DIY Valance

Before we get started, I want to apologize for my lack of pictures on this tutorial. I was trying to get this project done in just an hour and forgot to take pictures of a lot of my steps (bad blogger). Good news is, this is an easy DIY and I think the written instructions will make sense on their own.

I wanted to make a lot of the things in the nursery myself so I restrained from registering or buying an entire nursery collection complete with bedding, curtains and pillows. I thought that if I made things on my own, I would be able to make everything turn out exactly how I want and not have to settle with what came in the box. Also, my vision was more shabby chic with touches of our personality mixed in. By making everything on my own, I am able to incorporate those special nuances without everything being too matchy matchy. I want it to coordinate but not have everything be identical.

So now that you know the background, here is how I made the valance. SUPER easy!

 

What you'll need:

Main color material - 1 yd

Secondary color (band at the bottom) - 1/2 yard

Scissors

Iron

Sewing machine

Curtain rod - $.97 at WalMart

Screwdriver

 

Take the main color, or top color, and measure it to be 15 inches long and about twice the size of your window (doesn't have to be exact, you just want enough so it will bunch and gather). My window was 33 inches. I unfolded my fabric and one end was 65 inches already so I only had to make one cut 15 inches down.

 

Next, take the bottom color and measure it to be only 5 inches long and the same width as your top fabric. So mine was 65 inches again. Because I didn't want to buy two yards of this fabric, I went ahead and cut two strips at about 32 inches and sewed them together to make one long 65 inch strip.

 

Now that you have both pieces cut, you want to sew your bottom band to the top piece by pinning right sides together. Once it is all in one piece, begin fold under and pressing the bottom and two sides. Once all three sides are pressed, go ahead and sew a straight line down on each side.

 

 

Your almost done! For the top, fold it under 3 inches and pin and sew close to the bottom. You will have one big open pocket. To give the ruffle affect at the top and to have your curtain rod fit snug, measure 1.5 inches from where you just sewed and sew another seam. Between those two seams is going to be the pocket that the rod goes in to.

 

And you're done! All that's left is to hang it up. I bought a curtain rod that is curved so the edges of the valance wrap around. I hope you find this as easy as I did!

 

 

Links to other nursery projects:

Silhouette wall art

Decoupage bookcase
Ruffled Crib Skirt