Things You\’ll Need
-
Tape measure
-
Decorative fabric
-
Lining fabric
-
Fabric scissors
-
Ironing board
-
Iron
-
Pins
-
Sewing machine
-
Thread
A rod pocket valance is a strip of decorative fabric mounted along the top of a window to enhance its appearance and give it a dramatic uplift. Take the time to line the valance so your window treatment looks fuller, crisper and hangs properly. Lining a valance also protects the fabric from sunlight. Depending on personal preference, mount the lined rod pocket valance on a bare window or with draperies or blinds.
Step 1
Measure the width of the drapery rod. Determine the length of the valance, or how far down you want it to hang over the window. Add 6 inches to the measurement. Also measure the width of the rod, or the distance from one corner to the other, plus 4 to 6 inches to allow for fullness.
Video of the Day
Step 2
Cut valance fabric and lining fabric to your measurements, using sharp fabric scissors. Iron the valance and lining fabric to remove creases.
Step 3
Spread the valance fabric face up on a clean, hard surface, and lay the lining fabric face down over it. Line up the edges so they are flush. Insert a row of pins along the edges of the fabrics to hold them together.
Step 4
Fold the raw edges on three sides – two long and one short – and insert pins to hold both the fabrics in place. Sew 1/2-inch seam along the three pinned sides, leaving one short side open. Remove the pins and set them aside as you sew.
Step 5
Turn the valance right side out from the short side you left open. Fold down under the open end by 1/2 inch and sew it shut by hand.
Step 6
Fold the fabric along the top and short sides twice by 1 inch. Fold the other long side for the top of the fabric only once by 1 inch. Insert pins to hold the fold in place. Sew along the folded edges using a 5/8-inch seam.
Step 7
Spread the fabric face down and fold its top edge by 3 inches to form a rod pocket that measures 1/2 inch larger than the rod. Sew along the tip of the 3-inch fold to form a pocket for the drapery rod. Alternatively, measure 3 inches down from the top of the fabric and mark the sewing line, using a row of pins.
Step 8
Iron the valance to remove folds or creases. Insert the rod pocket into a corner of the drapery and slide it across to the other corner, spreading the fabric so it is evenly distributed.
Tip
Use matching thread when sewing seams and hems.
