Here is a picture of what Jacquie was talking about, maybe it will help? When you're done assembling the plate, you applique it onto background fabric. You don't have to worry about Y seams, because you're not piecing it.
Moda Bake Shop has a tutorial for making Dresden Plates.
http://www.modabakeshop.com/2009/10/...our-table.html.
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