Where to Find Oriental Table Runners
If an Oriental runner is what you want you might have quite a search on your hands. Although table runners come in every color and design imaginable Oriental runners are especially difficult to find. If you live in a large city it could be a little easier to locate an selection of Oriental runners. Many large towns have ethnic stores where specialty products from a particular region of the world are sold. Check the area phone books to see if you can locate a store that carries Oriental goods rather than travel from store to store searching. If you manage to locate such a store and they don’t carry the runners ask if they could possibly order them. Check to see that there is a “Made in China”, “Made in Japan” or a similar tag to prove that it’s genuine.
Catalogs which feature Oriental products are an easier way to shop for those who live in small towns. The catalogs don’t have to be Oriental by theme. Catalogs that have a selection of home decor products may carry a line of Oriental pieces. Go online and put “Oriental”, “products”, “catalog” into the search engine to find mail order catalogs. The catalogs are usually free and you can select from many that offer home decor in Oriental themes.
Online you can also search for Oriental runners. When visiting a store read about the product, check the sizes, and check to see if they have a page of customer feedback. Read to see what other customers thought of their purchases, even if the purchases weren’t Oriental runners. If you see quite a few comments about the goods being excellent quality it’s probably a reputable place from which to purchase. Most sites have a “contact us” link or a toll-free number that you can call to ask further questions.
Still having problems finding the right runner? Try making your own. If you can find quality fabric it isn’t difficult to make the runners. Check area fabric stores or go online and find the material. Purchase a runner pattern or draw it directly onto the fabric.
Measure the width and length of the runner size you’ll need then allow an inch on each side and each end for hemming. Cut the ends to a point and lay fabric right sides together. Pin the two pieces together even if you are expert with a machine. Silk fabrics are slick and slide easily out of place. Sew from one side of the length, almost in the center, all the way around the runner and back to where you started. If you’re using tassels on the tips of the runner insert these between the two right sides of the fabric, on each end, and stitch on when you get to the points. Continue sewing around the perimeter of the runner and stop within a few inches of where you began stitching. Turn the runner right side out and press with towel and warm iron. Stitch shut the open area on the side and press that area once again.
There are several different ways to acquire Oriental table runners but watch out for imitations or poor quality. Some signs of poor goods are loose threads, small snags, a single thread hanging out or the feeling of very thin fabrics. For the best Oriental runners available shop with quality in mind instead of price.
