How to Make Balloon Curtains

Balloon curtains, also known as a pouf valance, are elegant and easy to make. This curtain works best on a small window. It can be used alone or paired with a cafe curtain covering the lower half of the window. Lightweight fabric works best, although sheer material is not recommended. The balloon curtain obtains its poofy look from stuffing tissue paper or newspaper inside it.

Things You'll Need

• 2 curtain rods to fit outside of window frame
• 1 yard of lightweight 60-inch fabric
• Tissue paper or newspaper

Instructions

1. Attach the curtain rods. Place the top rod about 1 inch above the window frame. Attach the bottom rod approximately 10-12 inches below the top rod. Be sure the rods are placed on the outside of the window frame instead of in the recess. This allows the curtain to hang correctly.

2. Measure for the length of the fabric. Measure from the top edge of the top rod to the top edge of the bottom rod. Add 4 inches to the measurement. Double this measurement to find the length of fabric needed. One yard of 60 inch fabric usually fits an average small window. No cutting is typically required.

3. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise with right sides together. Turn up 1/4 inch on the bottom edges, pin together and sew. Measure the width of the rods and add 1/4 inch. Measure up this amount from the bottom edge of the fabric and sew a straight stitch from one side to the other. This forms the casing for the bottom rod. To form the top casing, stitch 1 inch down from the fold from one side to the other. Measure down from this seam the width of the rods plus 1/4 inch. Stitch straight across from one side to the other. Slip a rod into each casing to make sure the fit is snug but not too tight. Remove the rod. Turn up 1/4 inch on each side of the fabric and sew to form a hem. Do not sew the sides together. Turn the curtain right side out.

4. Remove the top rod and slip inside the top casing of the curtain. Replace the rod above the window. Remove the bottom rod and slip inside the bottom casing of the curtain; replace the rod. Adjust the gathers of the curtain on the top and bottom so they are even. Blouse out the curtain so the bottom edge drapes over the bottom rod. Stuff tissue paper or newspaper inside the curtain from the open sides and adjust until it is how you desire. Pull the open sides back under so they are not visible. If necessary place a few straight pins in each side to help keep closed.