Tabletop Turnabouts for Small Quilts: A Guide to Transforming Your Tables

A small quilt, a humble piece of fabric with intricate stitching and vibrant colors, can transform into a stunning tabletop centerpiece with the art of tabletop turnabouts. This technique involves using small quilts as table toppers, adding a touch of warmth and charm to your dining table, coffee table, or any other flat surface in your home.

In this guide, we will explore the versatility of tabletop turnabouts, providing you with inspiration and step-by-step instructions to create your own unique table toppers. Whether you're a seasoned quilter or a beginner with a love for fabric, this guide will empower you to enhance your home decor with the beauty of handmade quilts.

Benefits of Tabletop Turnabouts

Tabletop turnabouts offer numerous benefits, making them a popular choice for home decorators and quilt enthusiasts alike:

• Versatile Decor: Tabletop turnabouts can complement a wide range of home decor styles, from traditional to modern. They can easily adapt to different table sizes and shapes.
• Easy Maintenance: Unlike traditional tablecloths, tabletop turnabouts are typically smaller and easier to clean. You can simply remove them from the table and toss them in the washing machine for a quick refresh.
• Protection: Tabletop turnabouts provide a layer of protection for your table surfaces, shielding them from spills, scratches, and heat damage.
• Creative Outlet: Creating tabletop turnabouts is a creative and rewarding activity. You can experiment with different quilt patterns, fabrics, and embellishments to match your personal style.

Choosing the Right Quilt for Tabletop Turnabouts

When selecting a quilt for your tabletop turnabout, there are a few key factors to consider:

• Size: The quilt should be slightly smaller than the table surface to ensure it doesn't hang over the edges. Measure your table and subtract a few inches to determine the appropriate quilt size.
• Shape: Tabletop turnabouts can be made from quilts of any shape, including square, rectangular, round, and oval. Choose a shape that complements your table and overall decor.
• Style: The quilt's style should harmonize with your existing home decor. Consider the colors, patterns, and fabrics used in your room when selecting a quilt for your tabletop turnabout.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creating a Tabletop Turnabout

Follow these simple steps to create your own unique tabletop turnabout:

1. Select your quilt: Choose a quilt that meets the criteria discussed above and inspires you to create a beautiful tabletop centerpiece.
2. Fold the quilt: Fold the quilt in half both lengthwise and widthwise to create a small square or rectangle. This will form the center of your tabletop turnabout.
3. Secure the center: Use a needle and thread or fabric glue to secure the center square or rectangle, ensuring it remains folded.
4. Turn the quilt: Turn the quilt over so that the underside is facing up. Fold one corner of the quilt towards the center, overlapping it slightly with the center square or rectangle.
5. Tuck and fold: Continue folding the quilt corners towards the center, tucking them under the center square or rectangle and overlapping each other slightly.
6. Secure the corners: Use a needle and thread or fabric glue to secure the folded corners.
7. Flip and admire: Turn the quilt back over so that the top side is facing up. Your tabletop turnabout is now complete, ready to adorn your table.

Embellishing Your Tabletop Turnabouts

Once you have created your basic tabletop turnabout, you can further enhance it with embellishments to add a touch of personal flair:

• Quilting: Add additional quilting stitches around the edges of your tabletop turnabout for a more finished look.
• Embroidery: Embroider your initials, a special message, or a decorative motif on the tabletop turnabout.
• Appliqué: Appliqué fabric shapes or motifs onto the tabletop turnabout to create a unique design.
• Fringe or trim: Add a touch of whimsy by attaching fringe or trim around the edges of your tabletop turnabout.

Inspiration Gallery

Take inspiration from these stunning examples of tabletop turnabouts:

A vibrant patchwork quilt transforms into a cheerful tabletop turnabout, adding a splash of color to the dining room.

A rustic quilted table runner, adorned with intricate stitching, adds a touch of farmhouse charm to the coffee table.

A modern minimalist quilt, featuring geometric patterns and neutral colors, complements the sleek lines of the dining table.

Tabletop turnabouts are a versatile and creative way to enhance your home decor. By transforming small quilts into stunning table toppers, you can add a touch of warmth, charm, and personal style to your living spaces. Whether you choose a traditional quilt, a modern design, or something in between, tabletop turnabouts are a beautiful and functional addition to any home.

With the step-by-step instructions provided in this guide, you can easily create your own tabletop turnabouts that will bring joy to your home and impress your guests. So, gather your favorite quilts and let your creativity soar as you explore the wonderful world of tabletop turnabouts.