Want to make an easy rod pocket lace valance with trim? It's a great way to add some charm to your home and sew or no sew, it's a simple project, I promise.
Come take a peek at the full DIY.
Honestly, I was a little fearful of its delicate nature. When I dug in, I was surprised at how resilient it was and how easy it was to end up with a professional looking curtain in no time flat.
Today, I am excited to show you how to make one just like it.
Or at least inspire you to add a little lace to your decor - even if you don't sew.
It all started with a desire to lighten up the look of my kitchen for spring and summer.
I had an old lace curtain that I used to hang in my kitchen each year, but it wasn't optimal.
For starters, I have a gold tension rod that I did not want to replace and that valance showed the rod.
It was also very short and seemed a little anemic on the window.
So in true Exquisitely Unremarkable style, I decided to make my own.
Update: In 2021, I worked with lace again and customized some store bought panels for the living room...so easy!
I found a pretty lace fabric for less than ten bucks a yard and got to work on my valance.
Now, sew or no sew, this is an easy rod pocket style...and I even added some trim.
I stitched mine, but if you cannot use a machine, you can grab some fusible web tape and iron yourself a curtain made to order.
The trim can be added with the tape as well, or fabric glue, both of which are supposedly washable, although truth be told, I've never tried it.
And if you're looking for an even simpler idea, just hang it on ring clips...done.
Easy Rod Pocket Lace Valance Pattern
For either method, you will need a rod, fabric, scissors, a pencil, pins and a yardstick.
My window is 48" wide, but I used a tension rod mounted from cabinet to cabinet.
That space is 56" wide. I based all my measurements on that figure.
I also measured the height of the window plus frame to determine an appropriate length.
I settled on a 15" valance.
The length of each panel was 18".
I needed 15" for the finished valance and 3" to construct a rod pocket to hold a 1" rod. I like a full pocket, otherwise it tends to grip the rod and look taut. I was going for a looser, more freeform appearance.
You may be asking why I didn't leave extra fabric at the bottom for a hem and that is a valid question.
The simple answer is that I am lazy and I did not hem the bottom of this curtain. I was also a little hesitant to hem it, as I had never worked with lace before.
Remember, I added a trim to cover that edge anyway.
However, if you want a finished edge, just add an extra inch, fold it over twice and give yourself a hem.
And no empty ones.
Unfortunately, these types of scenarios are common around here.
Fabulous.
I did this by folding the top over 1 1/2" and running the material through the machine.
I should've pinned or ironed the fabric to make sewing easier and keep me on track, but I just folded and used the guides on my machine.
Let's just say it's straight enough.
Lazy. Remember?
I wanted it to be attached at the very bottom of the fabric, so precision was important here.
That's all it took to create an easy lace valance and lighten up my kitchen.
I have to say that I expected working with lace to be difficult, but it was no different that sewing any other material I have worked with in the past.
Perhaps if I had a more open pattern, it would've been trickier, but this was not a problem at all.
Keep in mind, that I do a lot of my creative work in the dark, hence the black out window...
Without the red roosters, it felt a little bland, so I turned that blank sign around, moved the picture hangers, and poof!
It let so much light in the room, showed off the outdoor greenery and just made me smile.
Plus, it looks amazing with my less is more look going on in the other half of the kitchen.
If you have any lace tips for us, please feel free to leave those, as well.
I'm always open to advice and looking for shortcuts and tricks.
So I can be even more Exquisitely Unremarkable.
Well, you know, the good kind.
Have you worked with lace?
😊
Here are so more easy curtains for you:
I'm always open to advice and looking for shortcuts and tricks.
So I can be even more Exquisitely Unremarkable.
Well, you know, the good kind.
Have you worked with lace?
😊
Here are so more easy curtains for you:
Happy Sewing, Friends!
I am a big fan of lace and I love your valance, Kim!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cecilia! I am smitten!! :)
DeleteHi Kim, Love your valance and the soft summer look it gives to your kitchen. The added trim is so pretty. I love lace too and the light airy style seems to blend with lots of looks. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Celestina Marie! I think the trim really makes the whole valance!! :)
DeleteIt's been some time since I sewed at all. Too much arthritis in my hands now. That is quite beautiful! I just love seeing sunshine coming through lace.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
I love the sunshine, too, Brenda! Thanks so much!! :)
DeleteLooking pretty Kim . . .
ReplyDeleteI like the openess it gives to your kitchen . . .
No expert here sewing with lace though . . . but I'd say the valence turned out beautifully.
It has been years since I have made rod pocket valences/curtains . . .
Each of the 35-40 windows in our first purchase, three story 100 year + home back in the early 70's had some variety of a rod pocket curtain or valence . Plus my mother, who was quite the seamstress made fancy LR, DR window treatments in more of a drape style. In my home today I have nothing on the windows, except in the MB where I have Roman Shades. I am sure that sounds somewhat stark, but it really isn't. The windows are set back in their own casement so leaving them free of fabric, lace or whatever seems to work out just fine. Sorry I am going on and on here . . . You stirred memories of "window treatments" from days past. I will find some pictures and send them to you in a separate mail.
Oh Lynne, you just stirred memories of my grandmother sewing in my room when she would come to visit. My mom would buy fabric and she would make beautiful draperies for our living room or kitchen. I am sure your curtain-less windows are lovely. I bet your have beautiful, unencumbered views!! Looking forward to those pictures! :)
DeleteYour valance turned out great. I love that lace and the trim is perfect for it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lorri. Can you believe that trim was only .69 a yard?? I should probably add that to my post! ;)
DeleteI love your kitchen and your new valance is beautiful...the perfect accent!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Brandi! It was easy to make, too!! :)
DeleteLove your valance. Looks so light and summery!!
ReplyDeleteJudy
Thank you, Judy. I am enjoying the feel!
DeleteI love the light and airy feel of your valence Kim. It is the perfect additon to yor less is more kitchen. I think the addition of the sign on top is the perfect balance to the valance. It makes it stand out more instead of getting lost in the white. Another great project. Hope you are doing well and have recovered from May madness.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary!! I am enjoying the light and airy feel!!
DeleteI always loved lace and your valance is gorgeous! Your kitchen looks so pretty! Have a wonderful weekend! Maria
ReplyDeleteThanks Maria Elena! I am getting a little more adventurous with my sewing! :)
DeleteHi Kim! Your sweet valance definitely says summer - love the little trim detail, it's just the perfect touch. You always come up with the best window treatments! Jane
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jane! You are super sweet!!
DeleteYour lace valance looks exquisitely remarkable!! The bobbin thing struck me funny because I have had to unload a few to get an empty one for my color! Your directions are exactly how I would make a valance, and although I have been sewing for 35 years, I always have mishaps! They never show to others though! The lace you used is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the vote of confidence AnnMarie! I'm glad to know that I am not alone is my mishaps!! :)
DeleteThat is a beautiful lace and trim. I love lace. It is so light and pretty for summer. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lynn...they were both a bargain!! :)
DeleteThat's a great look for summer, Kim! The roosters really pop against the lace, but I like the lighter side of the sign, too....so clever of you to make the sign reversible. Just a little FYI: next time you have that bobbin dilemma, you can simply wind the different color right on top of a not-so-full bobbin....especially when your project is going to require just a small amount of sewing. I really like that sweet trim you added to the valance.
ReplyDeleteCool hugs,
Carol
Carol, your bobbin tip is genius!! I know that is not the last time that is going to happen to me!! :)
DeleteGorgeous!! I love lace curtains and have them in many places in my house. They always make me smile!
ReplyDeleteMe too, Debbie!! I'm smiling right now! ;-)
DeleteSmart girl! I love everything about your kitchen. The end.
ReplyDeleteThank you Stacey!! Big hugs...
DeleteI love the lace valance! It blends so well with your summer look :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen!! :)
DeleteLove it, Kim. The whole kitchen is lovely (and tidy!), with the pops of red.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Tidy sometimes, Amalia...but always in pictures! ;)
DeleteNice job!! It looks wonderful ; well done :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Deb!!
DeleteYou are so good at these tutorials! You explain everything perfectly and it's always easy to follow what you're doing. I've never worked with lace, but I love how yours turned out. It looks so pretty and fresh in the kitchen, especially with the summer greenery and fresh lemons. I love how clean and tidy your kitchen is. :)
ReplyDeleteI like doing the tutorials, Lisa. I think it's the teacher in me. I miss the classroom!
DeleteLove this sweet valance, Kim. You have a way of making everything look so easy.
ReplyDeleteI love the beautiful, green view from your window.
I love the green view, too, Susan. It was a long winter!
DeleteHi, Kim
ReplyDeleteI love the lace you purchased. It really doesn't look like lace and the trim is perfect. Your valance looks beautiful and doesn't look like you made it. Your kitchen is beautiful.
Best compliment ever, Vanessa!!!
DeleteWell Done! You did another great job explaining how you did it, great tutorial. :-)
ReplyDeleteI really like the look.
Carla
Thank you, Carla! I really do try to map out the steps so that even beginners can follow along. I am glad you think that I am accomplishing that! :)
DeleteI'm not a girly girl and had never been found of lace...well that changed about a year ago. Love the lace valances and the open feel they provide. The trim added a perfect edge. Great job!
ReplyDeleteWe used to have lace on every window in the old house. I abandoned it here...until this little number. Now I am in love all over again, too!!
DeleteLace curtains are so pretty! Airy and feminine and as you discovered, lace is easy to work with. Some lace fabrics can be a bit trickier, but yours looks fairly sturdy.
ReplyDeleteI can't count the number of times I've had to unravel a bobbin!
The unraveling was the pits, Doreen. AND I had a house full of teenage boys asking questions and timing me. Even more fun! ;)
DeleteI have never worked with lace or a sewing machine for that matter! (We broke up the sewing machine and I - long story) So I definitely admire your courage! I could always do a bobbin real good, but it was the actual sewing I always screwed up. LOL Loving your new curtain, it really adds that decorative touch to your beautiful kitchen.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Christine...and trust me. This relationship is long past its prime. I am a glutton for punishment!! :)
DeleteI love lace curtains and your lace topper looks very pretty in the kitchen. I also love the roosters you put above it.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Shannon. It was worth the work!! :)
DeleteGreat job!
ReplyDeleteI love the last few photos with the sun shining through your lovely lace curtains.
Thanks Carol. I love that too...
DeleteYour curtains are so beautiful Kim! You did such a job making them! Your kitchen looks so bright and cheerful! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie. I am always happy when the sewing is done. The actual doing…eh…maybe not so much! ;- )
DeleteThe lace curtain is so pretty. I really like the trim on the bottom. That is a nice custom touch.
ReplyDeleteThank you Debra! That trim was .69 a yard. Ridiculous!! ;)
DeleteSo pretty and perfect for summer. Great tutorial!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kristi!! I really like this one! :)
DeleteI love your kitchen :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Desteny!! :))
DeleteYour valance is wonderful for Summer. So light, airy and you made it look as though I could do this!
ReplyDeleteHmm...just maybe !
Happy Summer, Kim
Oh!! I am sure that you could!! If you can drive a car...you can sew!
DeleteVery nice! I love the softness is gives to your kitchen - which is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Melanie. It really is a nice swap for summer!
DeletePerfectly exquisite Ms. Kim!!! I love lace, and yes it is easier to work with than most people expect! I have lace curtains and cafe's in my sewing room, and I love the light that they allow in!
ReplyDeleteBlessings and have a great weekend,
J
I have to say, that I do prefer the lace over working with linen. Yikes. Now that was hard!! Thanks for the comment, J!!
DeleteYour kitchen is to die for!!!! 🤗
ReplyDeleteThank you, Judy!! You are too sweet. :) Hope you’re having a great afternoon. You just made mine!
DeleteKim, I have only just seen your post and think you did a great job. The lace is just beautiful, and so is your kitchen. I wanted to ask you a question. I need some window treatment in my bathroom but am not sure which way to go. I could make a blind or curtain. Perhaps you have a suggestion?
ReplyDeleteHi Sally, thanks so much for the kind words! I guess it all comes down to personal choice. I prefer the softness of a fabric, but a blind provides privacy, especially in the room like a bathroom. In my own, I have a mini blind (a little outdated I suppose) that I can twist to open and let a little light in without compromising privacy and a valance to add softness. I suppose if you don't need privacy, no neighbors close by, you could just do a curtain. I'm generally not a fan of blinds, but our neighbors are close enough to say bless you when we sneeze so we have them on every window (pleated shades in all other rooms) and again, I hide them with valances. I hope that helps. Good luck!! And I hope you come back to visit again. ☺️
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