Love oriental decorator items? They’re gorgeous, aren’t they? The paintings, wall hangings, and lettering, done in red, black, and gold – they’re just stunning. If you shop for oriental decorator items you already know how costly they can be. Some of these types of things are really easy to make – like a table runner. In fact, there are many different table runners a person can make and no one will be able to tell them from expensive versions purchased at a specialty store.
Although silk is the fabric of choice for high-end oriental table runners, you’ll find other cloth at a fabric store that can be used in place of silk. Red, black, white, or gold, are all colors you could choose for the fabric. Measure the length of your table, and decide how wide you want the runner to be, so you’ll know how much fabric to purchase.
A simplistic table runner can be made by stacking two pieces of material – cut to be the width and length you need – so that their right sides face each other. Sew around the perimeter of the fabric and leave a small opening, at one short end, so that you can turn the arrangement right-side-out. Sew the opening shut.
Make variations to the above table runner by cutting the ends to come to a point, or even by creating Chinese writing on it. You can order stencils or even make your own. Print out Chinese writing images and cut out just the brush marks of the writing itself. Leave all white paper and that will become your template. With paint markers you can easily create a message to your guests or even your mantra.
When you purchase really thick fabric it might not be necessary to stack two pieces together and sew them. With thick cloth you can simply attach a tassel to each corner to create an oriental look with little effort. Embellish this table runner with Chinese writing or other designs, if desired.
With inkjet-printable cotton you can make a much more detailed table runner but you still won’t have to work hard to create it. Go online to find Chinese images, like a bowl of noodles and chopsticks, buildings, and other images. Print the designs onto the cloth then sew these images onto the main table runner. If you have no way to sew just use fabric glue.
You have many fabric, color, and design choices for oriental table runners so it will be easy to create just the perfect one for you. You’ll take pride in knowing you made it yourself, especially when visitors drop by and start pouring out the compliments.