Hi, airyfairy, I am not sure about the brand you are talking about but you would generally use washaway for free standing lace. and 3d organza. Sometimes I use it on delicate hankies that I don't want a heavy backing on. it washes away completely. Well worth having in your stash if it is on sale. I am not much of an applique person, so I will leave it for another cutie to talk about that.

Wash-away comes in different thicknesses. The thin plastic type ones like Avalon can be used on top of fabric when embroidering on velvet, corduroy, fleece or towelling. It prevents stitches 'disappearing' in the pile of the fabric.

Thicker types (60 micron - like 'Badgemaster') or the woven type (brand names like Vilene) are used for free standing lace as fannyfurkin explained.

Heat & bond is used to fuse applique to your background fabric, mostly when you zigzag it on a sewing machine afterwards, but it can be quite useful in machine applique as well, especially when you cut the pieces to size before applying, but also when you cut it after the tack-down stitches. It makes sure the material stays in place and don't get pulled away from under the satin stitch.

Emblibrary has a tutorial on the first method, Fivestarfonts on the second (the method I always use).

I never use these expensive wash aways on top of anything.Only for lace. And my local sewing shops sell all these/similar items.
Tips to avoid all the fancy stabilizers:
Starch your fabric,use pritt glue stick to hold fabric in place,Float an extra tear-away under your hoop for dense designs,loosen top tension to avoid puckers ( just like you would on ordinary sewing).
If you do use any wash-away, keep the bits that you waste to make your own starch. mix with water and dip your next project fabric into the water, hang to dry, press, and your fabric is ready!
Happy Stitching.
From Bev

Hi airyfairy, try to get hold of Marthie or Yvonne Castelyn, both of them lived in Cape Town seroundings, and I know that they can help with what you need for embroidery. Love Marie. Witbank. South Africa.

Hi Sarah,
I have not seen this add for the sale.
Will send you a PM

Hugs Yvonne