I use the 2nd method - took a class from Karen Kay Buckley - she uses the heat resistant mylar plastic for templates - make once use many times (she files the edges of the template with an emery file for nails - this makes a very smooth edge.) However her method was too hard for me and I switched to the double freezer paper. I use a needle nose tweezers for holding my fabric down and use a small steam iron (Roweynta sp?travel iron)The other recommendation Buckley offered was using sizing instead of starch - it does not darken your ironing board or muck up your iron. I use magic sizing.

I use the 2nd method also - with the Clover iron - that way I can sit at the kitchen table, make each piece and watch TV at the same time. This process makes for some beautiful applique pieces.

I've used the 2nd method and it worked very well.

Spray Starch Applique
 

Erin Russek has the best information about spray starch appliqué I have found on her blog One Piece at a Time.
http://erinrussek.typepad.com/photos...ial/index.html

Thanks for sharing! I've been trying to find a better way to appliqué and this looks good!

I took a class from Mary Buvia and she brushs on Sew Stable glue around the edges of the freezer paper and uses the mini iron. She thinned the glue with water to about half and it still did an excellent job. It got the glue right where it was needed and not all over the project/ironing board. Probably Elmer's school glue would work too. Probably would make it difficult to attach by hand since the edges are hard. Attaching by machine with a very fine thread is almost invisible.

I've used Erin Russek's method and the applique came out perfect.

For all the newbies, this is a lot of information you wouldn't get anywhere else.

I use the second method...I use my own homemade starch and I make it really heavy, That seems to hold my pieces a lot better.

I have also used the applique foundation paper that washes out. It is ironed onto the back of the fabric and then rather than starching or gluing down the seam allowance, I can just attach the piece with a bit of glue or pin to the background and then needleturn the fabric under the foundation. It is thick enough to make a really nice edge. Then when it is washed, the foundation just dissolves so no picking out the paper. I tried the Karen kay Buckley method and while it is precise, it is a lot of labor. This works for me and gets a good result without all the pre work.