Easy No Sew Window Valance

Recently when I was browsing through my local Pottery Barn I came across a window treatment that I loved but was a bit too costly for my budget. When I looked closer, I thought it would be so easy to make myself at a fraction of the cost and without sewing a stitch.

I already had white drapery panels on my window at home and just needed to add some interest to the top.  I chose to use cotton duck to make my version, but you could use any fabric, felt, ribbons, or even an old pair of jeans to create this one of a kind treatment for a window.    For less fraying of the fabric, choose a fabric with a tight weave.  The inset photo was my inspiration: Pottery Barn’s Textured Fat Tie Drape. After I made the white valance above, I started playing with adding some color to the valance and cut strips from a printed yard of green fabric I had. When I added those strips to the all white valance it totally changed the look and added more interest and playfulness.  It would be an inexpensive way to decorate a nursery or child’s room. Supplies Needed 1 yard of white cotton duck fabric (If your window is wider than 38” you will need more fabric) 1 yard printed cotton duck fabric (optional – if you want the color mixed in with the white fabric strip version) Curtain Rod and hardware Ruler or Yardstick Scissors 1. Cut 25” x 1 ½” strips from fabric. You can make the strips as long or short as you like depending on the size of your window. 2. Lay curtain rod on work surface and extend to width of window. Begin tying fabric strips onto the rod following the steps below. Step 1:  Fold a strip in half and place loop end on bottom of rod, lift rod so strip is under the rod and ends are at top as shown. Step 2:  Lift loop end with one hand and thread the two ends of the strip through the loop with your other hand. Step 3:  Straighten fabric so right side of fabric is facing out, if needed use your fingers to adjust. Step 4:  Pull ends to tighten knot on rod. For the color version:  I started with a white strip and then added the green print and continued to fill the rod in this manner for more visual interest.  Install curtain rod brackets on window.  Place covered rod into the brackets over pre-hung drapery panels or by itself as a simple topper on a window.  Fluff and arrange as needed with your fingers.

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