Sewing Secrets: Mastering the Art of Valance with Lining

AvatarByJill Nammar Sewing

Sewing is an art that allows us to create beautiful and functional pieces for our homes. And one such project that can elevate the look of any room is a valance with lining. Not only does it add a touch of elegance, but it also serves as a practical way to control sunlight and maintain privacy. Whether you’re an experienced sewer or just starting out on your sewing journey, learning how to sew a valance with lining can be a rewarding and fun experience. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of creating your own lined valance, complete with tips and tricks to ensure professional-looking results. So let’s grab our fabric and thread and get ready to turn our windows into stylish focal points in our space!

Understanding Valances with Lining

Valances with lining are a popular choice for dressing up windows. They offer an elegant and sophisticated touch to any room, while also providing practical benefits such as light control and insulation. Valances are often used alone or in combination with curtains or blinds to create a layered window treatment.

But what exactly is a valance with lining? Simply put, lining is a layer of fabric that is added to the back of the valance for both functional and aesthetic purposes. It can be made from different materials including cotton, polycotton, blackout fabric, or even thermal fabric. The type of lining you choose will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Benefits of Sewing Valances with Lining

Sewing valances with lining offers several benefits compared to unlined valances. The most obvious advantage is the improved appearance it provides. With lined valances, you get a smooth and professional finish both inside and out. This is especially important if the valance will be visible from outside the window.

Another benefit of adding lining to your valance is enhanced light control. A lined valance not only adds an extra layer of fabric, but it also helps block out more light from entering a room. This makes it ideal for bedrooms or spaces where you desire more privacy.

Lining also provides insulation against heat and cold, making your room more energy-efficient. In hot weather, lined valances block sunlight from entering through the windows, keeping your room cooler and reducing the need for air conditioning. Similarly, in colder months, they help trap heat inside the room, keeping it warmer and reducing heating costs.

Choosing the Right Lining

When it comes to choosing lining for your valance, there are various options available depending on your needs and budget.

Polycotton lining is one of the most commonly used and affordable options. It is a combination of polyester and cotton, resulting in a lightweight yet durable fabric. This type of lining is suitable for most projects, providing moderate light control and insulation.

Cotton lining, as the name suggests, is made of 100% cotton. It offers a more luxurious feel compared to polycotton but is also more expensive. Cotton lining provides excellent light control and insulation and is often used when a higher level of quality is desired.

Blackout lining offers maximum light control and insulation due to its thick nature. It blocks out sunlight completely when drawn closed, making it ideal for bedrooms or media rooms where complete darkness is desired. Blackout lining can be slightly more expensive than other types of lining.

Thermal lining is another option to consider if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions. It provides extra insulation against both heat and cold, making it energy-efficient all year round.

How to Sew Valances with Lining

Sewing valances with lining may seem like a daunting task for beginners, but this step-by-step guide will make it easier for you.

Step 1: Start by measuring your window to determine the size of the valance you need. Add a few extra inches to the measurements for hemming and seam allowance.

Step 2: Once you have your measurements, cut out your main fabric according to those dimensions. Next, cut out your chosen lining fabric using the same measurements.

Step 3: Lay your main fabric on top of the lining fabric with their right sides facing each other. Pin them together along the edges.

Step 4: Sew along the edges, leaving an opening at one end for turning the fabric inside out.

Step 5: Turn the fabric inside out through the opening, so that now the right side of the main fabric is facing outwards while the reverse side of both fabrics are sandwiched together in the middle.

Step 6: Press the edges of the fabric neatly and sew them together by hand or machine. This will close the opening and also give your valance a finished look.

Step 7: Secure your valance to the curtain rod using drapery pins, making sure it is evenly distributed along the width of the window.

Maintenance and Care for Valances with Lining

To keep your lined valances looking their best, you may need to give them some occasional maintenance and care. For regular cleaning, gently vacuum your valances using a brush attachment to remove any dust. If you notice any stains or spots, spot clean them immediately with a mild detergent or dry clean if necessary.

If you have cotton lined valances, you can machine wash them on a gentle cycle with cold water. However, remember to take out any drapery pins beforehand and reshape them while they are still damp.

With proper care and maintenance, your lined valances can last for many years, making them a worthy investment for dressing up your windows.

Valances with lining offer both functional benefits and aesthetic appeal to any room. By understanding their benefits, choosing the right lining, and learning how to sew them yourself, you can create beautiful window treatments that

Understanding Valances with Lining

Valances are popular window treatments that add a touch of style and elegance to any room. They can be made from a variety of fabrics, patterns, and colors to match the decor of your space. However, adding lining to a valance can take its functionality and appearance to the next level. In this article, we will discuss how to sew a valance with lining.

Why Use Lining for Valances?

Adding lining to your valance has several benefits. First, it helps to block out light and provide privacy. This is especially useful for bedrooms where you may want to keep out the morning sunlight or for spaces that face a busy street. Additionally, lining can also protect your fabric from fading due to exposure to sunlight.

Furthermore, using lining in your valances can enhance their appearance. It gives them a more professional look by providing structure and weight to the fabric. It also helps to minimize wrinkles, making them look smart and polished.

Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Valance

When selecting fabric for your valance, consider both the outer fabric and the lining fabric. For the outer fabric, you can choose from various options such as cotton, linen, silk, or even heavier fabrics like velvet or brocade depending on your preference and the overall aesthetic of your space.

As for the lining fabric, it is best to choose something light yet durable such as cotton or polycotton blend. It is essential to note that using two different types of fabric may require careful handling during sewing but will result in beautiful finished valances.

Cutting Your Fabric Efficiently

Before cutting your outer fabric and lining fabric, make sure you have enough width and length according to your planned size of the valance. Add 1 inch for seam allowance on all sides. For the lining fabric, it should be around 1 inch shorter than the outer fabric on all sides.

Once you have determined the measurements, lay the outer fabric on a flat surface, right side down. Place the lining fabric on top of it, right side up. Align the edges and smooth out any wrinkles or creases. This way, you can cut both fabrics accurately at once, saving your time and effort.

Sewing Your Valance with Lining

Start by placing the outer fabric and lining fabric together, with their right sides facing each other. Pin them in place along all sides except for one of the shorter sides. Leave around a 10-inch gap for turning inside out later.

Next, stitch around all three sides using a sewing machine or needle and thread. Remember to leave that 10-inch gap unstitched. Once done stitching, remove all pins from your valance.

Now it’s time to create a channel at the top of your valance. Fold down about 1 inch on both fabrics towards the wrong side and press them. Then fold down another 1 inch and press again, creating a double hemline.

Sew along the folded edge of your double hemline to secure it in place using a sewing machine or needle and thread.

Next, take out your valance through that small gap left unstitched previously by turning it inside out and pulling gently from one of its corners.

Once turned inside out completely, pay attention to that gap left unstitched earlier as they will have to be stitch-closed to seal your valance properly with both fabrics attached well enough inside.

Your lined valance is now ready! Hang it above your window using curtain brackets or curtain rods of appropriate size for desired appearance!.

Conclusion

By adding lining to your valances, you not only enhance their looks but also improve their functionality in terms of light and heat control while protecting your fabric from potential damage from the sun. It may take a few extra steps to sew your valance with lining, but the end result is undoubtedly worth it. So why not give it a try and take your window treatments to the next level?

FAQs on How To Sew Valance With Lining:

1. What supplies do I need to sew a valance with lining?
You will need fabric for both the main part of the valance and the lining, thread, sewing machine, scissors, pins, measuring tape, and a iron.

2. Do I need to prewash my fabrics before starting the project?
Yes, it is recommended to prewash your fabrics to avoid shrinkage after completing your project.

3. How do I determine the measurements for my valance and lining?
Measure the width of your window and add at least 6 inches on each side for fullness. For the length, measure from the top of your window to where you want your valance to end. Add 10-12 inches for hemming purposes. Use these measurements to cut out both the main fabric and lining.

4. Do I need to hem the edges of my fabric before sewing them together?
Yes, hemming your fabric before sewing them together will result in a neater finish. Fold over 1/4 inch of fabric towards the wrong side and press with an iron. Then fold another 1/4 inch and press again before stitching.

5. How do I attach the lining to my main fabric?
Place both fabrics right sides together and pin along all edges except for one short side. Sew along the edges with a ½ inch seam allowance and leave a small opening to turn the fabrics right side out.

6. Can I use a different type of lining instead of regular fabric?
Yes, you can use blackout or thermal lining for better insulation or silk or satin lining for a more luxurious look. Just make sure to adjust your measurements accordingly as thicker linings may add more bulk to your valance.

In conclusion, sewing a valance with lining requires precision, patience, and attention to detail. It is a rewarding and creative process that can add a touch of elegance and functionality to any window treatment.

Firstly, it is essential to gather all the necessary materials and measurements beforehand to ensure smooth execution of the project. Accurate measurements will ensure a perfect fit for the valance on the window. Furthermore, taking care with the selection and placement of fabric patterns can enhance the overall look of the finished product.

Secondly, understanding the different types of linings available and their varying purposes can help in choosing the right lining for the desired functionality and appearance. For instance, using blackout lining can provide insulation and block out light entirely, while sheer lining can add a soft touch and diffuse natural light.

Additionally, creating a neat and straight hemline with proper sewing techniques such as basting or using pins can elevate the overall look of the valance. Taking care with stitching details like hand-sewn hems or decorative trims add an extra level of finesse.

Furthermore, paying attention to finishing touches such as adding pleats or gathering at strategic points will give dimension and depth to the valance. This adds sophistication to any type of room decor.

Finally, ironing or ste

Author Profile

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Jill Nammar
My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.