Glad you want to try these. Yes, I just have the embroidery showing through to the back..........but the pads are usually folded in thirds with the design part up, so you really don't notice the back. Yes, I just add coordinating fabric to the bottom. The ones that are posted, I serged (or sewed) a piece to the bottom back, turned it over to the front, pressed under about a half inch and then sewed. Before I sewed the top, I tucked under the ends and sewed up the sides of the contrasting fabric also. You can use decorative stitches in you'd like. I've also done applique ones, which are done the same way. Good luck.
Jo Ann