Easy Peasy Windows

Accessories for windows?

Absolutely!

These decorative valances are

so simple to create because
they dont require the struc-
After ture of a shade or curtain.
Just find some gorgeous fab-
After ric, a ruler, sewing machine,
and the cheapest, simplest
curtain rods availableand
voila! You get a boutique
Before window makeover without
the cost or hassle.

Before

Supplies: Measurements:
Two coordinating fabrics Width of the window open-
ing, including trim.
Measuring tools
Height of the window
Air soluble marker
Distance from window to
Simple curtain rods
ceiling
Sewing supplies
For the Elegant Folded Valance:
Coordinating Ribbon
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 Elegant Folded Valance
The Elegant Folded Valance has the look of a
Roman Shade, but is purely decorative. We
used two coordinating fabrics and coordinating
ribbon to create the effect. A plain expandable
brass cafe rod took less than 5 minutes to hang
and is available at your local craft or discount
store. You wont believe how easy the construc-
tion is!

Measurements:
Measure the width and length of the window, including any 2

trim that might frame the window, and the distance from 2
the top of the window (and trim, if it is trimmed) to the
ceiling. You must have at least 3-4 from the top of the win-
dow to the ceiling for this valance to work properly. Hang
the hardware for the rod 2 above the window frame, and 2
to the side of the window frame on both sides.

Fabric:
After you know the measurements of the window, choose fabrics that can cover the distance.
Home dec fabrics are typically wider and fit larger widths more easily; however, quilting or fash-
ion fabrics can work either flipped horizontally or sewn together to create the full width or
length. If you want more drape, choose lighter fabrics. If you want something more crisp, choose
a home dec fabric in twill or duck cloth. When choosing stripes or prints with repeats, be sure
the scale and direction of the print suits the type and size of the window. This is a perfect oppor-
tunity to try out those large scale prints! Finally, choose two fabrics that coordinate well with
each other, and consider what they will look like from the outside of your home if they will be
seen at all.

Cutting:
Add 4 1/2 to the width of the window
Add 6 to the length of the window
Cut 1 panel from each of two coordinating fabrics to the measurements calculated above
Cut 4 coordinating ribbons to the length of the window (there will be some waste)
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Assembly
Place two of the ribbons together, right sides
facing, and pin. Repeat with the other set of 12 12
ribbons.

Measure 12 from the outside edge of one

panel on the right side of the fabric.
Pin the two ribbons to the top of the fabric
panel with the outside edge on the 12 mark.
Do the same for the opposite side of the
panel.

Place the panel with the ribbons right-sides-

together with the other fabric panel. 12 12

Stitch around the perimeter, up one long side,

across the top, and down the other side, beginning
and ending 1/2 from the edges. Don not sew the
bottom of the panel.
Turn right-sides-out.

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 Turn the bottom edges of the fabric panel and
press to 1/2 seam allowance.
One ribbon in each set should be flipped to
the back of the panel. The other two remain
to the front.
Top-stitch around the perimeter at 1/4 keep-
ing the ribbons clear.
To form the rod pocket, fold the top of the
panel back and down 2-1/2 . If necessary, pin
the ribbons to the panel so that they stay
flush with the fabric.
Stitch close to the edge of the panel.
Finishing

Place the rod in the rod pocket and stretch the rod
to fit the hardware you previously mounted to the
wall.

Hang the rod.

Use an accordion fold to fold the panel up from the

bottom until it reaches the upper third of the win-
dow, or until you are pleased with the effect. You
may need a second pair of hands.

Tie the ribbons together, making a bow on the

front of the panel just above the accordion. Repeat
on the other side.

Smooth the fabric folds until you get the desired

arch.

Trim the ends of the ribbon.

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 Puffed Valance
Adding a touch of whimsy to a bedroom or powder room?
Take this look from evenings gowns on the runway and apply it
to home dcor. Hang this valance over sheer panels to com-
plete the formal appeal.

2
Measurements:
2
Measure the width and length of the window, including any
trim that might frame the window, and the distance from the
top of the window (and trim, if it is trimmed) to the ceiling.
You must have at least 3-4 from the top of the window to
the ceiling for this valance to work properly. Hang the hard-
ware for the rod 2 above the window frame, and 2 to the
side of the window frame on both sides.

Fabric:
After you measure the window, choose fabrics that can cover the distance. Home dec fabrics are
typically wider and fit larger widths more easily; however, quilting or fashion fabrics can work
either flipped horizontally or sewn together to create the full width or length. We used industrial
width silk fabrics that were quite heavy and crisp for the valance pictured above. When choosing
stripes or prints with repeats, be sure the scale and direction of the print suits the type and size of
the window. Finally, choose two fabrics that coordinate well with each other, and consider what
they will look like from the outside of your home if they will be seen at all.
Cutting:
Add 4 1/2 to the width of the window

Use the exact height of the window.

Divide the height of the window by 2
Cut 1 panel (contrast) using the width calculated above and the height of the window divided
by 2. This will be the back panel and will face the street when the valance is hung.
Cut 1 panel (main fabric) using the width calculated above and the full length of the window.
This is the top (puffed) panel and will face the room.

Cut one panel (contrast) the width you calculated above by 6 inches. This will be the rod
pocket and will show at the top of the valance.

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Create the Puffing
The puffing on this valance is created by tacking
the larger front panel to the smaller back panel
in a staggered grid format. After tacking, the lar-
ger panels edges will match those of the smaller
panel, and the front panel fabric will puff in
between the tacks while the back panel stays
straight. Each grid has the same number of dots,
and the dots on the front panel will correspond
to the dots on the back panel.

To determine where to place the dots:

Divide the length of the panel by 5. Take
that measurement and use it to put registra-
tion marks along the edge of the panel. Do
the same for the width and repeat on the
other panel. (The width measurement should
be the same on both panels.)
Laying a straight edge across the registration
marks, place a chalk or pen dot at the inter-
section of each horizontal and vertical mark,
staggering every second row, as shown.
Note: Use a different color for the stag-
gered dots to keep them straight when
you sew them.

Gather the long edges (vertical) of the long

panel.
With right sides together, fit the gathered edges
of the long panel to the straight edges of the
short panel so that the length matches and pin.
Using 1/4 seam allowance, sew the gathered and
straight edges together.
Turn the valance.

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 Using the dots marked on each panel, match the
corresponding dots on the front panel to those of
the back panel. Pin each set of dots together. IM-
PORTANT: Check the back panel to ensure it re-
mains smooth and straight.

Using a double-threaded needle (matching the fab-

ric) that has been waxed or conditioned, tack the
dots together by stitching 1/8 through both layers
several times over in the same spot. You can also do
this on the sewing machine by using a small zigzag
stitch set at a length of 0 or 1.

Note: A tack stitch does not have a knotted end

and is not tied when complete. On the last
stitch, draw the needle underneath the tack and
clip close. For the purpose of a valance, it isnt
necessary to knot the thread because, once
hung, the valance will not be moved. If using
this technique on a garment, reach between the
two sections of fabric and hide both the entry
and exit knots between the panels.
Continue tacking until all the dots have been tacked
together.

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 The Rod Pocket
Serge or finish all four edges of the rod pocket
panel.
Fold both short and one long edge 1/4 (wrong
sides together), press, and stitch close to the fold.
On the front side of the valance, Match the un-
folded long edge of the rod pocket with the raw
edges of the valance and stitch together (three
layers). Trim if necessary.

Serge or zigzag the edges.

Flip the folded edge to the back of the valance and
top stitch close to the fold so that the folded edge Top of valance. Raw edges
covers the seam line. You might wish to pin the are finished with rod
fold in place and stitch from the front of the val- pocket.
ance to ensure a straight seam.

Fold the raw edges at the bottom of the panel inward,

match, and press.
Top stitch the two folded edges together.

Bottom of Valance
Folded Edges
Finishing
Slip the rod into the rod pocket and hang the valance.
The rod pocket might gather softly onto the rod.
Arrange the puffs to taste.

As always, if you have any questions about this or any other

pattern featured in You Can SEW This, contact me! I love to
hear from you! lorie@youcanmakethis.com.

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