How to Make Lined Rod Pocket Valances

Measure the width of the drapery rod. Determine the length of the valance, or how far down you want it to hang over the window. Add 6 inches to the measurement. Also measure the width of the rod, or the distance from one corner to the other, plus 4 to 6 inches to allow for fullness.

Cut valance fabric and lining fabric to your measurements, using sharp fabric scissors. Iron the valance and lining fabric to remove creases.

Spread the valance fabric face up on a clean, hard surface, and lay the lining fabric face down over it. Line up the edges so they are flush. Insert a row of pins along the edges of the fabrics to hold them together.

Fold the raw edges on three sides – two long and one short – and insert pins to hold both the fabrics in place. Sew 1/2-inch seam along the three pinned sides, leaving one short side open. Remove the pins and set them aside as you sew.

Turn the valance right side out from the short side you left open. Fold down under the open end by 1/2 inch and sew it shut by hand.

Fold the fabric along the top and short sides twice by 1 inch. Fold the other long side for the top of the fabric only once by 1 inch. Insert pins to hold the fold in place. Sew along the folded edges using a 5/8-inch seam.

Spread the fabric face down and fold its top edge by 3 inches to form a rod pocket that measures 1/2 inch larger than the rod. Sew along the tip of the 3-inch fold to form a pocket for the drapery rod. Alternatively, measure 3 inches down from the top of the fabric and mark the sewing line, using a row of pins.

Iron the valance to remove folds or creases. Insert the rod pocket into a corner of the drapery and slide it across to the other corner, spreading the fabric so it is evenly distributed.