As a relatively new sewist, little accomplishments tickle my fancy! Following up on last week’s discussion of Vanessa Arbuthnott’s book – Beginner’s Guide to Making Curtains, Shades, Pillows, Cushions, and More, look what I made!
Not certain how this valance would turn out, I did not want to purchase new fabric. Instead I decided to use fabric from my stash. I love this yellow gingham fabric that I used on my Frenchie lampshade cover. The gingham cost me a dollar at a flea market. For the lining, I had several yards of a creamy white quilting cotton on hand. The best part, I had enough of both to make an 18 inch finished valance, twice the width of my window – enough for a nice full look. My first step was to wash both fabrics to reduce shrinkage later on. I stitched a simple zigzag on the raw edges, then machine washed and dried.
Page 40 of Vanessa Arbuthnott’s book has instructions to make a lovely lined Gathered Valance. This particular valance is then gathered with two-cord heading tape and mounted with hook-and-loop tape to a valance shelf. For my valance though, I needed to simply hang on a curtain rod. So I followed the first three steps to cut my fabric to size and attach the lining to the main fabric. (You’ll need to purchase the book for these instructions!)
After attaching the lining at the bottom and sides, I was ready to make the pocket to insert my curtain rod.
- Turn right side out, gently pushing out the corners.
- With the main and lining fabrics now WST (wrong sides together), baste the top raw edges at about 1/2″ from the edge.
- Fold the fabric along that basting stitch toward the lining, and press.
- Fold the fabric 1/2″ toward the lining again, and press.
- Use clips to hold the folded edge in place.
- From the back, stitch close to the edge. Press.
- Fold the top about 4 inches toward the lining.
- Using clips again, stitch close to the edge. Press.
- Measure the width of your curtain rod. You’ll want your rod pocket to be about 1/2″ wider than your rod.
- I made a simple cardboard guide to stitch along, giving me room for my rod pocket, and a nice 2 inch ruffle heading.
- Stitch and press.
- Attach your curtain rod to your wall or window frame.
- Insert the rod into your curtain’s rod pocket.
- Hang and enjoy!
I would estimate my simple valance cost me about $11 dollars. Lined valances purchased online look to cost anywhere from $30 – $80 dollars! This took me about 3 and 1/2 hours to make. Not only is my window pretty, I gained a bit of confidence. Now on to the next window!
Sunny yellow makes me happy. Cute project, too.
Love the cardboard stitching guide idea! Just hope I remember it when I need it.
Me too! Thanks!