I use heat resistant template plastic and starch when I applique. I use a little paintbrush to apply the starch, use the tip of my iron to turn the fabric over the plastic and press it down. It works great!! You may have to snip into curves on the 1/4 seam allowance for everything to lay flat. This makes the edges perfect!!! I have prepared a lot of shapes this way, slipped them into a magazine or book and when I am ready to hand sew them to a background they are ready to go with me wherever I go. You may want to try this on your fans. Best of luck and please share what you do.