How to Sew an Easy Ruffle Window Valance Curtain

Window valances never go out of style and are an easy DIY project. Use beautiful fabric to add a pop of color to create a simple valance for your living room, dining room, or kitchen.

This step-by-step tutorial explains how to sew a simple valance with a rod pocket and ruffled top. First, learn how to determine the valance's size and then how to sew it. Valances and curtains are simple sewing projects.

Do you want to make matching Cafe Curtains?  Click the link for our tutorial!

There are many different styles, and picking the right style and fabric for the windows is essential.

What are the three types of valances?

• Gathered Valance: A traditional valance with excess fabric bunched or gathered at the top.
• Scarf Valance: Usually made of light or sheer fabric, it drapes over the top of the window with a straight piece of fabric going across the top of the window.
• Straight Valance: The truest sense of simplicity is a straight piece of fabric on a rod across the top of the window.

Fabrics to Use for a Valance

Often, decorator fabrics are used for curtains, but you can also use lightweight, cotton, and scrap fabric. If you want light control, use a heavier or light-blocking fabric.

This tutorial shows how to make a DIY window valance that is gathered with a ruffle at the top. This will give windows a traditional look and can be hung alone or above regular curtains. 

Learn more about making curtain valances by watching our video, or keep reading this post for a photo tutorial with step-by-step instructions.

WHAT YOU NEED to make a ruffle window valance

• Main Fabric
• Scissors or rotary cutter and mat
• Sewing machine
• Measuring tape
• Sewing ruler
• Pins
• Iron
• Ironing board

INSTRUCTIONS showing how to make curtain valances

STEP 1: measure and cut the ruffled valance

First, it is necessary to determine the width of the fabric for the window valance. Measure the curtain rod and multiply that number by 1 1/2 or 2. To make a fuller window valance, multiply by 2.

The fullness of the valance is a personal preference, but multiplying by 2 allows for a full ruffle and nice side hems.

Next, determine how long to cut the fabric for the length of your valance fabric by measuring from the top of the valance and adding 6 inches to that.

This extra six inches allows for the top ruffle, the rod pocket, and a nice hem.

Cut fabric using scissors or a rotary cutter and mat. 

Step 2:  (OPTIONAL) Sew two pieces for THE width of the valance

It may be necessary to sew two pieces of fabric together to achieve the width of fabric needed.  If this is the case, follow this step to sew the fabric together to prevent the rod from getting stuck in the ruffled window valance and cover any raw edges.

With the right sides of the fabric together, sew a 5/8" seam allowance to join the two pieces to make the necessary width of the fabric.

To cover the raw edges of this seam allowance, cut away 1/4" of one seam allowance.

Fold under the other seam allowance to cover the cut seam allowance and iron.

Take the fabric to the sewing machine and sew it down right next to the fold that was just made. Remember to backtack when beginning and ending the stitching.

Step 3: sew the sideseams of the DIY window valance

The next thing to do when making the ruffled window valance is to hem the sides. Take the valance to the ironing board and turn under 1/4" toward the back of the fabric and use an iron to make a crisp fold.

Now, turn the side hem under 1" and iron. Use the sewing ruler to ensure the side hem is a consistent 1" wide on the side edge of the window valance.

Place pins to hold this fold down for sewing.

Take the ruffled window valance to the sewing machine. Sew a straight line close to the fold, being sure to backtack at the beginning and end of the stitching. Do the same for the other side hem. 

Step 4: sew the header and casing for the ruffled window valance

At the top of the fabric that will become the valance, use the iron on the ironing board to fold down the top 1/4", wrong sides together. Iron to make a crisp fold. 

Using the sewing ruler, measure 3" and make a second fold. Iron this 3-inch hem and pin it in place for sewing.

Take the window valance to the sewing machine and sew a straight stitch close to the new fold, being sure to backtack at the beginning and end of the stitching.

Once that hem is complete, sew a line of stitching one inch from the top of the ruffled window valance. This will form the pocket for the rod and make the ruffle at the top. Be sure to backtack at the beginning and end of the stitching.

Step 5: Hem the bottom of the window valance

Next, let's finish the bottom of the valance. Go to the ironing board and fold the bottom up 1/4". Press this crisply. Now fold it up 1 1/2" to make a bottom hem.  Iron a sharp crease and pin in place.

Take the window valance to the sewing machine and sew a straight seam next to the edge of the folded hem, being sure to backtack at the beginning and end of the stitch line.

The final step is to give the valance a good pressing.

Step 6: Insert the rod into the rod pocket to hang

Take the curtain rod and insert it from one end into the pocket that was made. Push through and gather until the curtain fills the rod. 

The DIY window valance is finished and nicely gathered across the window!

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