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Scrappy Patchwork Valance // Tutorial

We recently moved into a new house and I really wanted to dress up the kids bedrooms a little. Being so sick lately I haven't sewn in months. I knew that the only way I would finish a project right now is if it was super easy. These Scrappy Patchwork Valances come together really quickly and easily.

Scrappy Valance

You Will Need

Note: To determine the width (--) to cut the fabric pieces, you will need the width of your window. Take the width of your window x 2 ÷ 14 + ½" and you will get the width (--) you need to cut your fabric pieces. For example, I had one 35" window so I cut my pieces 5.5" wide to make a 70" x 20" valance.

  • (12) -- x 8" pieces of fabric (A)
  • (10) -- x 11.75" pieces of fabric (B)
  • (5) -- x 23" pieces of fabric (C)
  • valance rod (width rod should be 1.25" or less to fit in valance hole)
  • iron & pressing board

Tip: Starching your fabric before cutting will help stabilize the bias edges of the fabric and give you greater accuracy when piecing. It also helps the seams lay flatter and crisper. Visit pileofabric.com/starching for a free starching tutorial.

Step-by-Step Picture Tutorial

Scrappy Valance
  • Step 1: Cut your fabric into three sizes (A, B, and C) as listed in the "You Will Need" list.
  • Step 2: Lay your pieces out as shown in Diagram #2. You should have 14 columns.
  • Tip: If you have a serger machine, than I suggest sewing the pieces together with the serger for a nice finished edge.
  • Step 3: Sew each column of A pieces together with a 1/4" seam allowance. Press the seams to one direction. Trim height of A columns to 23".
  • Step 4: Sew each column of B pieces together with a 1/4" seam allowance. Press seams to one direction. Column should measure 23".
Scrappy Valance
  • Step 5: Sew all (14) columns together with a 1/4" seam allowance. Press the seams to one side.
  • Step 6: Fold under the left and right sides of the valance by a 1/2" and press.
  • Step 7: Topstitch 1/4" from the left and right side folded edges of the valance.
  • Step 8: Fold under the top edge of the valance by 2 1/2" and press.
Scrappy Valance
  • Step 9: Topstitch 1/2" from the top folded edge. Then topstitch 2" from the folded top edge (this will give you a 1 1/2" hole for the rod).
  • Step 10: Fold under the bottom edge of the valance by a 1/2" and press.
  • Step 11: Topstitch 1/4" from the bottom folded edge. 

Finished Valance

For my daughters room I used some of the same fabrics as I used for her Rainbow Coin Quilt (freebie pattern!) that is on her bed. 

Scrappy Valance
Rainbow Scrappy Patchwork Valance #1

Scrappy Valance
Rainbow Scrappy Patchwork Valance #2

For my sons room I used fabrics by Laura Gunn, which match my son's room perfect.

Scrappy Valance
Boy's Scrappy Patchwork Valance

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions and be sure to pin it!

Alyssa

 

Alyssa Lichner

Alyssa Lichner

Creator of Pile O' Fabric

Alyssa Lichner is a graphic designer turned avid sewist. She writes modern quilting tutorials and shares techniques and inspiration on her blog, Pile O’ Fabric. Alyssa has a passion for exploring different techniques and applying them to modern designs. She is thankful to have the opportunity to share these techniques, through her tutorials, patterns, and classes with quilters around the world. She always encourages her readers and students to challenge themselves to try new things and to approach quilting with a fearless attitude.

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