Want a custom window valance but can’t afford the hefty price tag? Make your own! This DIY window valance was easy to make and turned out better than I imagined. It’s requires very little sewing and only cost me $15!
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Window treatments can really make a statement in a room but they can be tough to navigate if you are on a budget. There are some affordable options out there if you are okay with generic colors and aren’t set on a specific style.
If you have a specific color scheme or style in mind, then it becomes a lot harder. Customizing allows you to the get the exact look you want, but you will have to pay for it!
When trying to decide on a window treatment idea for my daughter’s room, I originally wanted to use plain white panels. I didn’t want to have to break out the sewing machine and I love the look of long white panels.
But, after staring for weeks and denying the obvious, I finally decided that her window needed something custom. I scoured Pinterest for some inspiration and decided on a tie-up DIY window valance using the same fabric I used for her antique chair makeover.
The great news is that you can make your own window valance very easily, even if you aren’t a sewing expert. If you can sew a straight line, then you’ll be golden! I’ve done very little sewing in my life and if I can do this, then SO CAN YOU!
(Note: Also, you don’t have to own a sewing machine for this project. Ask a friend if you can use theirs! The sewing itself takes very little time. They would probably be more than happy to get you up and running on their machine. And once you see how easy this is, you may want to get your own machine for yourself!)
If you want to print out detailed instructions, then keep reading and you can snag them at the end of the post.
HOW TO MAKE THE EASIEST DIY WINDOW VALANCE
Here are the supplies that I used:
- Sewing machine (mine is a White brand machine that was given to me)
- Thread (I chose white)
- Curtain fabric (I chose a gray geometric duck cloth)
- Lining fabric (I chose a white cotton poplin)
- Ribbon (I chose a white 1-1/2 in. grosgrain)
- Tape measure
- Scissors (these have really great reviews)
- Straight pins
- Iron (optional)
- Curtain rod for hanging (I used something similar to this)
In my opinion, the most important part of sewing curtains is to plan it out properly on paper before ever turning on your sewing machine!
I started out by measuring my window and drew it all out on paper.
I wanted my curtain to cover the entire width of the window and trim, from outside casing to outside casing (36 inches).
Since this curtain would eventually be tied-up, I didn’t need it to be entire height of the window. I went with 3/4 the length of the window and trim, from top casing to bottom casing (about 34 inches).
Next, I determined exactly how much fabric I would need.
If you don’t like math, then this may make your brain hurt for a few minutes. It’s not hard math, I promise, but you need to be tedious.
I determined the amount of fabric I needed by adding up my curtain measurements PLUS seam allowances (I accounted for ½ in. seams on all sides) PLUS rod allowances (my curtain needed to wrap around the rod 2 in. on each side of the window) PLUS a rod pocket allowance (I left 2 in. at the top for this).
Here’s my math as an example:
As you can see, I needed 41 inches by 37 inches.
If you’re new to sewing, just remember that you’ll purchase your fabric by the yard. The fabric store can help you with this, but you’ll end up having to buy more than you need. There’s just no way to buy it to the exact measurements, although that would be nice!
After I purchased my fabric and cut it to my exact dimensions at home, it was time to prepare my fabric.
I like to pin my fabrics together so they don’t shift while sewing. I laid the fabric with the “right” side up (trust me on this!), laid the lining directly on top, and pinned around the left, right, and bottom edges.
(Please ignore the pins on the top in the picture below. I ended up taking them out – sorry for the confusion!)
(Note: Whether or not you line your curtain is a personal preference. If using any fabric other than white, I like to line my curtains. I don’t want bright colors or patterns to be seen from the exterior of my house).
Then, it was time to sew!
I sewed the three side of the curtain, leaving the top open. Since I only allowed 1/2 in. for each seam, I sewed my straight line 1/2 in. away from the edge of the fabric. I probably could have accounted for a slightly larger seam, but it worked out just fine. See, I’m learning too!!
I flipped the fabric so the “right” side was facing out.
This is optional, but I pressed my seams so the edges lay crisp and flat. This step gives it a more “finished” look, in my opinion.
When my seams were nice and flat, I sewed the top up. I folded the rough edges under about 1/2 in. to create my seam, pressed them so they laid flat, and then stitched straight across the top as close to the edge as I could.
Now it was time to create my rod pocket.
I used a simple metal curtain rod since it would be covered up in the rod pocket. My rod was not for looks this time around!
I folded the top of my curtain over to create my rod pocket. I allowed approximately 2 inches for this, but probably should have allowed a little more. My stitch went right over top of the seam stitch that was already there so that I didn’t create another line of stitching. Still following? 🙂
My rod fit in okay, but it was a little tighter than I would have liked.
sorry for the photo quality on this one 🙁
Finally, I added my ribbons.
Before I attached them, I measured them to the length of my curtain and then folded the edges over on each end and stitched them so they wouldn’t fray.
I sewed my ribbon over the top of the curtain, so that it hung behind and in front. This way, the ribbon could tie together under the piece of fabric. I sewed the ribbon along the rod pocket stitch line.
I decided to attach my ribbons so that they divided the curtain into thirds across the width. I’ve seen some pictures where they spread the ribbons further apart, but that’s totally your preference.
Once I was finished with all my sewing, you better believe I mounted it within minutes! I used a cheap metal rod that I already had at home and it took no time at all, other than a little pre-drilling.
I cinched up the fabric and tied the ribbons underneath. I’ve seen some people tie beautiful bows, but I left mine plain (for now at least). I may play with it later, but I love the clean and simple look!
you can’t see the ribbons, but they are there!
I’m so, so thrilled with how this sewing project turned out. This tie-up window valance is a great project if you aren’t very confident with a sewing machine but still want to try to make your own custom window treatment. The sewing and materials are very minimal!
I added up all the materials and this tie-up window valance only cost me about $15. It was worth the time it took me to figure out my machine (it was given to me but I’d never sewn with it) and I really achieved the custom look I wanted.
Click here for a PDF file with step-by-step instructions
If you want to save this post for later, you can pin it here:
Thank you for following along with my daughter’s bedroom makeover! If you missed any of the previous posts, you can catch them here:
- DIY Antique Chair Makeover (for under $10)
- A Custom DIY Picture Frame
- An Old School Wood Desk Makeover
- DIY Headband Holder Tutorial
- How to Transform an Old & Outdated Lamp
- 7 Things You Must Do to Prepare a Room for Painting
- A Bright & Colorful Lavender Girl Room Reveal
Have you done any sewing projects recently?
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