How to Press Lining to Valance Fabric

Simply ironing the valance helps it look great when hanging above the window. Keeping seams crisp and attractive often means pressing them frequently with an iron while sewing your project. Stiffen lightweight fabrics by using a commercial or homemade spray starch when ironing.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Determine the contents of the valance fabric and lining fabric before pressing with an iron. Review heat settings for various fabrics and choose which setting is appropriate for the valance fabric and the lining. Set the iron to the lowest of the two settings and use steam if it's appropriate for both fabrics.

2. Prepare your lined valance curtain by measuring and cutting fabric for the valance curtain and lining. Pin and sew the valance fabric to lining fabric, with the right sides together, along one edge. Turn the fabrics and press with an iron.

3. Turn right side in, pin and sew short edges. Turn the fabrics and press all three seams with an iron.

4. Lay the valance fabrics on your ironing board. Lay the fabric flat with the lining side up and press carefully along the seamed edges. Don't roll the seam with the iron or it may end up pressed with lining fabric visible on the front.

5. Allow the fabric to cool. Turn it over so that the valance fabric is facing up. Press carefully along all seamed edges.

Tips & Warnings

• You can make starch by stirring 1 tbsp. of corn starch into 2 cups of water. Pour into a spray bottle and lightly spritz the fabric while ironing.
• Don't run the iron heavily across the fabric, which can cause it to bunch up and wrinkle.