Simple, Reversible Window Valance - Tutorial Tuesday

Occasionally, I talk about our ski condo around this time of the year. It's a great place to try out new decorating techniques that might not coordinate with my home decor. Case in point, these cozy flannel/burlap window valences:



Though I was going for a lodge-y, cabin-y feeling here, you could easily coordinate this idea with your own decor. So, let's make some Simple, Reversible Window Valences!

Supplies:

Two coordinating styles of fabric
Brown craft paper
Measuring stick or tape
Sewing machine
Thread
Scissors

Begin by measuring your window to determine the width of the valance. I was beginning with a 66 inch window, and I wanted two valances side by side, so I used fabric that was 34 inches wide and 28 inches long. This gave me a nice 12+ inch length on the valance after it was hung over the bar and allowed for the seams.

Make a simple pattern using your craft paper and your measurements. I've shown it below on a smaller sheet of paper:



To get a nice, symmetrical pattern, fold the paper in quarters and draw half of the shape as shown below, then cut it out. Both of your sides and the top and bottom will be perfectly symmetrical!



Use this pattern to cut out the fabric in the desired size and shape. Cut out two pieces of coordinating fabric for each valance.

Pin the pieces, right sides together, and sew around the outside edge. Mark a 3-4 inch space on one side. When sewing, leave a gap in your marked space along the side in order to turn the fabric right side out after you've finished.

Turn the whole thing right side out.

Press.

Hang over a wooden bar, pulling the back down a bit lower than the front. Easy-peasy lemon-squeezy!



You can flip the valence either way for a different look! See?



I'll have a great recipe for you tomorrow and don't forget to enter my Blogiversary Giveaway before you leave!