The finished curtain valance shown is 15 inch long, and has a 2 inch stand-up ruffle, a 1 1/2 inch-wide rod pocket, and 2:1 fullness.

 

Curtain Valance

• Refer to the Fabric Key below.
• Fabric A
• Fabric D
• Fabric E
• White pom-pom fringe
• White rickrack trim
• Water-soluble marking pen or pencil

Quantities specified are for 44/45 inch-wide cotton fabrics. All seam allowances are 1/2 inch unless otherwise specified.

1. Determine the size to cut the valance fabrics. (Length = desired finished length + 1 1/2 inch bottom hem + 4 inch top hem. Width = desired finished width x 2 (for 2: 1 fullness) + 1 inch seam allowances.

2. From Fabric E, cut enough 15 1/2 inch-wide strips to achieve the calculated valance width. With right sides facing and short raw edges aligned, sew the fabric lengths together. From Fabric A, cut enough 3 inch-wide strips to achieve the calculated valance width. With right sides facing and short raw edges aligned, sew the fabric lengths together. Press all seam allowances open.

3. With right sides facing and raw edges aligned, sew the pom-pom fringe to one long edge of the Fabric E strip. With right sides facing and raw edges aligned, sew one long edge of the Fabric D strip to the pom-pom fringe edge of the Fabric E strip. Overcast the seam with a zigzag stitch. Press the seam allowance towards the plaid fabric.

4. With right sides facing and raw edges aligned, sew one long edge of the Fabric A strip to the remaining long edge of the Fabric D strip.

5. Turn and press each side edge under 3/4 inch to the wrong side. Fold each edge under again 3/4 inch and press. Sew close to the inner folded edge to hem the valance sides.

6. Turn and press the bottom edge under 1/2 inch to the wrong side. Fold the pressed edge under so it meets the Fabric D strip/Fabric A strip seam. Pin from the wrong side so the pressed-under edge slightly covers the seam. With right side facing up, hem the bottom folded edge just to the left of the seam. Remove the pins while stitching. Sew rickrack trim over the Fabric D strip/Fabric A strip seam.

7. Using a water-soluble marking pen, measure and mark 4 inch inward along the top edge of the Fabric E strip. Turn and press the top edge to the wrong side on the mark. Place a piece of masking tape on the sewing machine, 2 inch to the right of the needle position. Position the pressed edge of the valance against the inner edge of the tape and sew a 2 inch hem. Turn and press the remaining raw edge under 1/2 inch and sew close to the pressed-under edge, forming the rod pocket.