Tutorial: Ribbon Valence

It's been a while since we've had a "real" blog post around here, so here's an easy tutorial that we whipped together. Shoot us an email with any questions. Now let's begin!

First, measure your curtain rod/window to get an idea of how much fabric to buy. Add an extra two inches (1 inch per side) to the length of your curtain rod and you'll be good to go for the width of the valence. For the length of your valence we just used the WOF (44"), but your length depends on how big your window is and how far you want the valence to hang down.

Next, it's time to hem your raw edges. On all four sides, iron 1/2" and then another 1/2" to give your edge a nice finish.

Sew around all four sides, as close to the edge as possible. Remember to backstitch.

Now all four sides of your valence should have nice finished hems.

Then, sew the rod pocket. Measure the circumference of your curtain rod to figure out how big to make the pocket. Iron down the desired length...make sure you are ironing on the correct side (the width, not the length).

Sew as close to the edge as possible to finish off your rod pocket.

Now you are all finished with the hemming and rod pockets!

The next step is super simple. Hang up your valence and decide how long you want the main part of it to hang and where you want the ribbons to be placed. Basically just eyeball  an imaginary line and use your fingers to hold your spot.

Cut along the imaginary line you just barely created the whole way across your valence, making two separate pieces.

The next step is to add ribbons. You need to measure your valence and split it evenly into thirds (the above picture is pre-measuring!). Between each third, place one long ribbon (Make sure your ribbons are approximately 20" longer than your valence.) Fold each ribbon in half and leave one half hanging down the front of the valence, and the other half hanging down the back.

Here's a better close-up of how to place the ribbons. Then, match the top half of your valence right-sides-together with the bottom half of your valence, pinning the ribbons in place. You are now creating a seam which will make your valence into one piece.

Sew a 1/2" seam allowance.

If you did it right, your valence should look like the above picture. ^

Now just tie the ribbons into bows and you made a ribbon valence!