How to Sew a Window Valance
A colorful valance is a great way to dress up your windows. Sew one yourself by following these few simple steps.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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-
1
Determine the width of your fabric and lining by measuring the length of the rod. Double the measurement for heavy fabrics to allow for fullness. Triple the measurement for light fabrics for a gathered look.
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2
Determine the length of your fabric and lining by measuring from the installed rod down to the bottom of the desired hem. Add to this 1 inch for seams, another few inches (determined by you) for desired heading height above rod, and 1 1/2 times the rod diameter for the rod pocket.
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3
Cut fabric and lining according to your measurements.
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4
Pin lining and fabric, right sides facing together.
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5
Measure heading height from the top edge of the fabric. Add 1/2 inch for seams. Mark with chalk.
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6
Measure and mark rod pocket size directly below your mark for the heading height.
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7
Stitch a 1/2-inch seam down from the top corner of the fabric to the top of the rod pocket, then from the bottom of rod pocket to the bottom of fabric. Do not stitch rod pocket. Repeat on other side.
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8
Stitch a 1/2-inch seam across bottom of planned valance.
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9
Turn right side out and press. Turn under 1/2 inch along raw edges of heading and press.
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10
Pin top edges of lining and fabric together and topstitch.
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11
Mark sewing lines with chalk on the lining for the top and bottom of the rod pocket. Stitch along both lines to create the rod pocket.
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1
Tips & Warnings
For a lined valance, select an opaque fabric to prevent light from passing through the valance.
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Comments
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mcgish
Oct 02, 2007
I was confused when it came to sewing the rod pocket...I had 5 extra inches of fabric lengthwise...directions said nothing about turning the extra fabric over and then marking the header and rod pocket measurements...please re-explain the final steps for sewing a lined valance...thanks! -
mcgish
Oct 02, 2007
I was confused when it came to sewing the rod pocket...I had 5 extra inches of fabric lengthwise...directions said nothing about turning the extra fabric over and then marking the header and rod pocket measurements...please re-explain the final steps for sewing a lined valance...thanks!
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Nov 22, 2005
Last September I was married and had an almost "do-it-yourself" reception. I purchased many items from eBay, including 24 white cotton tablecloths. I bought them for almost $400 (with the intent of re-using the fabric to make curtains). Our 160 year old fieldstone farmhuose has 17 windows in need of new treatment. I'm starting with the smaller size tablecloths to make three triangles; two for the swag sides and the third piece as a decorative overlay. I'm still working with it. The swags were the easy part to sew.
