I made a table topper for my Thanksgiving table, but I DO NOT want it to be thick at all - although I DO want it quilted. I want it to lie just like a tablecloth would. Is it OK to just quilt the top and backing with no batting? I have never done that, so am uncertain as to how it will look. Should I put a piece of muslin or other fabric in as the batting, perhaps?

Thanking you and blessing you in advance for all your expert knowledge :thumbup:

Dont understand the question!
What exactly do you mean when you say you want it quilted- do you mean you want to embroider it?

Not an expert on table toppers but think muslin good idea would help to ease seams showing when quilted.

I would just get a flannel for the batting layer and then quilt as usually.

I agree with Quiltlonger. I understand you want a nice flat surface so I would omit the batting but I would add muslin inside so the quilting will look smoother and you will still have a nice flat runner.

I think I would use flannel.

it really depends on how (pieced) the top is, does it Need an extra layer to hide all the seam on the back of your pieced top?
if you do i have used muslin and a lightweight single sided flannel, or you can use an interfacing. if the seams don't show through the backing you do not need the extra layer. the big table cloth i made for my daughter had large blocks on the top and the backing was a print, it's reversable, i did not use a center layer and put it together pillowcase style and quilted it, turned out great. go for it

:thumbup:

I'm thinking that flannel would be good.

There are a lot of seams, but the backing is a much darker color than the top. I have plenty of muslin, so perhaps I will try that.

Thank you, ladies. Just knew I'd get some good input from you :)

I am going to say flannel too, muslin may not be quite thick enough to hide seams :D:D:D

No expert knowledge here, just a lucky find. Some time ago I stumbled upon a shipment of VERY thin poly fleece blankets in a discount store, they're only about 1/8 of an inch thick so I got me a pile, cost about a dollar apiece. I've cut and used those for batting for table cloths, your quilting ( mine is lousy, just learning) shows beautifully but the runner is still thin. When I run out I will get more extremely thin fleece for that purpose, the store may not have more of those precut blankets. Maybe this would work for you? If not, you can always use it , I made a flannel dressing gown for myself, used one blanket for lining. So warm and soft, it's getting cold here!

Same here.

I have used pellon fleece in my table runners and they don't make it thick but gives just nice body for quilting. If that is too much I would go with flannel.

I've used flannel on the back,and no backing,and quilt as usual. I have also used 2 layers of flannel, one for the batting and one for the backing, just to give the quilting more definition.

I agree with everyone on the type of "batting". Also, another thing I do alot with table toppers and runners is to press seams open. Helps the item to lay smoother.

Just be sure to shrink your muslin first. Otherwise with will give it a crinkled finish. Unless that is what you want. I use flannel for all my table runners and it is a little like putting batting as far as thickness. But it does work really well and lays real flat.

I have used just a piece of flannel between your layers and it lays very nicely

If I don't want to add bulk, I usually use a layer of flannel in between. Well washed and dried to preshrink it of course.
But, I'm almost converted to another product.
Micro fleece.
This stuff is almost indestructable, super soft, and not bulky. I'm not sure if it's the same stuff as the minky that people talk about.
It is stretchy though. You have to baste it down well before adding the top layer.
I just finished a bargello using this for batting and it turned out fantastic.
And - best of all, it's cheap in comparison to other options. I just buy a blanket at WM and use that.

I would use Thermore (made by Hobbs) 100% polyester, especially made for quilted clothing, wall hangings, miniature quilts and other small projects like mug mats, table runners, etc etc. It is wonderful!!!! Gives just the right amount of loft for a smoother and thinner look.

There are no rules.

You might like to make a mini sample like the top you have now, and use this sample to try several ways - with the dark backing only; with a layer of muslin; with a layer of flannel; - until you find what you like.