Crafting An Austrian Valance: A Step-By-Step Guide To Success

Austrian valances are a luxurious addition to any window, featuring a softly gathered appearance that is created with shirring tape. This forms soft, gathered folds and a scalloped bottom edge, giving a formal look to window treatments. While they may appear complicated, they are simple to make and install. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make an Austrian valance, including measuring, cutting, sewing, and installing the valance. With the right tools and techniques, anyone can elevate their home décor with this elegant window treatment.

Cutting and measuring the fabric

To make an Austrian valance, you will need to cut two widths of fabric at 36 inches long. The finished valance will be 14 inches high when completed. Lay the fabric out flat on a table, with the wrong side facing up. Find the centre and mark it. From the centre, measure 12 inches out on both sides and mark with chalk or straight pins. These will be the stitching lines for the three rows of shirring tape.

The next step is to sew the two pieces of fabric together and press the seam. Fold a hem of 1 1/2 inches on each side, press and pin, and then sew. At the bottom of the valance, fold a 3-inch hem, press, and then fold again. Pin and sew this hem, ensuring that you miter the corners at the side hem. Sew any trim or fringe that you desire along the bottom of the hem.

At the top, fold under 1/2 inch and press. Then, fold down 1 1/2 inches, press, pin, and stitch. This will create the rod pocket for the top of the valance.

Sewing the fabric together

To sew the fabric together, start by cutting two widths of fabric at 36 inches long. Sew these two pieces together and press the seam. Next, create the hems. Fold and press a hem of 1 1/2 inches on each side, then fold, press, pin, and sew again. At the bottom of the valance, fold a 3-inch hem, press it, and then fold it again. Pin and sew this bottom hem, ensuring you miter the corners at the side hem.

Now, sew any trim or fringe you desire along the bottom of the hem. At the top, fold under 1/2 inch and press, then fold down 1 1/2 inches, press, pin, and stitch to form the rod pocket. Lay the fabric out flat, wrong side up, and find the centre. Mark the centre and then measure 12 inches from the centre and mark this with chalk or straight pins. These will be the stitching lines for the three rows of shirring tape.

Centre the shirring tape on these lines, ensuring it starts at the edge of the hem and ends at the bottom of the rod pocket. Fold under the raw edges of the shirring tape where it meets the hem, and stitch through all layers. Stitch each side of the shirring tape carefully, being careful not to sew through the cords. Lay the project flat and pull the cords in each row of shirring tape to gather the fabric until it reaches a finished length of 14 inches.

Folding and pressing the hems

To make an Austrian valance, you will need to carefully fold and press the hems. First, fold a hem on each side of 1 1/2 inches, then fold again by the same measure, press and pin the hems in place, and then sew. For the bottom of the valance, fold a 3-inch hem, press it, and then fold it again. Pin and sew this hem, ensuring that you miter the corners at the side hem.

Now, you can sew any trim or fringe you desire along the bottom of the hem. At the top, fold under 1/2 inch and press, then fold down 1 1/2 inches, press, pin, and stitch. This will create the rod pocket for the top of the valance. Lay the fabric out flat, with the wrong side facing up. Find the center and mark it, then measure 12 inches outwards from the center and mark this with chalk or straight pins. These will be the stitching lines for the three rows of shirring tape.

The shirring tape will create the softly gathered appearance of the Austrian valance. It will also form a scalloped bottom edge, giving the valance a formal look.

Stitching the shirring tape

To stitch the shirring tape, start by finding the centre of the fabric and marking it. Then, measure 12 inches from the centre and mark with chalk or pins. These will be the stitching lines for the three rows of shirring tape. Place the shirring tape along these lines, ensuring that it starts at the edge of the hem and ends at the bottom of the rod pocket. Fold under the raw edges of the shirring tape where it meets the hem and stitch through all layers. Be careful to only stitch the sides of the tape and not through any of the cords. Once you have stitched the tape in place, lay the project flat and pull the cords in each row, gathering the fabric until it reaches a finished length of 14 inches. Securely tie the cords together and cut off any excess cord length. Finally, stitch across the top of the shirring tape, through the tape and cords, to secure them in place.

Installing the valance

Once you have created your Austrian valance, it's time to install it. This process is simple and straightforward.

Firstly, find the centre of the valance fabric by laying it out flat on a table, wrong side up. Mark this centre point, then measure out 12 inches from the centre and mark this point with chalk or pins. These will be your stitching lines for the shirring tape. The shirring tape will create the softly gathered appearance of the Austrian valance.

Next, centre the shirring tape on the lines you have created. The tape should start at the edge of the hem and end at the bottom of the rod pocket. Fold under the raw edges of the tape where it meets the hem, then stitch through all layers. Be careful to only stitch through the sides of the tape and not through the cords.

Now, lay the valance flat and pull the cords in each row of tape to gather the fabric until it reaches a finished length of 14 inches. Tie the cords securely and cut off any excess cord. Stitch across the top of the tape and through the cords to secure them.

Finally, install the valance on your chosen curtain rod. Adjust the folds to create a uniform and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Your Austrian valance is now ready to be displayed!

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