How to Make a Pantaloon Valance
A pantaloon valance is an unlined, scalloped window treatment with a wide ruffle along the lower edge. This treatment is used alone or with curtain panels or sheers. The pantaloon valance typically installs inside the window casing, allowing room for a narrow top valance to be hung above the window. Scallops are formed by gathering the fabric from the lower portion of the valance to a higher position.
Things You'll Need
- Curtain rod
- Measuring tape
- Fabric
- Iron
- Sewing machine
- Pins
- 4-inch ruffle trim
- Hand needle
- Thread
Instructions
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1
Measure the curtain rod width and multiply by 2-1/2 times. Add 1 inch for the side seams. Cut the fabric to this dimension.
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2
Start at the top of your rod and measure down to the point you want the valance to hang. Subtract 4 inches for the ruffle. Add 2-1/2 inches for the rod casing and hem. This is your fabric length.
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3
Turn the side edges under 1/4 inch. Press with an iron. Turn the sides under another 1/4 inch. Press with an iron and sew with a machine stitch.
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4
Turn the top edge under 1/4 inch. Press and stitch in place. Turn the top edge under again 1-3/4 inches and press with an iron. Stitch close to the hemmed edge. This creates your rod casing.
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5
Turn the bottom edge to the front 1/4 inch. Press and stitch in place. Cut a piece of decorative 4-inch-wide ruffle to the width of the valance panel. Pin the ruffle to the bottom edge on the front of the valance to cover the raw edge of the bottom-edge hem on the front. Stitch the ruffle in place with a machine stitch.
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6
Divide the width of the valance by three, and the quotient is the width of your three scallops. If you have very wide windows, divide the valance by a higher number to create more scallops across the width of the window. Place two marks to divide the valance into three vertical sections. Begin at the left side and measure over the width of the scallop. Place the first chalk mark. From that mark, measure the width of the scallop and place a mark.
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7
Place the valance right-side down. Measure from the ruffle upward toward the rod casing, which is the depth of the scallop. Typically, this is about one-half to three-quarters the length of the valance. Place a mark at each vertical mark to indicate the scallop depth. This is your ruffle placement mark.
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8
Insert a hand needle about 2 inches above the top edge of the ruffle trim at a position in-line with the ruffle placement mark. Sew a gathering stitch from the point of insertion to the ruffle placement mark. Do not cut the thread. Gather the ruffle edge up to the placement position. Lock the gather in the position with the needle and thread. Repeat for the second mark.
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Tips & Warnings
Add buttons or tassels to the points of the valance for embellishments.
Heavy drapery fabric will create a bulky look in comparison to lightweight fabric. Choose cotton or sheers for pantaloon valances.
