Sewing curtains with an attached valance is a great way to give your windows a stylish update while adding privacy, and insulation, blocking out light, and protecting furniture from the sun. However, one may need to know how to sew curtains with attached Valance. This adds style to the design.
Valances are elegant window covers that can quickly transform any window into a beautiful, finished look. If you’ve never sewn curtains before or if you’re looking for tips on how to sew curtains with an attached valance, don’t worry.
This guide will walk you through each step of the process. By following these simple guidelines, you’ll be able to sew gorgeous curtains in no time at all.
Related Article: How to Hold Curtains Together: 10 Quick And Easy Tips.
Why sew curtains with an attached valance?
If you’re looking for a way to update your windows, curtains with an attached valance are the perfect choice. Not only do they provide privacy and block out sunlight, but they also help insulate your home by trapping heat inside during the winter and keeping it cool during the summer.
Curtains also make a room look more elegant and finished.
How to measure for your curtains
When sewing curtains, it’s best to measure the length and width of your window. Measure from the outside edge of the left side of the window all the way to the right side.
Take this measurement and add two inches to each side. You’ll use this measurement when you purchase material for your curtains and valance.
If you want a longer valance, take your measurement and add four inches or more to each side. For instance, if you measured 84” wide by 106” long, you would purchase 96”x116” of fabric total (or 108″x120″) to account for a 4″ hem at the bottom of the curtains and 4″ at the top for a header that goes over your curtain rod or casing above your window frame.
How to cut your fabric
Before you sew your curtains, you need to cut your fabric. To start, measure the height and width of the window opening. Add an additional 4-8 inches to each measurement for overlap. For example, if your window is 60” wide by 85” tall, you would need 70” x 89” (or 5 yards) of fabric.
This will make sure you have enough fabric to make a curtain panel on each side of the window plus 1 extra panel to create the unattached valance. Once you know how much fabric you need, lay it out flat on the ground or floor with the right sides (the pretty sides) facing down. Fold over 2-3 inches at one end and cut off any excess fabric.
Then fold over 2-3 inches at the other end and cut off any excess fabric again. When measuring for this step, make sure that both sides are even; otherwise, your curtains won’t hang correctly on your window.
Once all four edges are straight, unfold one edge so it’s lying flat against the floor or ground with one side folded up at a 90 degree angle to give yourself room to work with.
Measure out 3″ from each corner square inwards towards the middle of your fabric until there is just barely enough space for a seam allowance plus 1/2″. Cut through these lines to create 4 squares around each corner that are 3×3″ in size. The center square should not have cuts made
How to attach the valance?
After you’ve sewn the curtains, it’s time to attach the valance. You can do this by sewing a straight stitch along the top edge of the valance. Make sure the fabric is folded over so it doesn’t get in your way when you sew.
Then, pin the valance to one side of each curtain panel. Sewing along the top edge should be enough to keep your valance in place. If you have any extra fabric at the bottom of your curtains, just cut it off and hem that edge with a straight stitch using a bright color thread so it looks neat and tidy.
Fold one panel about halfway onto itself so it creates an uneven hem. This will allow you to sew around all four edges of both panels at once, ensuring that they are even on both sides.
Start at one corner and hold both panels together as you sew all four edges, making sure not to catch any other material in your sewing machine or needle in order to avoid snags or puckered seams (A).
Flip the panels over and do the same thing with the opposite side (B) and then move on to attaching your next two panels in a similar manner (C). When finished, you should have two sets of matching panels that match up perfectly on all four sides!
Sewing the curtain panels
The first step in sewing curtains is to measure your window. You’ll need these measurements to create panels that are the correct size for your window.
Measure the height and width of the window, then add 1 inch to each measurement. This will provide you with enough fabric for both sides of the curtain panel, so it will be plenty long enough to cover your windowsill.
Next, lay out your fabric on a flat surface with one edge facing towards you, fold it in half so both edges are meeting at the center fold line, then cut along the fold line. This should give you two panels that are exactly the right size for your windows.
Now it’s time to sew the curtains! Start by folding one panel in half with right sides together (the outside edges of each panel should be touching), pinning them together, and sewing them together along 3 sides – one side should remain open so you can turn this panel inside-out when you’re done sewing it.
After turning this panel inside-out, do not press it because pressing would flatten the seam and make it difficult for you to sew other seams later on. Now repeat these steps to sew together two additional panels – making sure that they are mirror images of each other before sewing them together!
Sewing the long panel
The first step is to sew the long panel. This is the fabric that will fall from the top of the window and cover the length of it. Depending on how wide your curtains are, you’ll need to measure and cut two pieces of fabric so they’re twice as wide as your desired curtain width.
Once you have them cut, pin them together so you have a long piece of fabric that’s twice as wide as your desired curtain width. Now it’s time to sew a hem at each end of the long panel. Fold over one inch and then another inch next to it and stitch in place with a straight stitch line.
Remember not to sew too close to the edge or else it could fray. Then, fold over an inch again and stitch in place again (with a straight stitch line). Finally, fold over an inch once more and stitch in place (with a straight stitch line).
Your hem should look like this:
1 1/4″ | 1 1/4″ | 1/2″ | 1/2″.
Repeat this process for both ends of the long panel and then iron flat each hem before moving on to step 2 – sewing the skirt panel.
Sewing the short panel
First, you will need to measure your window. If you’re not sure how to measure a window, here is a helpful guide. Once you’ve determined the length of your panel, sew it together.
Next, take the top of the panel and fold it down so that it reaches two inches from the ground.
Then, sew a seam in that area so that when you turn it over, there will be a seam in the middle where the top meets the bottom. Repeat this step for your other short panel as well.
Now, take one set of curtain panels and put them right sides together with each other to create a long piece of fabric. Sew this side all along by starting at one end and sewing until you get to the other end. Then repeat this step for the second set of curtains-you should now have one long panel with both sets sewn on!
Take each corner of this newly created long piece and measure four inches down from the corner (you’ll want them even). Then make two diagonal cuts which will shorten each corner by four inches (turning them into eight inch corners). This may not make complete sense until you do it but don’t worry; it’s easy!
Now find the center point of one curtain’s hemmed edge (where there is no fabric yet). Pin one side to meet up with this center point on both curtains (making sure they are lined up evenly), then pin down another side until they
Adding header tape
One of the most important steps in sewing a curtain is adding header tape to the top of the fabric. You can buy this from home stores or online, but it’s also easy to make your own. All you need is a yard of fabric, some iron-on hemming tape, and a hot iron.
First, cut a strip of fabric as wide as your window width plus 8 inches. Fold it in half lengthwise and press it flat with an iron. Allow the fabric to cool then unfold it and press it again.
Then fold it widthwise so that the pressed lines run vertically on either side of the fabric and press again with the iron. Finally, cut off any excess at each end and you’ll be left with a rectangle of fabric with folded edges all around. Fold these edges back on themselves to form finished ends, then apply some adhesive by using an iron on hemming tape (or by sewing) on one long edge.
This will create your header tape which you can sew onto your window frame by following the instructions below for attaching curtains to a rod or tracks.
FAQS
What is the difference between a valance and curtains?
A valance typically sits on top of the window frame, while curtains hang either inside or outside the frame. Curtains are often used to block light, provide insulation, protect furniture from the sun, and create privacy. Valances are usually decorative and sit atop the window frame without covering it.
How do I sew curtains with an attached valance?
First measure your window for length and width. Cut two pieces of fabric to be 2 inches wider than the size you measured for both length and width. Fold each piece in half lengthwise, then unfold them so that they are flat sheets again. Mark where you want your curtain rod to be on one of the pieces by drawing a straight line across it at least 1 inch below where you want to attach your valance. Sew along this line with a sewing machine or by hand using a straight stitch so that you have two separate pieces – one with an attached valance, one without.
Do I need special equipment?
You will need a sewing machine or needle and thread if you’re sewing by hand otherwise just follow the instructions provided by your sewing machine’s manufacturer for how to use it with various fabrics. Some people find it helpful to have pins too.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to sew curtains with an attached valance, are you ready to get started? If you’re wondering how to sew curtains with an attached valance, this tutorial will show you just how easy it can be.
Sewing curtains is a great way to update your home decor, and adding a valance is a great way to complete your window. This tutorial will provide the measurements needed, the number of steps it takes to execute, and the essential things you need to know about sewing curtains with an attached valance.
