Making Valances?

Kelly
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I need an easy pattern and measuring instructions for valances (balloon or plain). I want to makes some for my bedrooms and for the living room, ND maybe the stairwell window. I am a very novice sewer, haven't done a project in 12 years!

Thanks!
camo_angels from Willamina, OR

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Ariela
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March 10, 20060 found this helpful

Im glad you asked this I'm sure alot of us would like to know this...
Im not a sewer at all, I have a sewing machine for rips and tears.. in
fact I forgot I had it. In my house if a shirt loses a button the shirt is
no good. :) So I would need a super easy pattern.

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By pam (Guest Post)

March 10, 20060 found this helpful

I have seen design examples where they used colorful napkins placed on the curtain rod as a valance of sorts - no sewing required. I would also suggest using a swag of material across the top of the curtain - you would just have to put up the supports at the corners. Again, practially no sewing required.

The valances I have seen on the market are just big ruffles. I am sure you could just make a piece, put in some elastic in a tube and scrunch it together for a simple valance of sorts.

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Deborah Jones

March 11, 20060 found this helpful

Use twin sized flat sheets. Depending on how wide the windows are, you may want to cut the sheet legnthwise as opposed to widthwise. The advantage to cutting the width of the sheet is that you really don't have to make a side seam. Decide how long you want the valence, double it and add about 5" for seams and a top ruffle before cutting the sheet - if you use wider than a standard rod, you'll have to add a few more inches to the strip you cut. If you need to make side seams, this is when to do it.

Then fold the strip in half, right sides together, and sew a seam about 1/2" from the open edge. Then turn it right side out and iron it flat. Make two seams about 1 1/2" apart to accomodate a standard rod. If you make the higher seam about 1" from the top , it makes a bit of a ruffle when it's on the rod.

If you'd like to be a bit fancier, try this site: www.alternative-windows.com/. They're a bit more detailed.

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Kelly
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March 11, 20060 found this helpful

Thanky you! I like the Sheets idea....a little less expensive on the fabric.

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By Tara (Guest Post)

August 14, 20080 found this helpful

This may help you:

Here are a few more pages to help measure for windows:

Measuring for valances:
www.prioritywindows.com/.../how-to-measure-for-a-valance-sp-923...

Measuring for draperies:
www.prioritywindows.com/.../Drapery-Measuring-Guide-sp-201.html