A quilted table topper is a quick way to bring handmade color to your dining table, breakfast nook, or coffee table. This eight-corner design is especially versatile: its angled edges can work on a round or square table, and the shape adds interest to a rectangular surface, too.
The method below explains how to turn a square made from four quilt blocks into an eight-sided table topper. You can use your own finished blocks, so you do not need to use the Sterling block design shown in the original inspiration.
Eight-Corner Quilt Table Topper at a Glance
| Project | Eight-corner quilted table topper |
|---|---|
| Block layout | Four 9-inch finished blocks with sashing |
| Center square | 22 1/2 inches in the example |
| Corner triangles | Two 7 1/2-inch squares, cut diagonally into four triangles |
| Finished size | Approximately 32 1/2 inches from point to point in the example |
| Skill focus | Block piecing, adding triangles, quilting, and binding angled edges |
Important: These measurements describe the example shared by Julie Cefalu. If your center square or blocks are a different size, recalculate the triangle size and test the layout before cutting your final fabric.
Materials and Supplies
- Four quilt blocks of the same size
- Fabric for sashing, if needed to join the blocks into a square
- Fabric for the four corner triangles
- Backing fabric
- Batting
- Binding fabric
- Rotary cutter, quilting ruler, cutting mat, pins or clips, and sewing machine
- Optional quilting stencil and a suitable fabric-marking pen
Choose blocks that work well together and check their measurements before joining them. A consistent background or repeated fabric can help connect different prints into one coordinated table topper.
How to Make an Eight-Corner Quilt Table Topper
Step 1: Make a square from four quilt blocks
Arrange four blocks in a two-by-two layout. Add sashing if your design calls for it, then join the units to create one large square. In the example from The Crafty Quilter, four 9-inch blocks and the pattern's sashing create a center square measuring 22 1/2 inches.
You can use other blocks, too. The key is to begin with a square center and make sure the seams are pressed and the edges are even before adding the triangles.
Step 2: Cut four triangles for the angled sides
For the example size, cut two 7 1/2-inch fabric squares. Cut each square once diagonally from corner to corner to make four triangles. Keep the triangles in pairs and handle the bias edges gently, because diagonal cuts can stretch.
Step 3: Position the triangles around the center
Place one triangle against each side of the center square, matching the midpoint of the triangle's long edge to the midpoint of the square's side. The triangles extend the shape beyond the square's corners and create the table topper's distinctive eight-corner outline.
Before sewing, lay out all four triangles and check that the arrangement is symmetrical. The exact overlap and seam allowance depend on the size of your center and triangles, so use the original tutorial as a visual reference and confirm your measurements with a test layout.
Step 4: Sew the triangles to the center
Sew each triangle to its matching side, following your planned seam allowance. Press the seams carefully without stretching the bias edges. Once the triangles are attached, trim and square up only where necessary, preserving the angled outline.
Step 5: Prepare the backing and batting
Use the completed topper as a guide to prepare the backing. The original maker used 5-inch charm squares to piece a backing for the unusual shape, showing that leftover precut squares can be useful for this step. Your backing can be pieced from scraps or cut from a larger piece of fabric.
Cut the batting large enough to extend beyond the topper on every side. Layer the backing, batting, and quilt top, then baste with pins or basting spray according to the product directions.
Step 6: Mark and quilt the layers
You can quilt with straight lines, free-motion designs, or stencils. If you use a stencil, choose a design that fits the block centers and the sashing without becoming crowded near the angled edges. Test any marking pen on a fabric scrap first and follow its removal instructions.
Julie Cefalu used two different stencils for the block centers and the sashing and corner areas. She also noted that she skipped her usual stitch-in-the-ditch step because it would have interrupted the flow of the stencil designs.
Step 7: Bind the eight-corner shape
The angled outline includes inside corners, which need a little extra care during binding. Work slowly, secure the binding at each turn, and test the technique on a small sample if you have not bound an inside corner before.
For a helpful demonstration, read The Crafty Quilter’s tutorial for binding an inside corner. You can also review our guide to quilt binding for beginners for general finishing advice.
Fabric and Design Ideas
Use a charm pack for the backing
Five-inch squares can be a convenient option for piecing a backing, especially if you have leftover charm squares. Arrange them first to make sure the backing will cover the entire shape with enough extra fabric around the edges for quilting.
Choose quilting designs that complement the blocks
Stencil motifs can emphasize the center of each block, while a simpler design in the sashing keeps the overall look balanced. If your blocks already contain busy prints, consider a quieter quilting pattern so the piecing remains the main feature.
Adapt the method to your own blocks
This approach can work with many square quilt blocks, provided the finished center is square and the added triangles are sized to suit it. The measurements in this article are for one example, not a universal formula. Make a paper or fabric test before cutting the final triangles for a different block size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sterling Table Topper a free quilt pattern?
The original post is a finish-and-details article rather than a complete free pattern. The maker used blocks and sashing from her Sterling Quilt Pattern, which is sold separately. This guide describes the general table-topper conversion method, not the paid Sterling block instructions.
What size is the example table topper?
The example measures approximately 32 1/2 inches from point to point. It starts with a 22 1/2-inch square center and four triangles cut from two 7 1/2-inch squares.
Can I use different quilt blocks?
Yes. The original maker notes that the technique can be used with other blocks of the same size. Start with a square center and adjust the triangle dimensions to suit your project.
Can I use scraps for the backing?
Yes. Coordinated scraps or charm squares can be pieced into a backing. Make sure the finished backing is large enough to extend beyond all edges of the quilt top.
How do I bind the inside corners?
Inside corners require a different maneuver from standard outside corners. Follow a step-by-step demonstration, work carefully at each pivot, and practice on a sample before binding the finished topper.
Final Thoughts
An eight-corner table topper is a clever way to turn a small collection of quilt blocks into a useful home accessory. Start with a square center, add four triangles, then finish the layers with quilting and binding. The example measurements provide a useful starting point, but always check the dimensions of your own blocks before cutting.
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