How to Make a Simple Sew Window Valance

Making a rod pocket valance is relatively simple.

It does not take an expert seamstress to make a simple sew window valance. By following some basic steps, you should be admiring the finished valance after an afternoon's worth of time. Fabric stores offer a wealth of fabric choices to suit your decor. Choose exactly what you want without being limited to a store's window treatment stock. Before you know it, you will be creating valances for all your windows.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Fabric
• Chalk
• Pins
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Iron

Instructions

1. Measure the window's width and the desired length of the window valance using a measuring tape. Consider how long you want the valance to hang in the window.

2. Calculate the fabric required by doubling the valance's width measurement and adding 6 inches to the length measurement to allow for seams. For example, if your measurements are 30 inches wide and 20 inches long, doubling the width and adding 6 inches to the length will equal a final measurement of 60 inches wide and 26 inches long.

3. Spread and straighten the fabric out on a flat area. Use your hands to smooth out any wrinkles in the fabric.

4. Measure and mark the valance's length and width measurements on the fabric using a tape measure and chalk . Cut out the fabric section for the valance using sharpened scissors.

5. Fold all four outer edges of the window valance towards the inside ¼ inch and pin together. Sew approximately a 1/8-inch seam to create a hemmed edge around all four edges.

6. Fold the right and left sides of the valance over towards the inside of the fabric ½ inch and pin together. Sew a finishing seam along the two sides to create a hemmed edge.

7. Fold the top portion of the window valance towards the inside of the fabric 2 1/2 inches and pin. Topstitch a 2-inch seam across the top of the fabric to create the rod pocket. Snip off loose threads and pull out the pins.

8. Turn the bottom edge of the fabric towards the inside ¾ inch and pin together to create the bottom hem. Sew the hem together using approximately a ¾-inch seam. Remove any pins and snip away loose threads.

9. Iron the inside and outside of the valance before installing it on the rod to give it a crisp look.

Tips & Warnings

• Embellish the bottom of the valance by sewing on rick-rack, lace trimming, ruffles or ribbon.

References

• Sewing & Craft Alliance; Making Rod Pocket Curtains; September 2008