Do you know what’s super expensive?
Window treatments.
Do you know what’s not super hard to make?
Window valences.
As we were getting Autumn’s room together prior to her being born we settled on an owl theme. Surprisingly enough we were able to find lots of items that matched each other. What we couldn’t find was a window valence. After looking at Annabelle’s I figured I could make my own.
After scouring the web/ebay/etsy I found the perfect fabric!
So, how to make a valance?
You need:
-main fabric
-ribbon
**amount depends on how big your window is**
The first thing you need to do is measure the width of your window. To figure out how much fabric to buy. Here are what my measurements look like.
If you want your valence to be super gathered then make sure your fabric is about 2-3 times as long as your window. The more fabric you use, the more gathered the valence will be.
Now you have your fabric cut. Next up, cut your ribbon the same length as your fabric. Lay ribbon at the bottom of the fabric, right sides together, and sew the ribbon to the fabric.
Turn the ribbon down so that it hangs below the fabric.
Next up, fold the outsides edges of the valence up (like you were creating a hem).
Now, you have to make the loops that go on the top of the valance. I cut my ribbons about 8″ long, so when they are folded over, they are 4″ loops. I made 7 loops, but if your fabric is longer, then you would need more.
Starting at one end of your fabric measure equal distance, and pin you loops (make sure the loops are pointing down) to the top, right sides together. Sew them down.
Serge, or use a zig-zag stitch across the top of the valence.
Fold the raw edge on the top over and sew in place. Then hang your valence up and give your self a pat on the back!