How to Make Swag Valances

Swag valances are used to soften the frame of the window and to top off shades or just add a bit of color to the window. Swag valances are more tailored than simple scarf valances, which they are often mistaken for. Swags have carefully placed pleats, whereas scarf valances are a bit more relaxed and random. As detailed as swag valances are, they are not difficult to make.

Things You'll Need

• 1-by-4 inch board
• Curtain fabric
• Lining (optional)
• Straight pins
• Staple gun with staples
• L brackets

Instructions

1. Prepare your swag fabric by sewing a liner to the back with the fabric right side in. (Liner is optional but provides a more finished product.) When the liner is attached, turn it right side out and press. Your prepared fabric should be ½ the length of the window and wide enough to cover the board. Staple your fabric across the top of the 1-by-4 inch board. The 4-inch-deep side is the top.

2. 

   Mark the center of your fabric with a pin. Start creating a series of horizontal pleats beginning in the center. This is done by folding a section of the fabric up as seen in image. Keep them as tight and uniform as possible; there should be 3 to 4 pleats in a swag using the bottom half of the fabric. Pin your pleats with straight pins to keep them together.

3. 

   Grab your pleats at one end and bring it up to the board, stapling each pleat down separately. Do the same for the other side. Be sure to tuck in and secure any fabric above the pleats that might not lay flat.

4. Install the swag window treatment above the window with L-brackets. You can further dress up your swag valances by adding a fringe trim to the bottom edge.