Sewing Valances does not have to be complicated or hard to accomplish. Here are three Curtain Valance styles, Scarf Valance, Sleeve Valance and that can very easily be created as Lace Curtain Valances or from Sold or Print Fabrics.
Scarf Valance
This is the easiest of the three styles and very much in vogue right now. The finished Valance is a long piece of fabric gathered and looped one or more times over a decorative rod. There is an easy way to decide how many loops, how loose the loops should be and how far down on each side they should hang. Just loop a piece of string, a gathered sheet or a length of fabric over the rod. By trying several different ways you will find which variation of loops appeals to you. Measure the length of the string or fabric and add enough length for the double hems that you will sew in at each end. The actual sewing of the Valance is simple. If the selvages (sides) are attractive, as they are on some Lace fabric patterns, then all you do is sew a simple double hem (usually 1 – 1 1/2 inches) at each end of the fabric. A double hem is made by folding the fabric over twice and sewing at the fold. If the selvages are not attractive you then first sew the side double hems and then the end double hems. Gather the fabric and install the finished Valance over the rod.
Curtain Valance
This is probably the most common Valance that is usually available in ready-made curtains. It is sewn exactly like a curtain only it is short enough to be a Valance. Rather than explaining the method here please go to “Sewing Instructions for Curtains”, which applies to all other fabrics as well, and read the directions.
Sleeve Valance
This is an attractive way to eliminate the horizontal lines created by the top and bottom hems of the traditional Curtain Valance style. Determine the drop (height) of the finished Valance and add two inches. Turn and sew in the two side double hems which are usually one inch. A double hem is made by folding the fabric over twice and stitching at the fold. Then fold over top to bottom with right sides together and stitch the raw edges together creating a long sleeve. Then turn the sleeve inside out to end up with the right side out. Rotate the sleeve dropping the seam to the back where it will not show behind the rod. Iron the sleeve flat in this position. You then stitch one or two inches down from the top to form what will be a ruffle above the rod. The second stitching will be 1 ½ inches down from the first stitching in order to form a rod pocket. If you do not wish to have a ruffle you simply come down 1 ½ inches from the top fold to create the rod pocket. Install your Valance on your your rod.
Arch Top Valance
Measure the length of the curved rod and use enough fabric width to gather nicely on the rod. You would first sew the bottom hem and then lay the material out flat on a table. Transfer as many as five height measurements from the arch onto the fabric and sew from point to point creating a curved double hem at the top. Once it is gathered on a rod the valance would conform very nicely with the arch. By placing curved hems on the top of a pair of panels the same effect can be achieve. They can then be allowed to hand straight or tied back.