How to Sew a Valance With an Online Pattern
Sewing a valance is an easy way of making a window covering. A valance only comes down the window about one-third of the way. This allows for plenty of sunshine to enter your home but doesn't allow privacy, so only put a valance in a room where you don't need privacy. You can make a valance using very little fabric, even if you decide you want to line it, and you can find many web sites that offer patterns. When downloading patterns, verify that the patterns are free for the taking. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Download your chosen pattern and instructions.
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Measure the width of your window. Double the width of the measurement if you are sewing a gathered valance.
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Check the measurement for the length of the valance by placing the measuring tape up at the curtain rod and measuring down to the finished length. Add 6 inches to the length to allow for hems and the rod casing.
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Cut out your fabric to the necessary measurements using the guides given in your downloaded pattern and the measurements you took from your window.
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Sew a lining into the valance by layering the valance fabric and the lining fabric with right sides together. Use pins to hold the fabric in place. Start sewing at one of the top corners of the valance. Then go down and sew across the bottom and up the other side to the opposite corner.
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Turn the valance right side out. Use a skewer to push out all the corners if necessary.
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Iron the seams flat. Topstitch around the same three sides.
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Fold down the top portion of the curtain 4.5 inches. Fold under the raw edge half an inch and pin in place. Sew across that seam to enclose the raw edge.
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Use the measuring tape to measure down from the top of the valance. Use chalk to make marks all the way across the valance at 2 inches. Sew across the chalk marks to make a casing for the curtain rod.
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Trim any loose threads to complete your valance.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember that even though you have a pattern, all windows are not the same, nor are all curtain patterns. Gathered valances are a little more forgiving of width discrepancies between the window and the pattern. More formal styles with no gathering may need some adjustments to fit your window properly.
Do not be afraid to alter the patterns you download. For example, give the valance a scalloped bottom edge if you desire that over a straight edge.
