Lined Window Toppers

Materials and Tools:

fabric
lining
2-1/2" continental rod
paper
pencil
iron
measuring guide
fabric pencil
pins

Steps:

1. Sketch the topper from the side and mark the lengths needed to accomplish everything from the hem to the rod pocket. The featured topper has a 5/8-inch seam allowance and a 2-1/2 inch hem. The finished height is 18 inches, which includes a 3-3/4 inch ruffle and a 3-1/4 inch pocket for the rod. On the back, there is a 4-1/4 inch overlap and another 5/8-inch seam allowance. Add the measurements to determine what length to cut the fabric (26 inches).

2. The lining has a 5/8-inch seam allowance, enough fabric to cover the back of the topper and meet the hem, which is 10-3/4 inches plus another 5/8-inch seam allowance (12 inches). Cut the lining.

3. Sew side hems into both the main and the lining fabric.

4. With right sides together, pin the lining to the main fabric along the top and bottom edges and sew the pieces together. It will seem awkward and bulky but the main fabric should be longer than the lining. Turn the piece right side out and iron in the top crease and bottom hemline using a measuring guide as you go. At the top there should be 4-1/4 inches of main fabric folded to the back and 2-1/2 inches folded back on the bottom.

5. To create the rod pocket, measure from the top of the valance down 3-3/4 inch and make several marks along the width of the valance with a fabric pencil. Measure 3-1/4 inches more and make more marks. Pin the fabric pieces along the marked area to keep it from slipping. Sew all along the top marks to create the top ruffle, and then sew the bottom of the rod pocket in. Iron the topper and insert the rod.