Hi BC---I just took a square of the background and appliqued it on. In other words, I turned back the seam allowance on the main piece, put the background behind it, and sewed it on. Can you try that? I'm happy with the result but next time, would hand stitch it down so the stitching doesn't show. I did it with a regular blanket stitch and the thread is very obvious...cream on a brown fabric!!