How to Design Valances and Curtain Edgings, Part 1

Valances which extend across the entire width of the window tend, by their horizontal lines, to make a room look lower. Long straight curtains without valances tend to make a room look higher. Both these methods of window treatments may be used to attain the desired effect in a room.

Fitted valances may be lined with a heavy cotton material similar to canvas : buckram is apt to crack and damp weather loosens the gum and the valance loses its shape. Heavy compo board is also used, but this requires a workshop and an experienced upholsterer.

If we are very ambitious and want to make a fitted valance we should go at it carefully. First cut a heavy paper pattern, the desired shape; do not make too many curves, as it will make the process of applying the edging difficult. See that the pattern just fits the window top and comes over the side the depth of the trim so as to conceal the rod that supports the curtain. Then cut the heavy cotton lining. Put this on the goods, being careful on a figured goods that the middle design is well proportioned and well spaced. Cut the goods an inch larger than the cotton lining, pin it over and sew it down, taking care that the stitches do not show through. Then put on the edging, guimpe or fringe, as the case may be. Guimpe may be put on 1 inch or so from the edge, forming an insertion. With metal galloon this gives a good effect. With velvet or velour do not sew the galloon too tight, as it will sink below the nap. After the guimpe is sewed on, being particularly careful that neat corners are turned, lay on the sateen lining and blind-stitch it down, leaving a half inch margin. If the material permits pressing, press the valance and the guimpe, and then tack on to a thin board, 3 inches wide by 1/2 inch thick, and attach this board to the top trim. This allows for the free  play of the curtains hung on a separate rod underneath. Valances of plain velvet are very handsome when combined with curtains of a harmonizing damask or brocade. Other valances may be made of plain toned linen, blending with the vari-colored linen curtains. This brings out the color desired accented in the curtains. Keep the valance dark in tone.

Velvet valances may be used with linen hangings, but the linen must be very handsome to warrant the combination; otherwise the contrast in the two textures cheapens the linen. With deep tones of mulberry and old blue this combination is strikingly successful. The headings of valances are similar to those of curtains. They may be simply shirred or pleated, box-pleated or French headed. The latter consists of taking 3 small tucks about 3/8 inch deep, depending upon the weight of the texture of the material, and about 2 1/2 inches or 3 inches from the top. The pleats should be sewed at the top and also at the point where the hook is attached. Long French hooks may be bought at 30 cents a dozen, and these should be attached firmly at the top and bottom of the heading. The hook then fastens into the ring attached to the rod.

Box-pleats should be as wide as the space between that which separates them. The pleats should be tacked top and bottom and then sewed on to the hook. A flat tape may be sewed on to the heading where the hook is attached to save wear in the goods itself. Pleats are more professional than shirrs or gathers, but they must be measured exactly, sewed firmly and pressed well. Fancy draping should be left to the professional curtain-maker or, better still, be dispensed with altogether.