roman valance
I like using a vertical striped fabric to create a horizontal pleated valance; you don’t lose any of the pattern.
In this roman shade, the horizontal folds add a softness to the treatment and the stripes pick up the colors of the wallpaper.
This valance is called a roman valance since it mocks the look of a roman shade but in fact it is stationary.
The ties provide no function but add a lot of style.
In this case the ties were made of the same fabric as the pillow shams, tying in the bedding to the window treatments.
by Susan Dorbeck
how did you hold your pleats together on reverse side?
did you use a pattern?
These pleats are sewn right into the treatment, lining and all. This adds weight and body to the valance. Once you have prepared and sewn your fabric and lining together allowing for the proper width of your window, measure up 4″ from the bottom hem and mark this line with pins or chalk on the right side of the fabric. Then measure up 8″ more and mark. Place these two lines together, (wrong side of fabric together) and sew along the lines on the right side of the fabric. This gives you your first pleat. Repeat this process three more times giving you 4 sets of 4″ pleats for a total of 16″ finished length for your valance.
Hi,
Can you tell me what size board works best and the size of your returns. Do you have any tips for keeping the pleats flat to avoid looking hobbled or is sewing enough?
Hi Adrienne, Your return size depends on what you are covering. If there is a blind behind the valance you may need anywhere from a 3″ return to a 6″ return. Generally if there is no blind to cover up I use a standard 1″ X 4″ board that I purchase at my local HomeDepot. If you find that the valance waves along the bottom of the folds, slide a small diameter drapery rod into the folds which will hold it straight.
Hi Susan,
Do you measure 4″ up from bottom or top of hem? Also, when sewing the 2 lines together are you sewing through just the 2 layers of fabric/lining formed from the fold or are you picking up the back and sewing through 3 layers of fabric/lining?
Thank you for your reply. Your work is beautiful.