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Sewing a Tie-Up Valance

Add a bit of shape to a window valance by sewing ties along the curtain. Since a window valance is short, you won't need to worry about actually raising the curtain, as the ties serve more of a decorative than a functional purpose. Choose ribbons for the ties that coordinate with the fabric of the valance. For a more rustic look, use a thin piece of rope instead of ribbons.

Things You'll Need

Curtain rod
Measuring tape
Fabric
Scissors
Straight pins
Matching thread
Sewing machine
3/4 inch to 1 inch wide ribbon

Instructions

- 1
  Hang the curtain rod in the window. Measure from the top of the rod to the bottom of the windowsill. Divide that measurement by three to determine the length of fabric to cut.
- 2
  Measure across the width of the window, inside the frame. Multiply that measurement by two to determine the width of fabric to cut.
- 3
  Cut a piece of fabric based on your measurements.
- 4
  Fold the fabric in half widthwise with the right sides facing in. Pin the fabric together along the long side.
- 5
  Sew along the long edge of the fabric with a half inch seam allowance.
- 6
  Turn the fabric right side out. Sew another row of stitches 2 inches away from the long edge of the fabric to make a pocket for the curtain rod.
- 7
  Cut two pieces of ribbon that measure 1/3 the height of the window.
- 8
  Drape each piece of ribbon over the curtain. The fold of the ribbon should be over the top of the curtain rod pocket. Position the ribbons an equal distance apart, one on each side of the valance. Pin in place, just under the stitches on the curtain rod pocket, then sew to the fabric.
- 9
  Slide the valance onto the curtain rod in the window. Bring the ends of each piece of ribbon together and gather up the fabric of the curtain underneath. Tie the ribbons into bows.

Sewing