If you are considering making candle mats (small projects, I LOVE them!), try sewing the blades right onto the backing fabric? Or even do a quarter circle, leaving a cross of fabric between 4, so it's a "focus" for the candle. No one need know that you had any problem at all! It would be unique and you could make a load of them in sequence, with minimal fuss and headache! As a matter of fact, hmmmmm, I think I might try one later today! LOL, now you've gone and done it!
Happy New Year!