Simple Ball Fringe Valance DIY

Window treatments can be pricey and they don't always come in the style or fabric that matches my decor.

So I learned how to whip up the easiest custom curtain valances in under an hour using a simple patterns.

Here's one of my favorites. 

From the moment I started blogging, way back in 2013, I've always focused on home decor.

Homemaking and decorating have been my passion for as long as I can remember.

I think it's in my genes.

I remember getting so excited for the transformation as I watched my mom redecorate the house for each new season, changing out the bedding.

And replacing the living room drapes.


I was always mesmerized by how such a seemingly small change, like swapping out the curtains, could so dramatically affect the look of a room.

So when I became a homeowner, I was keenly aware of how important fabric was to interior design.

Yes, I painted the walls in rich, bold colors, but the real drama, and personality of each space, came from the fabric patterns I added.

Especially on the windows.

Of course, custom curtains weren't cheap and the stores rarely carried anything other than solids or checks.

That's when a friend of mine, and my mother in law, both pitched in an taught me how to sew my own.

Now I make curtains and valances whenever the impulse hits me. 

My seams may not be super straight and I'm sure I'm not doing it all the right way, but no one's inspecting my stitching. 

Plus, I get the look I want, for less.

Today's share, was a total whim. The last valance had been up in my bathroom for about 4 years.


I hadn't really thought about changing it until I spotted some lovely green fabric in the shop. Unfortunately, once I got it home, the tone was all wrong.

While I knew it wasn't going to work, I was now bent of replacing the valance.

I started looking for fabric again, but turns out a pattern I'd bought to update my daughter's room caught my eye and, even though it was blue (gasp!) it just felt right. 

Battersea Bouquet in mist green, from P Kaufmann.

It looked and felt very cottagey. So I dove into production, with a very, very simple pattern that literally anyone can make. 

Here's how I did it.

Pom Pom Fringe Valance Pattern

My valance was basically a lined rectangle, with no real rod pocket, just an opening at the top for a rod to slip the hardware inside. The fabric was more relaxed, with a casual, free flowing drape.


If you'd rather hang it on clips, then it's even easier to construct. Simply omit those openings.

Step 1: Measure and Cut The Fabric

I began by measuring the window and my fabric to determine how long and wide a piece of fabric I would need for my valance.


My window was 32" wide and my fabric was 54" wide. The usual rule of thumb for a gathered or pleated curtain, is cut your fabric to about 1.5X the width of your window. 

At 54" wide, I had plenty. I didn't bother to cut.

Keep in mind that rule, is really just a guideline, I've made curtains with less that look great, and this time I used more.


I also had to consider how long I wanted my valance to be. I generally like about a 14 -15" drop. So I cut my fabric to 16" with the rotary cutter, giving myself an extra inch for seam allowance.

Step 2: Iron The Fabric

Next up, I ironed my cut piece so it was flat and wrinkle free when I sewed it.


That also ensured that it would be full size when I used it as a template to cut the liner fabric, which was my next step. 

Step 3: Cut And Iron The Liner or Backing Fabric

Now, normally, I use the same fabric, or at least a contrasting decorative one, on the backside of my curtains. I like the way it looks on the windows from outside.

However, this cotton fabric was very thin. I knew that adding a patterned fabric behind it wouldn't be great, since the light from the window would shine through both layers and look messy.


So instead, I opted for a cheap, plain, white liner.

I rolled it out on my table, laid the blue floral fabric on top of it and cut it to the same size. I used scissors this time, since I had my curtain fabric underneath and didn't want to nick it with the rotary blade while cutting.

When I was done, I ironed the liner fabric.

Step 4: Set The Seams and Pin Fabric Together

With my valance fabric and liner cut, it was time to mark my seams and pin both pieces together. To start, I placed the colorful side of the fabric face down on the liner.

Then I grabbed my yardstick, placed it at the top of my fabric and marked a spot about one half inch down with a pencil. 

I did that all across the top of the fabric and then connected the dots with the pencil to form a straight line.


Then I measured about 15" down from that line, across the bottom of the fabric and did the same.

I repeated the process on each side, as well.

I placed pins every few inches along all the lines, top and bottom so the two pieces would stay together while I sewed them on the machine.

Along the sides, I only pinned about 3/4 of the way up on one side and on the other side I stopped pinning about an 1 1/2 inches from the top. 

This would give me room to flip the fabric and space for the rod.