How To Sew a Valance in 6 Elaborate Steps

An excellent technique to make a room feel more sophisticated and cozy is to add a valance to the room’s windows. A valance largely represents your personal style statement. Valances are great because they require less fabric than most other window treatments, are easier to hang, and are incredibly simple to make yourself.

So, why spend hundreds of dollars on store-bought value when you can make your own for a much lower cost? These machine-sewn window valances offer tons of elegance while blocking light and regulating temperature for the price of a few cheap materials. Therefore, if you’re eager to get started, keep reading for step-by-step directions on how to make your very first valance!

What is a Valance?

I want my readers to understand exactly what a valence is before I continue. It is not surprising that some of you would not be familiar with the term’s precise definition. So, a valance is a decorative fabric treatment used in interior design to cover the upper part of a window. It’s often a short curtain or drapery that is purely ornamental and does not provide full privacy. Valances are used to add style, color, and texture to a window treatment and can be tailored in various designs, such as swags, scarves, or box pleats, to complement the overall decor of a room.

Gather your Supplies

Getting the materials ready is the first step in sewing a valance. These items include:

• Standard Sewing Machine: Essential for precise stitching.

You may check out our recommendations on the best sewing machines to create your dream projects for an ideal sewing machine that can get your job done.

• Curtain Fabric: Choose your preferred fabric for the valance.
• Tape Measure: Use it to measure and cut the fabric accurately.
• Straight Pins: Use straight pins to secure fabric layers together during sewing.
• Fabric Scissors: Use fabric scissors to cut the fabric.
• Thread: Gather a variety of thread colors for sewing.

You may check out our recommendations on the best sewing machine threads.

• Needles: Needles are necessary for stitching the fabric.

Steps to sew a Valance

Since you’ve gathered your materials, are you ready to add a touch of elegance to your windows with a custom valance? The below steps will walk you through the process of creating your very own valance. So, let’s get started!

Step 1: Take Precise Measurements

• Begin by using a tape measure to determine the width of your window.
• Decide on the desired length for your valance. Typically, a valance should be around 15 inches deep, but for wider windows, you can go longer.
• Lay your chosen fabric on a flat surface with the front side facing down. Measure out the width of the valance from the fabric.

Now, the width of your valance will depend on whether you want a straight or gathered look.

• For a Straight Valance

If you prefer a clean, straight valance, ensure that the width is wide enough to cover the space between the outer edges of your drapes.

• For a Gathered Valance

For a more textured, gathered look, you’ll want to measure the fabric to be approximately 2.5 times the width of your window if you’re using light-weight or medium-weight fabrics. If you’re working with sheer fabrics, it’s recommended to use three or four times the width of your window. In some cases, especially with very wide windows, you may need to use multiple valance panels.

Now that you have your measurements, you’re ready to move on to the next steps in creating your valance.

Step 2: Fabric Requirements

The amount of fabric needed for a valance can indeed vary depending on your specific design and the width of your window.

• For a standard window (36 to 40 inches wide), 1.5 to 5 yards of fabric for the front is a reasonable range.

• If your window is wider, say 70 to 80 inches, you’d typically require 2.5 to 8 yards for the face fabric.

It’s essential to measure and plan according to your design and any additional factors like pleats or ruffles.

Step 3: Precisely Cutting the Fabric

With your measurements in hand, it’s time to move on to the third step in creating your beautiful valance: cutting the fabric.

• Start by adding an extra 2 inches to each valance panel’s width. This additional allowance is for creating hems later on.

• Once you’ve made these adjustments, use sharp fabric scissors to carefully cut your chosen fabric. Ensure that the cuts are straight and clean for a polished finish.

• Now, measure out the preferred depth of the valance on the fabric. Remember to double this measurement because you’ll be folding the fabric in half to create a seamless look.

• Once you’ve marked the fabric with the doubled depth measurement, add an extra 2 inches to this length. This extra allowance will be used for hemming the valance.

• Carefully cut the fabric along the marked measurements. It’s essential to maintain precision during this step to ensure your valance fits your window perfectly and looks neat.

By following these steps to cut your fabric accurately, you’re setting the foundation for a well-crafted valance that will adorn your window beautifully.

Step 4: Securing your Hems with Pins

Pinning is the next important step in your journey to create a charming valance. It ensures that your hems are properly aligned and held in place as you prepare to sew.

• With the fabric still facing down, take your fabric and measure one inch into both sides of the material. These measurements are essential for creating neat hems.

• Carefully fold the fabric over along these measurements to create a one-inch hem on each side.

• To keep the hems securely in place, use straight pins. Start by inserting a pin at one end, and then add more pins along the length of the fabric, spacing them about 4-6 inches apart. Be sure to pin through both layers of the fabric to hold the hems together.

• Repeat this process for both sides of the fabric, making sure your hems are consistent and straight.

With the hems securely pinned, you’re now ready to move on to the next stage of sewing your valance.

Step 5: Stitching your Valance with a Sewing Machine

Now that you’ve pinned your hems securely in place, it’s time to get stitching!

• Use a sewing machine to stitch along both sides of the fabric where you’ve pinned the hems. Stitching the hems will create a clean and polished edge. As you sew, remove the straight pins to avoid any disruptions.

• After you’ve stitched the side hems, flip the fabric so that the side with the hem is facing downward. Fold up the bottom of your fabric to meet the upper edges, creating a neat seam.

• Measure one inch from the top of your fabric and pin it into place. This will be the top hem of your valance.

• Once again, use your sewing machine to stitch along the top hem, ensuring it’s securely held in place. This will give your valance a finished look.

• Now, turn the right side of the fabric out, and you’ll see that the hems are facing inside, giving your valance a clean and polished appearance.

• Measure about an inch and a half down from the top hem where you’ve just sewn. This is where you’ll insert your curtain rod. If your curtain rod is thicker than the standard size, make sure to adjust the space accordingly to accommodate it.

• Use pins to keep the rod pocket in place across the width of the valance.

• Finally, stitch along the pinned line to secure the rod pocket in place, ensuring your valance is ready to be hung.

If you’ve come this far, then I suppose by now you have sewn a beautifully finished valance ready to adorn your window and enhance your room’s decor. Congratulations on completing your valance project!

Step 6: Adding the Finishing Touches—Installing your Valance

You’ve put in the effort and creativity to sew your valance, and now it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

• Curtain Rod Installation: The most common way to hang a valance is by sliding your curtain rod through the rod pocket you’ve created. Simply insert the rod and position it in place. Make sure it’s level, and you’re good to go.

• Optional Puffy Look: If you prefer a more decorative and puffy appearance for your valance, here’s a creative tip. You can stuff the valance with fluffy materials, such as batting or polyester fiberfill, before hanging it. This will give your valance a fuller, more voluminous look. Ensure that the stuffing is evenly distributed to maintain a balanced appearance.

If you want to watch a video for a better understanding of sewing a valance, check out this great video:

https://youtu.be/ivdiwjkrZ9o?feature=shared

Valance Style Ideas

Here are some valance style ideas:

1. Classic Pleated Valance: This timeless style features neatly folded fabric in a pleated design, giving your windows an elegant and traditional look.

2. Scalloped Valance: Scalloped valances have curved, wave-like edges, creating a soft and charming appearance. They work well in bathrooms.

3. Swag Valance: Swag valances drape gracefully over the curtain rod, creating a flowing and draped effect. They are often used in formal spaces or bedrooms.

4. Balloon Valance: Balloon valances have a gathered, puffed appearance that adds a touch of whimsy and romance to your windows.

5. Cafe Valance: Inspired by the cozy cafes of Europe, these valances cover only the top portion of the window, allowing ample light to enter while offering a touch of privacy.

6. Tie-Up Valance: Tie-up valances can be adjusted to various heights by tying bows or knots. They have a charming, cottage-like feel.

7. Gathered Valance: Gathered valances have fabric gathered along the top, creating a textured and relaxed appearance.

Summary

Sewing a valance is a creative and enjoyable DIY project that can add a touch of elegance to your windows. Follow the steps outlined in this post, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your fabric choices. Whether you’re a sewing pro or a beginner, with a bit of practice, you’ll be able to craft beautiful valances that perfectly complement your home decor.

Additionally, don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect. Feel free to explore different styles, patterns, and fabrics until you find the perfect valance that suits your space. And don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family; they’ll be amazed by your talent and your beautifully decorated windows.

If you have more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Happy decorating!

Frequently Asked Questions

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