According to the video I watched, you put the modpodge on, and really smooth out the fabric. You don't want to see much of the modpodge when you turn the plate over. If you see it, smooth the fabric out some more.
At this stage, only use as much as you need to saturate, but not leave excess showing on the plate.
If you get too much, lift the fabric up, wipe off the excess, and smooth it out again.
You will add more onto the back of the fabric in step two :D:D:D