How Do You Make Gathered Curtain Valances?
If you can measure, cut fabric and sew straight seams, you can make a gathered valance. This project goes very quickly and is ideal for a beginner. The finished valance is gathered on the rod to create a soft top treatment for your window. Create a valance that matches your curtains, or experiment with fabrics in contrasting or complementary colors and prints. The results might even inspire you to make new valances for every season. Measure the width of your window. Add the amount of the return on each end of the rod (the curved part of the rod that meets the window frame). Double this measurement to allow for gathering, and add four inches for side hems. Measure the length of your draperies. As a rule, a valance measures 1/6 the length of the draperies. To that 1/6 add 3 inches for a hem, 2 inches for the rod pocket and 2 inches for the header (the fabric that rises above the rod). Cut a piece of fabric according to your width and length measurements. If your fabric isn’t wide enough,
