If you are thinking about making a
valance
for the first time and are wondering where to begin, then take a look at these tips taken
from our practical guide
TEACHYourself VALANCES |
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If you
have already made some curtains and are feeling keen to try something a
little more adventurous, why not attempt making some valances to match
your existing curtains or incorporate a valance into your next window
dressing sewing project? You will have great fun extending the skills
you have already acquired and in perfecting some new skills along the
way. |
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Understand what
we mean by a Valance |
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Stiff
pelmet |
Valance |
| Its so easy to
confuse valances with pelmets, but they are in fact two totally different types of window
dressing. A pelmet is flat and usually has a shaped lower edge. A valance is much softer in appearance with a gathered or pleated heading. The scope for design
variations is endless, so why not try your hand at creating something totally unique! |
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Application |
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Valances are very popular at the moment as they can be used in
combination with curtains to produce a complete window dressing or used
alone on small windows for extra interest. When used in combination
with roller or roman blinds they soften the window without the fussiness
that you might otherwise have with a more traditional form of window
dressing. They also serve the invaluable function of concealing any
unsightly curtain tracking, the heading on a roman blind or the roller
on a roller blind, that would otherwise be visible. |
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A box
pleated valance on a straight band gives a lovely tailored look.
This advanced valance has contrasting inserts and a knotted rope
trim. |
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| The
interlined valance shown here on the left, has a simple gathered heading. A knotted rope
trim has been applied to the lower edge of the tape and a
co-ordinating fringing accentuates the shaped bottom edge. Other
similar valance designs are shown to the right. |
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| Consider
your design options |
We have presented our
TEACHYourself VALANCES guide in easy to follow format using step by step
instructions. If you have never attempted making a valance
before then this guide will take you through the various design
options in order of the degree of difficulty involved. Start
with a valance with a straight lower edge and then move on when
you have perfected the basic skills. You will soon feel
confident to tackle valances within Section 7 – our Advanced
Design Options.
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| Check
out these few design options. They are bound to inspire you: |
- Taped headed
valances with either straight or shaped lower edges.
- Hand stitched
headed valances with trimmed or lipped lower edges that could
be either shaped or straight.
- Box pleated
valances.
- Hand stitched
headed valances with scalloped lower edges.
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Plan carefully |
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As
with all your soft furnishings projects, it is essential that you spend
some time planning your project:
- Choose the right
design. Read through our various design options picking the one
that is right for your particular project. There are designs suitable
for the either the complete beginner or the more competent sewer.
- Chose your fabric
with care. If you want a uniform appearance, then choose a fabric
that is the same weight as that used on any accompanying curtains or
blinds.
- Get the proportion
right. Whether a valance is successful largely depends on getting
the proportions right. Get the balance wrong and the valance will
either look far too heavy or too squat! About a sixth of the overall
curtain length or window size works well. Invest in some graph paper
and do a scale drawing. You will then be able to see straight away if
you have got the balance right.
- Choose the correct
method of suspension. There are lots of different methods you can
use for hanging your valance. By carefully reading through our
‘tracking section’ will help you make the choice that is right for
each particular project.
- Select the right
trimming. A valance will look best with a trimming applied to the
lower edge. It helps to add weight and definition. The trimming can
either be a band of material that matches the main fabric or a purpose
made trimming applied to the lower edge. The range of trimmings
available today is endless and some of the colour combinations are
exquisite. Take a look at our
TEACHYourself
SOFT FURNISHINGS SEWING TECHNIQUES
guide
for inspiration or visit the KA International web site for a taster of
their very reasonably priced and high quality trimmings.
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| Next Steps |
| Once
you have decided on the best design and fabric for your valance you are
ready to move onto making up your chosen design. If you are completely new to making soft furnishings, then its also a good idea
to ensure that you understand some of the basic sewing techniques before getting started
on more complex projects. These include the different stitches (hand and machine sewing)
and seams that are used when making soft furnishings. We've got this covered in our free guide to Basic Sewing Equipment and Techniques
which you can download, view, save or print off in no time at all. |
| The Simply Furnishings team has
produced a unique step-by-step guide to help you tackle your valance project with
confidence.
TEACHYourself
VALANCES offers all the
practical advice you'll need on how to make valances, including a full list of
materials and tools, design guidance and step by step cutting out, sewing, assembly and
installation instructions. Using tried and tested techniques, clear
instructions and illustrations, we will guide you through each stage of
the design and make up process step by step. In no time at all you will
be making your own beautiful valances with a really professional finish. Time to get to work! |
Good luck!
Wendy Molnar |
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