How to Sew Valances

Window valances can dress up an empty widow or one with mini-blinds. They are easy to make, even for the beginning sewer. They can give a feminine appearance to a kitchen, bathroom or girl's room. However, without the header (ruffled top), they can be used in any room with any style home décor.

Things You'll Need

• Sewing machine Scissors Straight pins Iron Fabric Thread

Instructions

1. Measure the window. Your valance fabric must be twice as wide as the window itself. If it is a very wide window, you may have to piece the fabric so you end up with one undivided valance. Decide how long you would like the window valance. Generally, it would be shorter for smaller windows and longer for larger windows. Double that length, as well, for fabric purchasing purposes. Purchase fabric.

2. Fold under ¼-inch on both short ends of your valance fabric and then another ¼-inch, and press. Sew close to the inside folded edges for finished sides to your valance.

3. Fold under ¼-inch on both long sides of your valance fabric and press with your iron. On just one of the long ends, fold under 1 inch, press and pin. Then, sew across the entire length, close to the inside fold.

4. Fold under 3 inches on the other long side of the valance, press and pin. Sew all the way across, close to the inside fold. Measure 1½-inches down from the top of the 3 inch fold and sew all the way across. This sewing line will form both the curtain rod tube (under) and the header (over).

5. Press the entire valance with your iron. Place the curtain rod through the tube section of the valance and then place the rod on the curtain rod fixtures.

Tips & Warnings

• For a valance without a header, cut the length of the valance 1½ inches shorter. Follow all directions until Step 4. Instead of 3 inches, fold the top of the valance under just 1½ inches for the curtain rod tube.

• The curtain rod tube size may need to be adjusted depending on the circumference of the rod.

Resources

• Free Curtain Instructions