Canvas Valances

These valances are flat panels with tab tops and a row of buttons along the top. Then, there are two rows of button loops through the middle of the panel and one along the bottom. These can create several different looks, from flat long panels to the look of Roman shades.

Materials and Tools:

canvas
iron
measuring guide
button kit

Steps:

1. The featured panels measure 82" x 42" wide. For each panel, cut an additional facing strip 2-1/2" x 42". Cut six 2-1/2" x 8" tabs per panel. Fold over and iron the sides of the tabs 1/4 inch, and then 1/4 inch again and sew the side seams. Position the first and last tabs 1-1/2 inch in from each top edge. Space the other tabs evenly across the top and pin them in place.
2. Fold over one side of the facing strip 1/2 inch and iron in place. Pin the facing strip over the tabs and sew all pieces together with a half-inch seam. Fold over and iron the sides of the panel 1/2 inch, and then 1/2 inch again and sew in the side seams.

3. Fold the facing strip down and pin it in place to hide the ends of the tabs. Sew it in place. Fold the bottom of the panel up 1/2 inch, and then one inch. Sew in the hem.

4. Create bias tape out of the fabric by cutting a 30-inch square. Cut the square in half diagonally; place the two triangles right sides together (overlap them to resemble the back of an envelope, and then sew a 1/4-inch seam along the bottom.

5. Open the two pieces and press the seam open. Mark 2-1/4-inch-wide cutting lines across the fabric.

6. Fold the fabric right sides together bringing the angled edges together and offset them by one strip width. Pin the edges together to create a tube; sew a 1/4-inch seam, and then press the seam open.
7. Cut on the marked lines, turning the tube as necessary, to create one long bias strip. Iron the strip in half lengthwise and then turn the edges into the middle and iron in the fold. Fold the entire strip in half and sew it.

8. Pin the seam binding along the bottom edge of the drapery panel, making a loop at one inch in, and then every 7-1/2 inches (line them up with the tabs). Sew on the binding and the loops and repeat this procedure 21 inches up from the bottom of the panel, and again 26 inches up from there.
9. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to cover buttons with fabric. Hand-stitch a button under each tab.