How to Make a Tapered Valance

A tapered valance made from fabric matching your curtains or in a contrasting color is a quick, inexpensive way to dress up your windows. They can even reflect the seasonal holidays, making your home more festive. Here, instructions to make a tapered valance with points lined with a contrasting fabric. The sewing will be simple and the tapered valance will be trimmed with a ball fringe.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Four yards of 36-inch wide fabric (2 yards of each color)
• Yardstick or straight edge
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Scissors
• Straight pins
• Curtain rod
• Wide paper to cut pattern
• Fusible interfacing

How to Make a Tapered Valance

1. This tapered valance will have three points (tapers) and will fit a curtain rod measuring 48 inches. It'll be 14 inches long at the tip of the points. First, cut the face fabric (two pieces) at 18 inches in depth. Sew these pieces together and trim to 53 inches in width, then press the seam open. Apply fusible interfacing to the wrong side of the face fabric, following the manufacturer's directions. Follow the same procedure for the second color (lining), omitting the fusible interfacing.

2. Cut paper to the same dimensions as the fabric pieces in the above step. Fold the pattern in half width-wise and then in half again; find the center of each folded section and mark it. Measuring up from the bottom, mark a line at 4 inches, in the center of each section. Using the yardstick or a straight edge, mark from the fold to the 4-inch mark. This will be the cutting line for the points of the valance. Experiment using the paper until you're satisfied with the points. If more points are preferred, the paper pattern can be folded and marked again. Remember, an uneven number of points is considered aesthetically attractive.

3. When the pattern is satisfactory, lay on the face fabric and cut it, allowing a half-inch for the seam. Cut the lining fabric using the same procedure. Pin the lining and face fabric together, right sides facing, then sew them along the sides and across the bottom. Notch at the sharp angles and trim across the points. Turn the valance right-side out (using a pencil with an eraser makes forming the points easier). Press to form crisp edges, being careful not to stretch out the shape.

4. 
    
   Tapered Valance with Five Points

   Sew desired trim along the bottom edges, turning the raw edges under on each end.

5. 
    
   Rounded point valance

   Fold a half-inch across the top edges to the lining side, press them together, and then fold again three inches to form the rod pocket. Stitch across the bottom of the pocket. Measure down from the top edge 1 ½ inches, mark it and then sew on this line. Thread the curtain rod through the bottom section of the rod pocket and install it on window.

Tips & Warnings

• This tapered valance can be made in an endless variety of styles. Let your imagination be your guide.