Redwork Window Valance

Make a valance reminiscent of the past with an embroidered redwork motif.

medium-weight fusible interfacing
8 off-white fabric or muslin squares (at least 10" x 10")
red rayon thread
ruler
water-soluble marker
three 5-1/2" x 5-1/2" pieces of red calico fabric
six 5-1/2" x 5-1/2" pieces of blue calico fabric
strips of blue calico fabric
rotary cutter and mat
lining
embroidery motifs (sewing machine and embroidery card #31)

Steps:

1. Fuse interfacing to wrong side of each off-white fabric or muslin square and embroider the desired red work motif. Tear excess interfacing off when done. Use a 5-1/2-inch square template to then cut the motif out, being sure it's centered on the diagonal. Repeat for the desired number of red work squares.
2. Lay the design out, alternating colored and embroidered squares until a triangle is formed. Stitch fabric squares together in rows first and then all together, forming a large triangular shape. Stitch border strips to right and left sides of the valance .
3. Use a rotary cutter, mat and ruler to trim the top edge of the valance to make it straight (the top half of each diagonal square will be trimmed away). Stitch remaining border strip to the top edge of the valance.
4. Stitch lining to valance with right sides together, leaving an opening in one side for turning. Don't stitch through the side edges of the top border strip as this will be the rod casing.