How to Make a Drapery Valance
Drapery valances are essentially short curtains that cover the top edge of a window. There are many style options, including pleated and tapered versions, but this gently gathered valance style is one of the simplest to sew. Use this basic method and customize it to suit your own style. The basic valance is transformed by fabric choice, the amount of gathering and the option to add embellishments like a decorative trim along the lower edge. The valance does not open or close and does not block much light or insulate the window, so it is often used over another window treatment like mini-blinds or simple curtains.
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Curtain rod
- Decorator fabric
- Lining fabric (optional)
- Scissors
- Pins
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Iron
Instructions
-
-
1
Measure the width and depth of your curtain rod and measure your desired finished length of the valance. Make a note of these measurements.
-
2
Cut a rectangle of decorator fabric that is the desired finished length of the valance plus 3 inches plus the depth of the curtain rod. Cut the width two to three times the width of the curtain rod (depending on how full you want the gathering to be) plus 4 inches.
-
-
3
Cut a rectangle of lining fabric 2 inches smaller, both horizontally and vertically, than the decorator fabric rectangle.
-
4
Fold and sew double-fold hems along the lower edges and both side edges of the fabric and lining rectangles by folding the edge over to the wrong side of the fabric by 1 inch, then another inch.
-
5
Place the fabric piece right side down on a flat surface. Place the lining piece with the right side facing you on top of it, matching the upper edges together and centering the lining along the width. The lower hem of the lining should be higher up than the lower hem of the valance.
-
6
Fold the top edges of the fabric and lining pieces (together) over to the wrong side by 1 inch, then again by a little over the depth of the curtain rod. Sew along the lower edge of this fold.
-
7
Insert the curtain rod into the rod pocket you just created, evening out the gathering along the width of the valance. Mount the curtain rod.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Prewash all the fabrics and press them well before cutting and sewing.
Make sure the rod pocket is deep enough for the rod to fit snugly but not too tightly.
