pick-up valance

A pick up valance is one of the quickest and easiest valances to make and the color and pattern can add a big splash to your room.

Here's what you need:

Decorator fabric  dressmaker fabric does not have body to drape nicely but I have used sheets in a pinch.
Lining if desired

Sewing machine and thread or stitch witchery

Ribbon, fabric or curtain tie backs

Measure your window, if it is more than 45" wide you will need 2 widths of fabric.  Most windows can use just a yard of fabric, 2 if it's wider.  My windows are very long so I used 11/4 yds per window.

I'll give the directions for unlined first.
Fold over the selvage sides of the fabric 1/2" 2 times, press and stitch down Do both sides.  The selvage is the factory finished edge.
Fold up the bottom edge the same way and stitch.  Look carefully many fabrics have a definite top and bottom to them.

Fold over the top edge 1/2" press, then fold over at least 11/2" for your rod casing.  Measure your rod unless it is a standard white rod this measurement may be different.  Pin, press and stitch.

if you want to line your valance cut the lining the same as the fabric, sew three sides together like a big pillowcase, leave the top open.  Trim, turn and press.  Follow the above directions to finish the top.  I always keep my eyes open for neutral sheets at GS to use as lining, if this creeps you out you can buy twin flat sheets at the big box stores for about $4 enough for 2 valances.

You can use anything from ribbon to tiebacks to do the pickup part of the valance.  The easiest way to do them is to slide the fabric on the rod, hand pleat the fabric about every 4" then slide the tiebacks or tie the ribbons etc when you hang the rods on the brackets. Adjust the pleats and folds until they look good to you.  Don't make yourself crazy trying to get two valances look exactly the same, it won't happen.  You can use 1 tie in the center  for a butterfly effect or 2 for a scooped look.  It sounds complicated but it really isn't unless you have fuzzy helpers like I do.

 Whoops the picture of the valance in the bedroom  did not come out right.  This is the kitchen, same valance.

if you don't sew you can do all of this with your iron and stitch witchery, the one that is about 1" wide.  I find this way much more time consuming.  If you don't have a sewing machine, bribe a friend with lunch, a home baked treat or margaritas.  Whatever it takes. When I sold custom window treatments, this treatment depending on fabric would run $150-$200.  Look how much you can save by doing it yourself.   Happy stitching!

If anyone has some good hints on doing pics in this program or a good tutorial please let me know.