Making Window Top Treatments Instructions
Pelmets
are used where a tailored top treatment is required and can be a simple
way of covering a curtain track or made as a dramatic addition to a
window. They are suitable for all shapes of window but must be in proportion
to the other treatments, 1/6th of the curtain length is usual but the
sides can be much longer as with lambrequins.
Valances are in essence a mini curtain that covers the top and sides
of the window frame or curtain track. They need at least the same fullness
as the curtains and can therefore utilize any of the curtain heading
styles. Valances can be teamed up with blinds or curtains to give the
window a softer look.
Swags are an elaborate form of window top treatment which drape across
in deep folds. You can have one swag draped across the whole width of
the window or a number of smaller swags butted together or overlapped.
They are usually teamed up with decorative tails which cover the returns
of the pelmet board.
The following free instructions are on this site with further examples
in our e-book.
- Balloon, Cloud or Pouf Valance
is an ideal top treatment for small windows when used alone or teamed
up with cafe curtains or blinds and is best fitted outside the window
recess.
- Pelmets can be made with absolutely no
sewing whatsoever and are just as serviceable as the ones using
a sewing method. A bonding web is used to join widths of fabric together
and then it is glued onto a padded buckram shape. However, plain fabrics
and some patterns can be railroaded which will eliminate the need
for seams.
- A Scarf Valance gives the appearance
of swags and tails but is much easier to make. They can be used alone
to frame a window or used in conjunction with blinds and curtains
for a layered look.
- Simple Padded Pelmets add a touch of elegance
to any room and can be made to match, contrast or coordinate with
the rest of the window treatment. They can be made in all weights
of fabric and are ideal to show large patterns or luxurious fabrics
to their full potential.
- A Simple Unlined Valance is the easiest
style to make and is ideal as a single treatment or to team up with
blinds on small windows. The straight hemline will give the appearance
of extra width on narrow windows.
- This Deep Swag is relatively easy to make
with its cased heading but uses rather a lot of fabric. It can be
made lined or unlined and have fringing stitched along the bottom
edge to accentuate the shape. Deep swags, can be made in all weights
of fabric, are usually fitted outside the window recess and can be
teamed up with curtains or blinds to give a layered effect.
Remember that our Just
Top Treatments e-book contains many more detailed projects which
go much further than these web pages will permit. All the ebook instructions
are interactively linked to the comprehensive Sewing Guide.
Each E-Book is priced at only £10.00 with fantastic savings
(up to 60%) when purchasing the bundle/package.
Basics