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Button back valance

button back valance

A button back valance is a variation on the box pleated valance. It offers contrasting pleated flaps and covered buttons. This window treatment has elegant lines that work beautifully in a casual, informal decor style.  Really a look of tailored simplicity.  Box pleat valances are the perfect topper, hang them alone above a window for a decorative flair or pair them with drapes.

 This button back valance features contrasting fabric inside of each box pleat. The corners of the box pleats are buttoned back to reveal the fabric inside.  You can customize your box pleated valance to your exact specifications. Customize the length, width and number of pleats.  This valance is made with two face fabrics… your main fabric on the front of your valance (here we used a floral)… and then a contrasting or complementary fabric on the inside of the box pleats (a check was used).  The number of pleats and the spaces between them varies, depending on the size of the window, the desired valance length and other design considerations.  In some cases, it may be desirable to align pleats with existing divisions in the window space created by moldings or mullions.  You may also want to consider the fabric you are using.  In this instance we repeated a large motif in each space between the pleats.
You’ll reveal the inside fabric by pinning back the corners of the box pleat with buttons. This is also the box pleated valance pattern you would want if you are planning on making a 2-fabric box pleated valance…. just don’t button back the corners.
This button back box pleated valance is installed onto a dust board… and you can easily modify these instructions to make a window valance of any size… and with as few or as many box pleats as you’d like.
Notice that pillows were made out of the contrasting check fabric.  Scraps were used to create a pattern and piping was added from the floral fabric giving the pillows a unique, custom design.  A covered button cinched in the middle ties in the style of the valance..
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  • CourtneyMarch 2, 2012 - 1:12 pm

    Hi Susan,
    So nice to meet you today. My sister and I love your site! Looking forward to getting to know you more.
    Courtney

  • Beth MerryJuly 27, 2012 - 4:48 pm

    Hi. Is it possible to hang a button-back valance on a curtain rod instead of on a dust board? I’m looking for a pattern for this style of valance. Thank you.

    Beth

  • Susan DorbeckJuly 30, 2012 - 8:26 am

    You can add a pocket to the top of the valance and I would suggest folding it down to the back of the valance and hand stitching it in place so it doesn’t show on the front face of the valance. Don’t be afraid of a dust board though, it is very simple to do.
    Send me your measurements as well as a picture of your window and I’ll walk you through the making of the valance.
    Susan

  • LeonoraSeptember 5, 2012 - 8:52 pm

    Hi Susan, Looking for the pattern or instructions to make the button back valance on a rod. (already have rod). Window size is 60″ wide, plus 6″ more for decorative rod. Would you let me know how I might be able to obtain the steps? Kind regards, Leonora

  • Ruth BrownFebruary 25, 2013 - 5:10 pm

    Hi, I was wondering if I could purchase the pattern for the button back valance? I have looked and looked and cannot find one, this would be a great help for me in doing my niece’s kitchen.

    Thank you so much,
    Ruth

  • NenitaMay 17, 2013 - 9:55 am

    Susan,
    So inspired by my latest accomplishment with your unselfish guidance, I would like to try this button back valance as well for my family room. Is it possible fo buy the pattern or instructions for this. I have 3 windows side by side, 3rd window is angled like in bay window. Thank you again.

  • Ruth DelvecchioDecember 27, 2013 - 7:16 am

    I want to use a magnet in the button back valance instead of the button. I want to attach another decorative piece that can be changed from time to time. Do you have any suggestions on how to insert the magnet into the flaps.

  • Susan DorbeckDecember 28, 2013 - 8:32 am

    What a great idea to use magnets instead of buttons. I don’t see why you would need to insert a magnet into the fabric, if the magnetic pull is strong enough you would just need to set it on the outside at the back of the fabric. If you would like it in the fabric I would suggest making a small pouch for the magnet, opening up a seam where you would like the magnet to be inserted and slip stitching the magnet pouch to the inside of the valance to hold it in place.

  • Valerie WoodnuttJanuary 4, 2014 - 6:31 pm

    Hi Susan, I LOVE this valence! It’s exactly what I am looking for in my recently re-decorated kitchen. The trouble is I have no idea how to make a regular box pleat valance! I couldn’t find anything on your web site to guide me but I”m not sure if I”m looking in the right place. Any advice would be very much appreciated. Happy New Year!
    Valerie

  • Kathy MoweryJanuary 14, 2014 - 1:09 pm

    I would like basic instructions on making the box pleat button back valance. All your valances are so unique and pretty. I have wanted these for a long time and could not find a pattern. I am so glad you are willing to share with us. Thank you

  • Susan DorbeckJanuary 19, 2014 - 11:06 pm

    Please contact me with the details and I would be delighted to work with you further.

  • Barb DoughtySeptember 29, 2014 - 1:16 pm

    Hi Susan – I am on the process of making a button back box pleat valence – I absolutely love the looks of this one that you made. The pattern I have calls for the contrast material within the pleat to be 12″ wide after sewing the 1/2″ seams. I just finished sewing all the pieces together for my smaller window which just has 1 full pleat in the center and the half pleats at the corners.

    My question is with the width of the contrast material within the pleat. With the 12″ insert that I have used it doesn’t seem like I will be able to button back the pleat as far as you did with yours so the results will not be as nice. I was thinking I should increase the width of my contrasting material in the pleats but was wondering if you could offer any advise?

    Thanks,
    Barb

  • Susan DorbeckOctober 9, 2014 - 8:49 pm

    Thanks for the pictures, your valances look great. Glad I could be of help.

  • Deb StephensAugust 17, 2016 - 4:41 pm

    Just wondering if it is possible to purchase the pattern/instructions. I have been looking for a box pleat pattern for my kitchen. I have french doors as well as 2 large windows I would like to use this on. Lovely!

  • AshleyAugust 26, 2016 - 9:32 pm

    Is there a pattern available to make these button back valences? Thank you

  • Mary DuganFebruary 9, 2017 - 4:05 pm

    Are instructions for this valance for sale?
    Thank you.

  • Penny WarrickJuly 18, 2017 - 6:34 pm

    IS THERE PATTERN FOR THE BUTTON BACK VALANCE THAT CAN BE ADJUSTED IN SIZE

  • Susan DorbeckJuly 19, 2017 - 8:49 am

    The pleats can be adjusted to any size. I would probably not go any smaller than 8 or 10 inches per pleat width but there is no maximum. You can have a pleat just in the corners then folded back with a button leaving the valance plain in the middle.
    Divide your finished width by the number of pleats you would like to have and that’s how wide each one will be. For a contrast in the pleat I usually have 16 to 20 inches of contrast in the pleat.

  • Margret ToddOctober 24, 2017 - 3:15 am

    Thanks for the info on making the block valance with buttons! I saw this pic and wanted to revamp the valance for my patio door. I made a lined one way sliding drape for the window and had made a swag valance. I wasn’t happy as the valance was too bulky and heavy for the rod system. I wanted somethin New and Exciting and when I saw this I wanted it!
    I just finished it and it looks Stunning!
    Thank you so much!

  • Sandra DuerksenSeptember 21, 2018 - 11:10 pm

    Is there a pattern available to purchase for the button back valance. My window is 62 inches wide and I have a 3 inch wide rod that I would still like to use. It is a very attractive valance. Thanks!

  • Leslie StrathJune 6, 2020 - 11:29 am

    Hi Susan
    I would love to make this button back valance. Where can I get the pattern/instructions? Thanks for you help

  • Melanie DaultonOctober 23, 2020 - 1:11 pm

    Hi Susan,

    I would like to make the button back valance. Where can I find the pattern/instructions? Thank you for your assistance. Melanie

  • Patricia HenrichsSeptember 1, 2022 - 4:45 pm

    Where can I get the pattern for the button bak valance?

  • Brenda KnappenbergerApril 20, 2023 - 2:59 pm

    I love the button back valance and would love to make it for my 144” patio door (3 individual doors measuring 48” each). I already have the fabric but need instructions. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.Thank you. Brenda

  • Carol RobertsJune 3, 2023 - 8:27 pm

    I can’t tell you how much I love your Button Back Valance. I would love to get the pattern if and where available.
    Thank you for your time.

  • Le Ann JacksonFebruary 12, 2024 - 7:30 pm

    I would also love the pattern. Where can we find it?

  • Le Ann JacksonFebruary 12, 2024 - 7:33 pm

    I would like to know where we can find this pattern?

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