How to Make your Own Curtains and Valances – [DIY]

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Designing your own curtain and valance is one of the most enjoyable do-it-yourself projects you could ever encounter. It’s not just about budget but it also has something to do with you making a curtain design that encompasses your favorite color, pattern, style, and fabric without compromising any. Also, by letting your creativity run wild, you could have a unique design evolving into an artistic masterpiece on its own.

First step is getting the right fabric. Choose a pliable one– such as cotton or broadcloth. To get a color that best compliments your room’s color scheme, take different swatches before deciding on and place them next to major parts in your room until you find the most suitable one. That’s when you start measuring.

To get your measurements right, determine the desirable length of your valance and curtain and measure from the top point to where you want your valance to end. Then measure from your top reference point of your bottom curtain and down to your windowsill. Add 7 extra inches to those both lengths and write them down.

Considering the width, it’s usually recommended that it’s twice the window width from right molding to left molding. Write those calculations down.

When you finally get your fabric, pre-wash and iron it before starting sewing as its size might differ after washing. Also ironing helps eliminate wrinkles and ease the process. Next step is cutting the edges straight in even lines by using your yardstick. Then make marks on the fabric that matches your earlier calculations to make cutting lines. Cut along the lines and split both your valance and curtain in halves so that you’re left with four pieces.

Make a top hem of 2 inches to slide your curtain rods through. And then you’re left with getting beautiful rods to complete your mission.

If you want a truly masterpiece, look for an unusual curtain rod that complements your room’s design. Find one that’s shaped like a bamboo pole to support a tropical design, or an antique sword in a vintage theme, or even a tree branch in an eco-friendly natural room, and so on.