How to Make a Quilted Valance
A valance is a window treatment that covers the upper third portion of a window. The width of the valance depends on the fullness desired. A simple straight valance is figured at twice the width of the window. A straight valance is easy to make from a quilted piece of fabric. The quilting is done prior to sewing the valance together. A thin quilt batting is used to prevent the valance from looking too bulky.
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Scissors
- Quilt top
- Quilt batting
- Quilt back
- Quilters straight pins
- Iron
- Ironing board
- Thread
- Needle
- Sewing machine
- Seam binding
- Curtain rod
Instructions
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1
Measure the height and width of the window. Determine the length of the valance by dividing the window height in thirds. Determine the width of the valance by doubling the width measurement of the window. Example: The window is 36-by-36 inches. The height of the valance is 12 inches and the width is 72 inches. These dimensions are used throughout the instructions. Substitute the correct dimensions for your window.
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2
Sew or cut the top of the quilted valance to measure 12-by-72 inches. Measure and cut the backing and batting to the same dimensions. Measure and cut and piece of backing material 3-by-72 inches.
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3
Place the backing material on a flat surface so the front of the fabric is to the back. Center and place the batting on top of the backing material. Center and place the quilt top over the batting. Make sure the front of the quilt is facing up. Pin the three layers together with straight quilt pins. Either machine quilt or hand quilt the valance.
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4
Pin the seam binding around the edge of the quilted valance. Sew the seam binding into place to finish the edge of the quilt. Set aside.
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5
Lay the 3-by-72 inch piece of fabric on a flat surface so the front side of the fabric is on the back. Fold one-half inch of both 72-inch edges toward the back of the fabric. Pin in place. Fold the 3-inch ends over three-eighths inch twice. Pin in place. Iron all folds. Remove the pins.
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6
Sew across the 3-inch ends of the fabric to hold the three-eighths inch folds in place. Do not sew along the one-half inch folds.
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7
Lay the backing material on a flat surface so the front side of the fabric is facing up. Pin the 3-by-72 inch strip to the backing material to make the curtain rod casing. Measure down 3-inches from the top edge of the fabric and place the 72-inch length of the casing in place. Measure in from the left and right 12-inch edges of the backing fabric three-quarters inch. Place the 3-inch edge of the casing at this mark. Pin the casing into place beginning with the top edge. Smooth any wrinkles while pinning.
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8
Hand sew the curtain rod casing into place. Sew the top of the casing first. Smooth any wrinkles while sewing to prevent puckering.
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9
Place the curtain rod in the casing and hang.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Blue and coral quilt block background image by Bluebird from Fotolia.com
