For your next sewing project learn how to make a set of sheer curtains with a beautiful beaded valance across the top.
When thinking about new window treatments there are so many choices from heavy, pleated drapes to sheers to country ruffles. If you're making the curtains yourself you'll want an elegant look but not a great expense. Beaded valances are a new and exciting way to add sparkle to any window. The valance is normally attached to the sheers which hang behind the valance. Sheer fabrics and lightweight laces are good choices for this project. A spool of binding tape with beads will also be required. These can be found at most sewing departments and stores. Choose beads that dangle rather than ones that simply lay across the hemmed edge. They should be attached to some sort of binding for easy stitching.
The sheers should be cut at a measurement which is twice the width of the window. The length should be from the rod to the hem, allowing eight extra inches for rod pocket and hem. The valance is basically a half circle. The width measurement for the valance should be the same as each panel. The width of the valance at its longest point should be one third of the window height. From the longest point, arc over to the side edge on each side to form a half circle.
Sew each panel by folding the side over a half inch then an inch more and stitch. Do each side of each panel in this fashion. For the bottom of each panel fold under a half inch then four inches more and stitch. Fold the top edge under a half inch then three inches. Stitch a mere quarter-inch from the fold then stitch a half-inch from the top edge. This will form the rod pocket.
Sew one valance onto each panel by folding the straight edge of the valance under a half-inch then stitching it to the very edge of the panel. Sew the beads on by starting at one corner of the arc. Go around the arc, folding the edges of the fabric under a half inch and stitching on the beads.
A cheaper, although more time-consuming way to add beads is to buy the type of beads that have to be strung. String each bead separately on nylon thread then stitch them on as you sew around the edge of the arc. To do this properly it's necessary to mark every half-inch for bead placement. As you arrive at each mark place the nylon thread ends behind the hem of the arc and stitch across. Back-tack a stitch or two before moving on to help hold the nylon thread in place.
A different way to make the valances is to assemble the panels on the rod and use a deeper rod to go over the top of the first one. Make one large beaded valance to go over all the sheer panels. Or you can make one valance for every two panels by first hanging the panels, gathering them properly then pinning on the valance. Stitch. Instead of beads you can also use pom-poms, fringe or ruffled lace.
