How to make a tailored valance

I finally put the tutorial together on how to make the tailored valance I did here.  My “assistant” Brady came over one day and took pictures and video of the process.  He hasn’t finished the video, but I will post that when he gets it done.  I didn’t take pictures when I actually made my valances, so I had to do a mock up version for this tutorial.

With this type of valance you can get away with not lining your fabric.  The majority of the valance is against the upper part of the wall above the window, very little is in the actual window.  Whenever you can see a valance or drapery from the outside looking in, always line the fabric to give your windows uniformity from the outside view.   Also, make sure the type of fabric you are using is not a thin cotton, otherwise you might have to line it to give it more visual weight and to lay properly.

Here are the supplies you will need:

• 1″ x 4″ pine board {make sure it is straight} the length of your window plus 4″
• White fabric to cover the board
• Fabric for your valance {quantity depends on the size of your window}
• Sewing machine {this tailored valance can be made into a “no sew version” by using iron on sewing tape rather than the sewing machine}
• Iron
• Staple gun
• “L” brackets

{You might think this next step is unnecessary since the board will be covered in your valance fabric. The reason for this is, if you put this valance say in a window above a couch, and someone is to look up they won’t see raw wood behind the valance.  It gives it a more finished look}

{Clarification as to why you need the extra 7″. This is the total for the two sides of the board which are each 3 1/2″ wide}

This is where I forgot to take a picture of  how I placed the board on the fabric and how I lined it up.  Contact me if you have any questions on this stepYou should use at least two “L” brackets to hang your valance, three if your window is super long.  Once you get your “L” brackets up, slide your valance on to the top of the bracket centering the valance to the window.

Your finished window should look like this

Doing tutorials are always tough for me, so if you have any questions please feel free to contact me.  But I hope I covered it enough that you will be able to make your own.  If you do, I would love to see pictures!

Sharing this project with these lovely ladies

Erin’s Just a party with my peeps

Judy’s Swing into Spring