Sewing a simple window valance is an easy and inexpensive way to change the look of a room.
Often redecorating a room is as simple as adding a few accessories. Repainting, recarpeting, buying new furniture or putting up wall paper can be time consuming and expensive. Sometimes all you need to give a room a whole new look is a couple of new window toppers or valances. The following instructions are for a window with a width of about 36 inches; the length is irrelevant, as the valance covers only the top section of the window.
If you already own a sewing machine, the only tools you'll need are a flat table to work on, a pencil, an iron and ironing board, and some pins. When you buy your fabric, it's always wise to have a bit more than you'll need; two yards will be plenty, and make sure you buy matching thread. If your fabric has a pattern, the thread should match the background color.
Begin by deciding how long you want your valance to be. Standard toppers are about 12-14 inches in length. Assuming a 36-inch width and 12-inch length, cut the fabric to a width of 60 inches and a length of 23 inches; this will allow for hems on the bottom and sides, and the slip for the curtain rod. If you desire a valance with more fabric, for more folds, feel free to make it wider.
The sides (20-inch lengths) will be hemmed first. Place your fabric upside down on the table and fold the fabric over 1.5 inches. Put a few pins in to make sure it stays straight and then iron it down flat. Then sew a 1-inch hem straight up the side of the fabric. When the first side is finished, sew the other side the exact same way, first folding, pinning, ironing, and then sewing. Once the sides are hemmed, you will have a very long piece of fabric with two neatly hemmed ends.
The next step is to hem the bottom. If your fabric has a specific up or down design, make sure you've got it straight so the design will show correctly on the finished product. The bottom will be hemmed in much the same was as the sides. First fold over a 1.5-inch strip along the bottom, and pin it into place. Then iron it flat and sew it with a 1-inch hem. You'll notice that you're sewing over the side hems a bit; that is expected.
Next comes the most important part. The remaining edge will be the part that holds the curtain rod and displays a decorative hem at the top. Fold over 4 inches of fabric, but this time, the pinning with be a bit more complicated, so iron it first. When the 3-inch hem is ironed flat, add pins at about the 2-inch mark. Measure 1.5 inches into the hem from the edge and with your pencil, mark a few inconspicuous spots on the fabric. Follow these marks as you sew the 1.5-inch hem, which will ultimately be the decorative top. Once the first hem is sewn, remove the pins and then go back and sew another stitch 1.5 inches from the first. This will be the slip for the curtain rod. Again, with both these parallel hems, you will be sewing through the hems at the end, but that is ok.
After the slip is sewn, you'll find that you've suddenly finished. Cut any remaining or loose threads and iron the entire project. Then slip it on your curtain rod, pop the rod into place, and spread the fabric out so the folds fall evenly. Enjoy the new look of the room!
