Do It Yourself Window Valances

You can make a window valance even if you don’t sew. Here are step-by-step instructions for making a window valance, with and without sewing.

Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varies Depending on Size

Here’s How:

  1. Measure the width of the window.
  2. Determine the desired length of the valance, starting at the curtain rod. It should be about 15 inches deep, but it can be longer if you have an especially wide window.
  3. Lay the fabric on a flat surface, with the front of the material facing down.
  4. Measure the desired width of the valance onto the fabric. A valance can be hung straight on a rod, or gathered. A straight valance should be at least as wide as the distance between the outer edges of the drapes. For a gathered look, measure 2 ½ times the window width for lightweight to medium weight fabrics. Measure three to four times the width for sheer fabrics. You will likely need more than one valance panel.
  5. Add 2 inches to the width of each valance panel for the hems. Cut.
  6. Measure the desired depth of the valance onto the fabric. Double the measurement; the fabric will eventually be folded in half. Add 2 inches for the hems. Cut.
  7. Keeping the fabric face down, measure a 1-inch hem from each side of the material and place straight pins down the length of the material.
  8. Stitch the hem on both sides with the sewing machine. Remove the pins. Or, use iron-on tape or glue gun to seal the hem.
  9. Turn the fabric over so that the hemmed sides face down. Fold the bottom of the fabric up to the top so that all the edges of the fabric meet.
  10. Measure a 1-inch hem from the top and pin. Stitch the hem with the sewing machine. Or, use the iron-on tape or glue gun to seal the hem.
  11. Turn the fabric right-side out. All of the hems should face inside.
  12. Measure 1½ inches from the line you just sewed. This is where the standard-size curtain rod will go. If placing on a thicker rod, increase the size accordingly.
  13. Pin across the width and sew. Or, use the iron-on tape or glue gun. Slide in the rod and hang. Or, stuff the valance with newspaper or tissue paper to give it a puffy look, and hang.

What You Need:

  • Fabric
  • Tape Measure
  • Sewing Machine or Glue Gun
  • Thread

Original content courtesy of About.com

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