I have been doing applique the way you described for more years than I care to count. Most of the paper backed fusibles like those mentioned above are just fine. They do not gum up the needle. Misty fuse is not paper backed so if you want to use it you need to use parchment paper as the backing for the fusible web. The Eleanor Burns technique is not good for detailed applique like McKenna Ryan or Toni Whitney (two of my favorite designers). You should have a template of the finished motif and the pieces should be reversed for tracing. You trace the pieces,rough cut around each piece (not on the line). Then you pick your fabric for each piece (I use batiks because they are tightly woven and have no front or back). Iron the pieces to the back of the fabric if there is a front and back. Now you cut out the pieces on the line, remove the paper backing and put them in place (the parchment paper is on top of the template so you can see it underneath the parchment paper). This is just how I do it, there are many variations.

I use Steam a Seam Lite 2 for all my applique/mosaic work and I've never had it gum up the needle.

Watson

For the record. I have tried iron on type appliqué, but do not like the results I get, so I found this method that works great for me. It even works with little tiny pieces. I like to hand stitch the appliqués down so this is a great way to do it.

This is the method I use.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/tutoria...d-t240526.html

This is my first attempt at applique using a method I found somewhere on the 'net. I do not remember where, sorry.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...d-t240237.html

I've use both Wonder Under and HeatnBond Lite and I prefer HeatnBond. I like the way how it softens once washed.

I use either steam-a-seam 2 (or lite) or my favorite (although pricier) soft fuse. If I have any build-up on the needle, I simply wipe it off.

Thanks for the detailed info. That will help me get the results I want!