sounds as if you are stitching round your applique when you have your batting and backing on, I was taught to stitch round the applique after you steam a seam it, then when all your blocks are finished put the batting under and then the backing. Hope this helps. Elle