I think precise cutting and precise quarter inch piecing is the key for the plate to be a nice flat circle.

I think if you starch heavily and pin it will work fine.

Using a lot of starch made a huge difference on the dresden plates I've made :thumbup:

Maybe you sewed them in too far and made them pucker? Do they lay flat when on a table? Hope you can get them to co-operate so you can finish them. crafty_linda_b

Starch the fabric and use lots of pins. This helps to keep the plate in place while stitching around it.

Starch was my best friend when I was finishing my MIL's dresdan plate quilt. And pins - but mostly starch :-) And I was using the cheap grocery store starch.

remember STARCH is a friend..use it

I heavily starch my fabric before cutting out the blades and once I have the plate together, I starch it again using and up and down pressing motion. Then I use the water soluble glue to tack the plate to the background. Once the quilt is completed, then I wash the quilt in clear water, including the rinse cycle just to get all the glue and starch out. I pretty much do this will all my quilts as I work full time and have to stop and store my quilt pieces alot. The starched fabric keeps everthing crisp and I don't distort the fabric when I sort the pieces to figure out where I am when I start back up on the project.
Sorry for the rambling, but I hope I explained my process well enough.

Your seams allowances are just a little bit off. Make sure you maintain the 1/4 in. If not, the circle will not lay flat. I made 4 or 5 tote bags last Christmas and I have always loved the Dresden Plate. Just check your seam allowances and press well. Faultless heavy spray starch will help stabilize it and make it easier to place on the background fabric.

You might also try cutting the fabric underneath away after you applique.