DIY Balloon Valance

DIY balloon valances can be made to fit windows of any size.

A balloon valance can add style and flair to otherwise dull décor. However, purchasing a balloon valance from a store can be very expensive, and you can spend hours or days searching for the ideal look and fit. Fortunately, it’s not difficult to make your own balloon valance. Making your own valance will not only save money, but also will allow you to create a window treatment that precisely matches your style and décor needs. No longer will you have to hunt for the perfect valance, or worry about the cost of placing a custom order. Some inexpensive fabric, shirring tape, fabric glue and a sewing machine will provide what you need to get the look you want.

Things You'll Need

• 5 yards of fabric
• Fabric marking pencil
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Iron
• Shirring tape
• Sharp scissors
• Permanent fabric glue

Instructions

1. Measure and cut a window panel from the fabric that matches the dimensions of the window for which you will be making the balloon valance.

2. Cut 18 inches from the bottom of the fabric.

3. Hem the edges of the fabric. Fold the edges in one inch and sew along each fold. Any trimmings you plan to use on your valance should be added at this time.

4. Draw a line across the width of the window panel using the fabric marking pencil. The line should be two inches from the top of the panel.

5. Fold the top of the fabric toward the back of the panel so that the tip of the panel meets the line drawn with the fabric marking pencil. Iron the top portion of the fabric so that it will stay creased as you sew.

6. Sew the tip of the fabric along the fabric pencil line. The hole you have created will be the rod pocket for your balloon valance.

7. Measure and cut the shirring tape. Each piece should be about six inches less than the length of your fabric panel. Cut one more strip of tape than the number of balloons you want to form at the bottom of your panel.

8. Lay the fabric on a flat surface, with the back of the panel facing up, and place your shirring tape on the back of the fabric. One strip of tape should be on the left and right edges of each panel. The other strips should be placed at least 6 inches apart across the remainder of the fabric.

9. Attach the shirring tape to the fabric using permanent fabric glue. Do not place any glue on the white pull strings.

10. Pull the strings upward on the shirring tape so that the fabric bunches and forms the balloons on the bottom of your valance. Pull or straighten the fabric until you get the desired look for your balloon valance.

11. Cut the strings from the shirring tape so that only one inch of each string remains. Glue those small pieces of string to the back of the valance.

Tips & Warnings

• Thin fabrics should be lined with lining fabric before the balloon valance is made.

• Do not allow children to use sharp scissors or sewing machines without adult supervision.

References

• Design Intervention: Making a Balloon Shade from a Panel Curtain
• Simple Sewing Projects: How To Sew A Rod Pocket