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Three Attractive Curtain Valances
Allen Nelson, the author
brings to these articles 30 years of experience in the interior design field
including custom window decorating design, fabrication and installation. His
specialties involve all types of window decor including custom made curtains and
draperies, ready made lace curtains and macrame ring lace as well as blinds,
shutters and shades. His designs have been used in a variety of settings in many
beautiful homes throughout Southern California.
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HOW TO SEW THREE
ATTRACTIVE CURTAIN VALANCES
Sewing your own Curtain Valance does not have to
be complicated or hard to accomplish. Here are three Curtain
Valance styles that can very easily be created as Lace Curtain
Valances or from Sold or Print Fabrics.
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Scarf Valance – This is the
easiest of the three styles and very much in vogue right
now.
The finished Valance is a long piece of
fabric gathered and looped one or more times over a
decorative rod. There is an easy way to decide how many
loops, how loose the loops should be and how far down on
each side they should hang. Just loop a piece of string, a
gathered sheet or a length of fabric over the rod. By trying
several different ways you will find which variation of
loops appeals to you. Measure the length of the string or
fabric and add enough length for the double hems that you
will sew in at each end. The actual sewing of the Valance is
simple. If the selvedges (sides) are attractive, as they are
on some Lace fabric patterns, then all you do is sew a
simple double hem (usually 1 – 1 1/2 inches) at each end of
the fabric. A double hem is made by folding the fabric over
twice and sewing at the fold. If the selvedges are not
attractive you then first sew the side double hems and then
the end double hems. Gather the fabric and install the
finished Valance over the rod.
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Curtain Valance
– This is probably the commonest Valance that is usually
available in ready-made curtains. It is sewn exactly like a
curtain only it is short enough to be a Valance. Rather than
explain the method here I please go to “How
to make a Lace Curtain”, which applies to all other
fabrics as well, and read the directions.
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Sleeve Valance
– This is an attractive way to eliminate the horizontal
lines created by the top and bottom hems of the traditional
Curtain Valance style. Determine the drop (height) of the
finished Valance and add two inches. Turn and sew in the two
side double hems which are usually one inch. A double hem is
made by folding the fabric over twice and stitching at the
fold. Then fold over top to bottom with right sides together
and stitch the raw edges together creating a long sleeve.
Then turn the sleeve inside out to end up with the right
side out. Rotate the sleeve dropping the seam to the back
where it will not show behind the rod. Iron the sleeve flat
in this position. You then stitch one or two inches down
from the top to form what will be a ruffle above the rod.
The second stitching will be 1 ½ inches down from the first
stitching in order to form a rod pocket. If you do not wish
to have a ruffle you simply come down 1 ½ inches from the
top fold to create the rod pocket. Install the finished
Sleeve Valance on your rod.
See More
"Sewing Tips"
Return to
"Home Page"
Go to
"Decorating Tips"
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