Festive Tab Topper

Wherever you have tabbed draperies, a removable fabric valance will add as much holiday decor to your curtains as you like: Go all out with a seasonal motif, or just add festive colors and patterns.

 

Top your tabbed drapes with
a festive valance.

• Measuring tape
• Seasonal fabric; for size, see Step 1
• Sewing machine threaded with colors to match fabric
• Scissors
• Straight pins
• Pencil or wash-erase marker
• Iron and ironing board

1. Determine the sleeve size. Measure the width of your drapery panel. Then, determine a pleasing sleeve depth (usually 10-14 inches, or no more than one-sixth of the panel length). For seam allowances, add 1 inch to the width and 2 inches to the depth.

2. Cut panels. For each panel, cut two rectangular pieces using the dimensions determined above. Pin sleeve pieces with right sides together, measuring and marking openings for the panel tabs along one long (top) edge. If desired, take the drapery panel off the rod and lay it atop sleeve piece to mark tab openings.

 

Slip the openings in the valance
through the tabs in your curtains.

3. Sew pieces together along one short side, across the long top edge, leaving openings at the tab markings, and down the remaining short edge. Press all seam allowances open.

4. Hem the sleeve. Press under 1-1/2 inches all around the remaining unsewn edge. Machine-sew 1 inch from the pressed fold. Turn sleeve right side out.

5. Hang. Slip sleeve over the curtain panel, pulling the tabs through the openings.

• You can create a similar sleeve topper for curtains that hang by clip rings or ties.
• Use this versatile idea year-round -- whenever you want to freshen up your decorating scheme.