DIY Valance

*Post updated with pictures 3/11/2013*

We got a project done in the nursery today!

The valance for Elizabeth's nursery is now up! :) YAY!

I am going to do my best to describe how I did it, even though it's nothing fancy or special. :)

First of all, let me start off by saying I am NO sewing expert! Nor did I use a "pattern." I combined some ideas from myself, my auntie, and some other DIY things I have seen on Pinterest.

Secondly, the pictures were rushed today. I didn't mess with my ISO or getting a good angle or anything, and the lighting was changing so much that we didn't have a chance to get the pictures done before it changed. Sorry!

Without further ado, I'll start with some basic measurements:

My curtain rod was about 51.5" from hook to hook. So, I measured out about 77.5" (lengthwise) of fabric. 

I eyeballed how long I wanted the valance to be. It seemed that approximately 18" (including 2" overhang for the top) was about right. So I cut about 22.5" width.

First step was to iron it all out. 

Next, I folded over what would be my bottom seam about 1/4"-1/2" and ironed that down. I stitched it together with a light pink bobbin and a chocolate brown top thread, using a simple stitch. (I did this for every stitch on this valance. Also, since I used brown for my top thread and I didn't want the pink being prominent, I stitched this "blind," or with the folded edges underneath. It may or may not be the "right" way to do it; but it's just how I chose to do it).

I folded each side over 1/4"-1/2", ironed them down, and stitched those together, too. *VERY IMPORTANT to do this next, otherwise you won't be able to get your valance on your rod!*

• Next, I folded the top down about 4.5" and did a stitch lengthwise all the way across. The stitching was approximately 1/8" from the bottom (unclosed) part of the fold.

• Once that part was done, I had my husband measure the rod width at its widest point (it has a thinner end that slides in and out for easy adjustment). He said it was about 5/8", so I did two more seams approximately 1 1/4" apart, starting 2" down from the top (fold). You end up with 3 seams across the top. 

Voila! That is my very simple valance! :) Again, I may not have done it "right," or "typical," but it was just how I wanted it. I'm sure you could glam it up a bit, perhaps adding a contrasting bottom layer (if you want it layered), or some fancy stitching patterns. Total time to complete this project was approximately an hour and 15 minutes from measuring and cutting to hanging it up.

We can't wait to bring baby Elizabeth home to her nursery so she can enjoy the valance mommy made for her!