Do you have a folding table in your home that could use some extra decoration or protection? Making a DIY folding table topper is the perfect solution!
This quick and easy project will give your folding table an elegant and vibrant look while also protecting it from spills, scratches, and everyday wear.
With just a few simple steps on how to make a folding table topper, you’ll be able to make a custom-fit cover for your folding table featuring any fabric choice of yours. Keep reading for all the details on how to make this fun and functional addition to your space!
What Plastic Is Used for Table Tops?
The most common plastic used for making table tops is polyethylene, which is a type of plastic resin. This type of plastic is lightweight and durable, making it ideal for use in tables and other furniture pieces. It can be easily molded into different shapes and has a variety of colors available to choose from.
Polyethylene also resists heat, scratches, dents, and stains, so your tabletop will last longer. Other types of plastics, such as PVC or acrylic, can also be used, but they may not be as strong or durable as polyethylene.
When selecting the right type of plastic material for your folding table top, make sure to consider both its strength and aesthetic characteristics.
If you need extra protection against spills or frequent usage, then opt for thicker plastic material.
Additionally, if you need a lighter-weight option then opt for thinner plastics such as PVC or acrylic. Ultimately, the type of plastic used will depend on your personal needs and preferences.
Once you have selected the right type of plastic material for your folding table top, you can now start assembling it. First, measure the area where your table topper will be placed and cut out the desired shape from the sheet of plastic.
Use a sharp knife or an X-Acto knife to make precise cuts and avoid sharp edges.
After cutting out your table topper shape, you can now attach it to the frame using screws or nails, depending on what fits best with your chosen material. Then sand down any rough edges and secure them firmly to the frame. Finally, you can also add a protective sealant or finish to further protect your table top from damage and wear and tear.
10 Methods How to Make a Folding Table Topper
1. Choose the Right Fabric
The first step in making a folding table topper is to choose the right fabric. You’ll want to choose a fabric that is durable and easy to clean. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that the fabric you choose is the right size for your table.
If you have a larger table, you’ll need to find a fabric that is wider and longer than the tabletop. Although the fabric should fit snugly on the table, it should not be so tight that it cannot be folded for storage.
2. Cut the Fabric to Size
Once you’ve chosen the right fabric, you’ll need to cut it to size. You’ll want to measure your table and then add a few inches all the way around for hemming. Once you’ve measured and cut your fabric, you’ll be ready to start hemming.
If you’re unfamiliar with hemming, it’s a simple process of folding the edge of the fabric over and stitching it in place. This will give your fabric a neat and finished look. When hemming, make sure to fold the fabric over twice so that it is well-secured. After hemming all four sides, your fabric should now be the right size to make your table topper.
3. Hem the Sides of the Fabric
To hem the sides of the fabric, you’ll need to fold over each side about 1/2 inch and then iron it in place. Once you’ve ironed each side, you’ll need to stitch along the fold in order to secure it. Be sure to use a thread that matches the fabric.
Make sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of each side to ensure that the hem doesn’t come undone. However, it is worth noting that if your fabric is thick enough, an ironed fold might be all you need to secure the sides.
4. Hem the Top and Bottom of the Fabric
To hem the top and bottom of the fabric, you’ll need to fold over each edge about 1 inch and then iron it in place. Once you’ve ironed each edge, you’ll need to stitch along the fold in order to secure it.
This will help ensure that the fabric won’t unravel or fray over time. When you’re done, your fabric should have a neat, finished edge. You may also want to zigzag stitch along the edge for extra strength and durability. Although it’s an extra step, this will help ensure that your table topper holds up through repeated use.
5. Fold the Fabric in Half and Iron It in Place
After you’ve hemmed all of the sides of the fabric, you’ll need to fold it in half and iron it in place. This will create a crease down the center of the fabric that will be used as a guide when stitching together the two halves of the table topper.
Make sure you press down firmly, so the crease holds. If needed, pin the fabric in place to help keep it from slipping out of position. However, be sure to remove the pins before you place them in your sewing machine. THough pins will help keep the fabric in place during the ironing step, they can damage or jam your sewing machine if left inside.
6. Stitch Together the Two Halves of the Table Topper
To stitch together the two halves of the table topper, you’ll need to line up the raw edges of each half and then stitch them together using a straight stitch set at about 1/2 inch from the edge. Be sure to backstitch at both ends in order to secure your stitches.
Once the two halves are stitched together, you can turn the table topper right side out and press it.
While pressing, make sure to press the seam allowances open. Although it may take a bit of extra effort, it will make for a much neater and more professional finish. Lastly, you can topstitch around the entire edge of the table topper in order to keep everything in place and finish off your project.
7. Iron Out Any Wrinkles or Creases in Your Table Topper
Once you’ve stitched together both halves of your table topper, you’ll want to take a few minutes to iron out any wrinkles or creases that may have formed during stitching. This will help ensure that your table Topper lies flat when finished.
If you have a steamer, use this for the best results. If not, simply use an iron on its lowest heat setting and press along the length of the table topper. If you’re using a fabric that is particularly prone to wrinkling, it may be helpful to use a light spray of water as you iron to get the fabric as smooth and wrinkle-free as possible.
8 Finish off Your Table Topper by Sewing on a Decorative Border or Trim (Optional)
If desired, finish off your table Topper by sewing on a decorative border or trim around all four sides using a coordinating thread color. If using a single fabric, you can simply use the same fabric for a border.
Or, if using multiple fabrics sew them together to create and unique patchwork border. To sew the border, first, decide how wide you want the trim to be and cut a strip of fabric that width (and two or three times as long as the perimeter of your table topper).
9. Attach the Table Topper to Your Folding Table
Once you’ve completed your table Topper, you’ll need to attach it to your folding table. You can do this by using double-sided fabric tape or by using screws, depending on the type of material your tabletop is made from.
If you’re using fabric tape, be sure to press down firmly on the tape as you attach it to secure a strong bond.
If you’re using screws, pre-drill the holes in your table Topper first and then use pilot drill bits that are appropriate for your tabletop material when drilling into the table.
10. Enjoy your finished product
Now that you’ve completed your folding table Topper, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor and use them for all kinds of occasions. Whether you’re throwing a dinner party, hosting game night, or just need an extra surface for everyday tasks, your folding table Topper is sure to come in handy.
With its sleek design and foldable functionality, it’s the perfect addition to any living space. Now that your Topper is complete, you can get back to what truly matters—enjoying life with friends and family. Happy crafting!
Conclusion
To summarize, making a folding table topper is an easy and simple project that can add style, texture, and pattern to any tabletop. Plus, with the use of fabric scraps or remnant pieces you already have lying around your home, this DIY table topper can be a great way to repurpose materials and make something new without blowing your budget.
Thanks for reading, and we hope this has given you some inspiration on how to make a folding table topper!
