We have a window above our kitchen sink that overlooks the golf course we live on and I have never really known what to do with it since we moved in (which was over 2 years ago lol). During the holidays I have hung wreaths (I did posts on my vintage book leaf one and my fabric scrap one) but in the spring and summer time when there really aren’t big holidays I never know what to put there. I didn’t want to block the window, since it’s a big source of light in our kitchen and plus it’s a spectacular view! I decided to use the leftover fabric from this dress I made to create a super simple valance (seriously, it took me less than a half hour to make) to hang up while I decided what I really wanted to put there. After all was said and done, I’m really enjoying the valance and I think it’s switched from a temporary solution to a more permanent one!
I apologize for the poor quality of the picture of the finished product… it’s impossible to get a good picture of that window. With the cupboards flanking either side of it, it’s caught in a huge shadow and I really couldn’t get a better picture than that! Obviously your measurements will vary depending on the size of your window, mine was 30″ across so my fabric measurement was 45″ across and 20″ down. Press a 1/2″ seam along all four sides of the rectangle. On all sides except for the top, fold all the seams in and press so you have 3 finished seams. Sew these three sides in place. Take the top of your valance (this is the only seam that isn’t pressed twice and isn’t sewn into place yet) and fold it over 3″. Pin in place, then sew a seam right along the bottom. Now mark 1 1/2″ above that seam on your fabric and sew another line… you’re creating a pocket for your curtain rod to slide through.
Your valance is now done, next you need to install your rod. I got a single rod one with curved edges from WalMart (they only cost 97 cents!). Make sure to get these ones instead of a straight curtain rod because you’ll want the edges of your fabric to curve around! Slip the rod through the pocket you sewed into the top of the valance and hang!
I LOVE that fabric! Great job! 🙂
Thank you!
I am not a sewer, this was just so easy!!! Took me less than 1.5 hours to make and it looks great in my recently redecorated guest bathroom!
So glad that you found it easy to follow and that you were able to make something for your home!
Where did you get this fabric??i love it!!
Thanks! I got it at Joann Fabrics a couple years ago in the home decor fabrics… here’s the link to it, it’s currently 60% off! http://www.joann.com/home-decor-fabric-waverly-bedazzle-silver-linning/zprd_02318392a/
I was wondering the length of your window top to bottoms so that I can adjust for the size of my window?
Sure! The window is 31″ across and 35″ tall!
What is the finished size of your valance?
Johanna, the finished size is 35″ (with the curved edges) by 13″!
Simple and easy. Thank you!
You’re so welcome!
Are these a linen fabric? I like it you can see thru it a bit.
It’s a woven cotton blend but feels more like linen than anything!
Great tutorial! I finished my valance for my baby girl’s nursery. It was simple enough for a first time sewing person … Thanks from the bottom of my heart!
So happy you found this tutorial useful Claudia!
HI, If my window is 70″ across, how much fabric should I get?
I would say 3+ yards will be good for that size window. Really depends on how much bunching you want on your curtain!
How much fabric would you use on an 84″ window for this valance? I do want some gathers.
My window was 30″ so multiply my measurements by 3! SO 135″ across… really can be as much as you want, just depends on how much gather you want!
I was looking for simple, clear instructions and found them! Thank you