Crafting Austrian Swag Valance: A Step-By-Step Guide

Swag valances are a great way to dress up a window. They can be used to complement a set of curtain panels or stand alone for a finished yet open look. A swag is a piece of fabric that is usually pleated or gathered to create a half-circle shape. It is part of a valance, which is a top window treatment. Austrian swag valances can be purchased online or made at home. Making an Austrian swag valance is a simple project, even for beginners, as it only requires a straight line to sew and mostly involves draping.

How to Make an Austrian Swag Valance

Choosing the right fabric

Type of Fabric

Select a material that drapes effortlessly and fluidly, such as silk, faux silk, or soft velvet. These fabrics create elegant and graceful folds, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the valance. The choice of fabric also determines how well your valance hangs and falls, so choose a material that complements the desired look.

Fabric Weight and Fraying

Consider choosing a fabric that is not too heavy and frays less. A lightweight fabric will drape more gracefully, and less fraying means easier hemming, resulting in a neater finish. When choosing your fabric, examine the raw edge to see if it unravels easily. This simple test will help you determine how prone the fabric is to fraying.

Fabric Width and Length

Determining the width and length of the fabric required is crucial. Measure the width of your window, including the trim, and add 2 to 3.5 inches for a standard window. If you want a more casual look, go with the higher value. For a more formal look or if you plan to hang draperies underneath, add up to 10 to 30 extra inches to make your window appear wider.

Regarding length, Austrian swag valances are typically offered in short, standard, or long options. Short lengths are ideal for inside mounts on French doors or narrow windows, while long lengths work best when hung at least 9 feet from the floor. The standard length is a popular choice, with a 20 to 22-inch drop at the swags, creating a balanced and proportionate appearance.

Fabric Colour and Pattern

The colour and pattern of your fabric will depend on your personal preference and the overall style of the room. If you want a pop of colour or a statement piece, consider vibrant hues or bold patterns. For a more subtle and elegant look, opt for neutral or soft tones that complement the surrounding décor.

Additionally, consider the lighting conditions of the room. If you need more light control, opt for a darker or opaque fabric. If you want to manipulate the lighting throughout the day, a tie-up valance is a great option, allowing you to adjust the fabric to let in more or less sunlight.

Measuring the window

To make an Austrian swag valance, the first step is to measure your window. This will ensure that your valance fits perfectly and achieves the look you want. Here is a step-by-step guide to measuring your window for an Austrian swag valance:

Step 1: Determine the Width

Start by measuring the width of your window, including any trim. If you plan to hang draperies underneath your valance, consider adding 10 to 30 inches to this measurement to create a wider window effect. For a standard window, you can add 2 to 2.5 inches to the width for a formal, flat hang, or go for a more casual look by adding 2.5 to 3.5 inches.

Step 2: Decide on the Length

The length of your Austrian swag valance will depend on the look you want to achieve. If you have French doors or very narrow windows, a short length that mounts inside the frame may be best. For a standard length, you can expect a drop of around 20 to 22 inches at the swags, including any tabs. If your valance will hang at least 9 feet from the floor, a long length is more suitable.

Step 3: Measure the Curtain Rod

The next step is to measure the length of your curtain rod and decide how far down you want the swag valance to hang on each side. This will determine the overall length of your valance. Remember to add extra length if you are unsure, as you can always cut it back but can't make it longer.

Step 4: Calculate Swag Depth

Decide how deep you want your swag to be and how far down each side you would like it to hang. A good rule of thumb is to make the length of your valance equal to a quarter of the height of the window, plus an extra inch.

Step 5: Choose a Draping Style

If your Austrian swag valance will be a standalone treatment, get creative with the draping. You can wrap it in loops over the curtain rod or experiment with uneven lengths on the end pieces. Play around with different styles to see what works best for your window and your personal taste.

Remember to add a few extra inches to your final measurements for hemming and draping allowance. This will ensure that your Austrian swag valance hangs beautifully and can be adjusted as needed.

Cutting and hemming the fabric

To make an Austrian swag valance, you will need to start by cutting and hemming the fabric. This process involves several steps, ensuring that your valance will be the correct size and shape for your window and curtain rod.

First, determine the width of your fabric by measuring from the top of your curtain rod to the lowest point on the window where you want the valance to hang. It is important to add some extra fabric to this measurement to allow for hemming and draping. The amount of extra fabric needed can vary depending on the desired style and formality of the valance. For a standard window, adding 2 to 2.5 inches will create a more formal, flat hang, while 2.5 to 3.5 inches will result in a more casual, relaxed look. If you plan to hang draperies underneath, consider adding up to 10 to 30 inches to enhance the width of your window.

Next, decide on the length of your valance. You can choose a short, standard, or long length, depending on your window size and personal preference. A short length is suitable for inside mounts on French doors or narrow windows, while a long length works best for windows hung at least 9 feet from the floor. The standard length is a popular choice, offering a 20 to 22-inch drop at the swags, including the tabs.

Once you have determined the width and length, cut your fabric accordingly, adding a few extra inches to each measurement to allow for hemming. Before beginning the hemming process, test the size of your valance by draping it over the curtain rod. This will help you visualise the final result and make any necessary adjustments.

Now, you can start hemming. Begin by folding the edges of the material inward by 1/4 inch and ironing them flat. This will create crisp, neat edges for your valance. After ironing, sew a straight seam about 1/8 inch from the edge all the way around the perimeter of the fabric. This will secure the hem and give your valance a finished look.

By carefully measuring, cutting, and hemming your fabric, you will create a well-fitted Austrian swag valance that complements your window and enhances the overall aesthetic of the room.

Draping the swag valance

Firstly, determine the width of your material by measuring from the top of the curtain rod to the lowest point on the window where you want the valance to hang. It is recommended to add 6 inches to this measurement to allow for hemming and draping. This extra material will ensure you can adjust the swag as necessary. The length of your valance should be around a quarter of the height of the window, plus an extra inch.

Next, choose your fabric. It is best to select a material that drapes easily and fluidly, such as silk, faux silk, or soft velvet. It is also helpful to choose a fabric that doesn't fray easily to simplify the hemming process. Before cutting the material, it is a good idea to give the valance a test run by draping it over the curtain rod. This will allow you to check the width and length and make any necessary adjustments.

Now, you can prepare the fabric by folding and ironing the edges. Fold the edges of the material in a quarter of an inch and iron them flat. Then, sew a straight seam about an eighth of an inch from the edge all the way around.

Finally, you can drape the swag valance. Place it over the top of the curtain rod, with the center of the valance hanging over the front of the rod and the end sections behind to secure it in place. Adjust the front of the valance to your predetermined vertical length. If the swag is being used with curtain panels, ensure the end pieces are tucked behind and out of sight. If the swag is on its own, you can drape the sides decoratively. You can get creative with the draping style by wrapping the fabric in loops or using uneven lengths on the end pieces.

Adjusting for the perfect fit

Once you have your measurements, chosen your fabric, and cut your material, it's time to adjust for the perfect fit.

First, fold the edges of the material in 1/4 inch and iron them to help them lay flat. Sew a straight seam 1/8 inch from the edge all the way around. This will give your valance a polished look and prevent fraying.

Next, drape the swag valance over the curtain rod, with the centre hanging over the front of the rod and the end sections behind to secure it in place. Adjust the front of the valance to your predetermined vertical length. If your swag valance is being used over curtain panels, ensure the end pieces are tucked behind and out of sight. If your swag valance is on its own, drape the sides decoratively. You can get creative with the draping style by wrapping the fabric in loops over the curtain rod or using uneven lengths on the end pieces.

If you're working with a tie-up valance, you can adjust the ties on each side to let in more or less light. Hitch up the fabric to allow more sunshine into the room, or loosen it to cover more of the window.

For a more elaborate look, consider using two curtain rods or a double curtain rod to layer the valance over the drapes. This will give your window an upscale, refined touch.

Remember, it's always better to have extra material than to come up short. You can always cut away excess fabric, but you can't add more if you need it.

Frequently asked questions