salemmm

I've been looking for some valances and can't find any I like-- so decided to make my own. Anyone have any good ideas on patterns? I live in a cabin-like house w/alot of pine trees. Carpet is burgundy- have olive green--tan-- hunter green colors to go w/ the casino colored carpet- haha

IrishNY

I've made lots of them. I typically go to Joanns and look through the pattern books for inspiration. There are about a million different types of valances out there. I also recommend using Home Dec fabric. I know it's more expensive but has a weight and a sheen that cotton doesn't. I tend to make balloon valences and the ones you just drape over the rod because I like the way they look.

C.Cal Quilt Girl

Curtans/Valances are fun, Pick what speaks to you. Then the pattern desired. So much better when you have on the windows that are pleasing to you, and remember if they don't work out can always make a Quilt out of the oops !!:)
Have looked thru mail order for the ideas straight, loops, frilly, measure window then X 2 or 3 on the with depending on how full you want them, then can line or not, so many options, Make sure to buy extra fabric, sure enough will want a Runner, Pillow, Potholder, Chair cushon to match.
Have Fun with it, no Curtain police either !! LOL

Sheets work great also :)

belmer

Too many to count.... I always made them 3 times longer for a better gathering Effect.

kellen46

The style depend on the look you want. Me I prefer a straight valance, gathered not too much and about 12 to 15 inches deep. I measure the window width and add a third for the gather. By keeping the style simple I can have a variety to change out if I get bored, also it it deep enough to hide shades or blinds if I want the option of darkening the room at some time. I have used quilt weight cottons but I really like the home dec weight fabric. The advantage here is a lot of times you can get it in 54" width which saves on seaming. I see lots of great Home Dec fabs on Fabric.com for about what you pay for regular cotton. I will say don't use silk unless you line it as the sun will rot silk in a very short time. I have also found great old time tablecloths at the thrift shop and they make great valances for a cottage look. In fact I have some up in my sewing room now.

grandma Janice

Your cabin would be great with some valances ,made by making a row of log cabin blocks using the colors to go with your home. do some 2 inch squares in row for top and bottom using same colors. I have some in my hall. Or you can make log cabin blocks and alternate them with patchwork heart blocks then trim.

mom-6

The ones I've made have been from solid color broadcloth. I used the width of my fabric per window. The depth of the valance varied depending on the look I was wanting. I measured that depth, doubled it and added a seam allowance, Then I stitched the seam, stitched a rod pocket (with ruffly top or not) and that was it, since it did not require a hem.

carolaug

would love to see some pictures of the curtains you have made. The log cabin quilt curtain sounds really nice.

sewingladydi

Check the pattern magazines like McCall's & Simplicity. They have home decorating patterns. Many are so simple that you can do it without the pattern. I've made many valances and panels over the years and most are pretty easy. The last one I made is an idea from a home dec pattern, but I made my own pattern. It's a pleated swag style and is mounted to a 1x2 board that sits on brackets over the window. I love it and it looks very custom

Have fun!