How to Make a Faux Roman Shade Valence
A faux roman shade valance can be a perfect addition to your window. Even though it may look expensive, it can be made at an affordable value. A faux roman shade valance can be great for most types of rooms and allows you to make custom creations. You can make it at home with proper planning and construction. You can also start a small business once you know how to do it. In this article, we will explain in detail how to make a faux roman shade valance.
Materials and Measurement
You will be requiring
Once you have gathered the materials, you will now have to make the appropriate measurement. Make sure that not all windows are available in the same sizes. You need to measure it carefully and cut 1 by 2 boards. For the width, you will have to add one inch and for the length, you can add 20 extra inches. To assist you further, it is the distance of the valence to the wall.
Length of the Valance
The next important step is to decide the length of the valence. Most valances are 6 inches long. You can find a three-fold valence with a maximum of 18 inches. It can also come down to 12 inches. However, getting the right one is a user preference. Do keep in mind that valances should be in good proportion to the window and must occupy 25% of the window's perceived length. For example, if your window is 40 inches long, then the recommended valence length is 12 inches. If your window is wide, then you can create a two-fold valence of 12 inches in length.
Making Markings
Always calculate the cut fabric width carefully. It has to be twice the width of the valence along with an additional 2 inches. If your window is 48 inches wide and is mounted on a board of 1 by 2 inches, then the fabric cut width is 52 1/ 4 inches. You will have to know that boards are less than the width size. Make sure that you give appropriate markings so that you don't waste anything.
Calculating the Length of the Cut Fabric
We can now move on to the next step which is calculating the length of the cut fabric. Proceed with the top valance fold. For this, you will have to add twice the fold length and double the head apron. Here you will have to know about the head apron.
If you don't know what a head apron is, then it is the folded fabric that is folded and stapled onto the headrail. Now comes the second fold, which is four times the fold length plus double the apron. With this, you will be able to create two-fold valence.
You need to add 6 inches with each fold and a one-inch fold-over on the headrail. The fold has to be 14 inches and the second fold must be 26 inches. This will make a combined length of 40 inches. If in any case, you are looking to make the third fold, then you will have to add 6 times the length and twice the apron. Similarly, for a four-fold design, you need to add 8 times the fold and twice of the apron.
Cutting the Fabric
To cut the fabric, you will have to leave it on the table. Make sure that you face the bottom edge towards you. Always keep the wrong side to the surface. You can give a fold on each side of the edge by an extra 1 inch and then give a press. To ensure that the fold remains intact, you can iron it gently. Again you will have to fold the top with the edge and you will need to make perfect markings.
Creating the Bottom Fold
In this stage, you will have to turn the fabric to make sure that the folded edge is away from you. Keep in mind that the wrong side of the fabric should be on the surface. Following this, you can measure the apron fold and compare it with the valence's finished length. You can now put the remaining fabric with appropriate measurement. In doing so, you will be able to create a bottom fold at the valance's bottom edge. You can leave the long straight edge by aligning the bottom edge and the full line.
Always fold the fabric up with that of the straight edge. You will be now able to have the right side of the fabric on the surface. Next, you can fold the valence fabric and align it with the top fold. Now the wrong side of the fabric comes on the surface again. With the help of pins, you can layer them on the top one after another of the fabric. Make sure that it is in a perfect layer.
Measurement of the Top Edge
Before you move onto the next stage, you will have to remove the straight edge. This has to be done carefully as it is sandwiched between the layers. Now you can measure the bottom and fold along with the valence fold amount. For this, you will have to place the straight edge at the measurement. The valence fabric must be folded right over the straight edge. You will be having the fabric on the surface and you already have a valance of two folds. Following this, you can align the top edges and include all the remaining layers. Ensure that you reposition it appropriately.
Sewing
The next step is sewing. You will have to sew across the valence with a difference of 3 by 4 inches. Leave a gap from the raw edges. Carefully turn on the layers with a fold-over of one inch and give a gentle fold. During this stage, you must keep in mind that you don't press the valance's body. It has to be unpressed and should be soft. Now you can align the fold along with the long edge of the headrail by stapling it. Go with the flow by stapling around the valance until it is complete. This helps to create a perfect valance.
Conclusions
There we go, if you follow these steps rigorously, you can make a faux roman shade valance with ease. You need to have patience and strive for the goal. You can also improvise on the way in order to make the roman shade even more beautiful. Customization can make products like roman shades better and match your décor.
