How to Make an Inverted Pleat Valance

To create a window topper that has a clean, modern line, make an inverted pleat valance. Unlike the traditional pinch-pleated drapery valance that has groups of gathered or pinched-together fabric across the front of the window treatment, an inverted pleat valance features flat, stitched-down pleats on the back of the valance, giving the front a smooth appearance. The front shows only seams that extend a few inches from the top edge of the valance and that then open up to reveal the fullness of the pleats. This valance features a pleat every five inches. The valance is installed using round, clip-on drapery hooks, which are positioned at each seam.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tape measure
• Paper and pencil
• Calculator (optional)
• Drapery fabric
• Thread
• Scissors
• Straight pins
• Sewing machine
• Iron
• Drapery hooks

1. Calculate the size of the fabric strip to cut for your valance by doing the following: On a piece of paper, mark the letters A, B, C, D and E. Determine how far down on the window you want your valance to hang. Add one inch, and record this number as A. Measure the width of your window, and record this measurement as B. Divide B by five, and record this number as C. If you come up with a fraction, round the number down to the next lowest whole number. Subtract one from C to get D. Multiply D by five. Record this number as E. Add B, E, and two inches. Cut a strip of fabric this long and as wide as A. For example, if your window is 64 inches wide, divide 64 (B) by 5 to reach 12.8. Round down to 12 (C). Subtract 1 from 12 to reach 11 (D). Multiply 11 times 5 to get 55 (E). Add 64 (B) plus 55 (E) plus 2 to equal 121 inches. Your fabric strip will be 121 by 14 inches.

2. Fold under 1/2 inch twice on one long edge of fabric strip and on both short edges. Stitch.

3. 
   Fig. 1

   If the width of your window is a number equally divisible by 5 (such as 60 in the example), mark the location of the first pleat seam by placing a pin vertically on the top edge of the valance at five inches in from one side. If you came up with a fraction when dividing the width (such as when 64 came out to 12.8), the first and last pleats will be slightly larger than 5 inches. Determine how far in to place the first pin by doing the following: Calculate the difference between the width of your window and the next lowest number equally divisible by five. In the example, the difference is four inches, as the width of the window is 64 inches, and the next lowest number equally divisible by five is 60. Divide the difference in half. Add this number to five and place the pin at that point. For the 64-inch window example, the first pin will be placed at seven inches rather than five inches.

4. 
   Fig. 2

   Measure over five inches from the first pin and place a second pin. See Fig. 1.

5. 
   Fig. 3

   Fold the fabric with right sides together to bring second pin to first pin. See Fig. 2. Stitch a two-inch long vertical seam from the top edge at the point where the two pins meet. Create a pleat on the back side of the fabric by bringing the center of the fold to meet the seam. Pin it in place. See Fig. 3.

6. 
   Fig. 4

   Measure over five inches from the first pleat seam created. Place a vertical pin. Fold over the fabric along this pin line. At two 1/2 inches from the center of the fold, stitch a two-inch vertical seam and create a pleat as in the previous step. Repeat across the valance. See Fig. 4. Stitch horizontally 1/2 inch from the top edge across the entire valance to hold pleats in place.

7. Create a binding for the top edge of the valance by cutting a three-inch strip of fabric that is as wide as your window measurement plus two inches. (In the example for a 64-inch window, the strip is three by 66 inches.)

8. Fold the strip in half horizontally with the right sides together. Sew the short edges, using 1/2-inch seams. Turn right side out. Fold up long edges a 1/2 inch. Press, but do not stitch.

9. Slip the binding over the top edge of the valance. Pin. Stitch the binding to the valance 1/4 inch in from the long edge of the binding.