Super Easy No Sew Curtains/Valance

Tonight I stopped into Jo-ann Fabrics on my to Homegoods. (Can I just say that those two stores next to each other is a deadly combo for me.)  I didn't need anything at Jo-ann (or Homegoods for that matter) but I like to walk through and see if any inspiration strikes.  Well today it did.  I've been wanting to put a valance up in our guest bathroom for quite some time so when I found this fabric I thought, why not?!

For $2.50, an iron, some hem tape (I think that is what it is called), scissors and a measuring tape you can create a cute little valance in a snap.  It really is easy, anyone can do it.

To start measure your window opening and cut your fabric to fit.  Just remember that you want the width to be 2 inches longer for your seam.  The length is up to you and how low you want the valance to hang.  You will also need a 1 inch seam for the bottom (not the top).

Before you begin hemming make sure to iron the fabric well.  This is important and will help your seams to be even and prevent wrinkles and gathering.  I learned this the hard way.  My mom warned me to always sew my fabrics before pinning and sewing but I am a lazy person and love taking shortcuts.  Don't skip this step.  It's not pretty.

Next, flip your fabric so the pattern is facing down.  Fold up the edge so you have a 1 in. seam and iron it in place.

I always start with the long edge first and then bring in my sides.

To secure the seam, instead of sewing, I use a hemming tape that you iron in place like so.  SOOO EASY!

Once you start hemming up the sides, you will notice that the corners are hard to pin down with all the extra fabric.  I always take a little bit of extra hemming tape and fold it up into the corner and press down extra long.

Once all the sides are hemmed up it should look like so....

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Then it is time to add the details - ribbon.  Cut 2 strips of ribbon that are 2/3 the length of the curtain.  Wrap them around the fabric so it gathers nicely. You may want to play around with this so it lays nicely.  Sometimes I secure this with a hot glue gun but sometimes it is nice to just clip it together with a safety pin.  That way you can easily change out the ribbon if you like.

Then you're done!

You can either attach it to a pole (or sew a pocket in the beginning for a pole) or in my case, I just nail/pin/tape/staple it to the molding around the window.  No one has to know.  Well now you all know my secret - there are no secrets in the blogging world.

Now tell me that isn't easy.

I have now put these in several rooms - like the kitchen.

They are great for a space that needs color and textureNOW  but you aren't ready to fully commit to anything yet - it is cheap, fast and easy. 

Thanks for stopping by.