How to Drape a Scarf Over a Curtain Rod

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Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure

  • Lightweight fabric

  • Drapery rod

  • Straight pins

A scarf is a simple window treatment that can dress up any room. Since window scarves require less material than drapes, you can afford to use richer fabrics such as brocades or batiks. You can change the scarf seasonally or to suit any decorating whim. Use a scarf window valance to add an additional color or texture to an existing window treatment, or to decorate a window without spoiling the view.

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Step 1

Choose a lightweight fabric such as chiffon, silk or cotton velvet for your scarf. The fabric should be the same on both sides. If you want to use a print or a fabric with a right and wrong side, you'll need to make two identical scarves and sew them with wrong sides together.

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Step 2

Measure the width of the window. Cut a piece of fabric three times as long as the window and 16 to 18 inches wide. Sew a narrow hem on all sides of the fabric.

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Step 3

Drape the scarf over the center of your drapery rod. The ends of the scarf should be even. Measure half the distance to the end of the fabric on one side and place a pin to mark this point. Do the same on the other side. Drape the ends of the scarf over the ends of the drapery rod and arrange so that the pins rest just atop the rod.

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Step 4

Step back and consider how the scarf valance looks. Adjust so that equal amounts of fabric hang down from either end and the middle sections are swagged. Spread the fabric out more for a fuller look if you desire.

Step 5

Pin the scarf together around the drapery rod to secure. Pin in back of the scarf to hide the pins.

Tip

Use two different colored scarves and make a double swag.

Make an asymmetrical scarf valance, with the scarf hanging down only one side of the window.

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