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Super Easy Ribbon Valance

March 20, 2014

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Easy Ribbon Valance


Want a pretty, custom curtain that you can whip up in a jiffy? Well, I've got just the one for you!  It's this sweet ribbon valance and, trust me, anyone can make it and you don't even need to know how to sew! I promise!

My daughter was begging for a more glamorous looking teen room, but I was not looking to spend a lot of time or money to get there, so I came up with this little valance and now we're both happy.

Now, don't let the sparkly fabric and the ribbons fool you. This style is as well suited for a baby girl's nursery as it is for your husband's office or little boy's baseball themed bedroom. 


If you're not into bows, no problem, you can knot the ribbon and hide it in the back. You will get the same look without the frill.

Either way, the directions will be the same.

Start by figuring out how much material you will need. I did not double the window width for this curtain as I wanted it to hang pretty flat and straight.

I made sure I left enough for my rod projection  (2") and a bit of gathering (2"). So my window was about 30", I cut my material to 36" wide. I cut the length to 30", as my valance is 14" long. I needed to double the fabric and leave enough for a seam. You can leave less, but I'm a sloppy seamstress.

How To Make An Easy Ribbon Valance

The first thing I did was turn my fabric inside out and sew (or glue or iron tape) the sides up, stopping about an inch or inch and a half from the open end at the top.  

This creates the rod pocket, so make sure you measure your rod and adjust your opening accordingly.  Next, I sewed across the top. I ended up with a rectangle that had two holes at the top corners. I turned it inside out and threaded it onto the rod.

Ribbon Valance For Girl's Room

To finish it off, I added the ribbon. I used two yards of ribbon, one for each bow. I literally looped the ribbon over the top of the rod and tied a bow, like I would tie my shoes...and I was done. I did not anchor the ribbon, it just hangs loosely over the rod.

Ribbon Valance For Girl's Room DIY

I fluffed and primped the material a bit, to make sure that my ribbons were centered and I had the desired amount of gather. Then I was done. My machine actually behaved this time, so it took me less than a half an hour to create two of these little lovelies.

Simple Valance Pattern

Super simple, yet simply stunning! 

What do you think of my ribbons and bows?

Check out these other curtain posts!


How To Make A Box Pleat Valance


how to make an easy rod pocket lace valance
Kim Signature


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  1. That looks great, Kim...and fun! Love the beads at the window, too. I used to have beads between my hall and kitchen in the 70's! lol Now THOSE were the days- xo Diana

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    1. Diana, growing up we had very colorful beads, a la The Brady Bunch, hanging from the ceiling between the kitchen and the dining room! My mom loved those beads...very 70's indeed!! I guess what goes around comes around right? I am glad you like the curtains, they have been up there for a little over a year, so it's almost time to replace them I think! Thank goodness they were easy and dirt cheap to make! Teen girls change want to change their rooms like they change their clothes! ;)

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  2. It's very pretty! I like the ribbon color too. ♡

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    1. Thanks! Very girly, just what she was looking for...and dirt cheap! That's just what I was looking for! Ha!

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  3. Cute! And love the color on your valence! Have a great weekend!

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    1. Thanks Vel. It matches the Pottery Barn duvet cover! I got really lucky at a local fabric store and found the perfect color for $3/ yard! :)

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  4. See? This is why I love your blog! Easy, versatile, inexpensive and nice. What more could one want?
    (I wonder what it would look like if the rod were painted a color to match the curtain, since it's sheer? In your case, either purple or silver?)
    And I'm so happy your machine played nice this time! I was about to get your address and send you my extra extra (extra?) machine.

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    1. What a sweet thought, Nancy, but yes, my machine is behaving better now! I thought about wrapping the rod in a colored ribbon, not painting though. That is a really good idea! :)

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  5. So beautful! I love love love the color! xo Jen

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    1. Thanks Jen! It's not my usual red, but then again, it's not my room! ;)

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  6. Wow, you are showing my favorite color Kim. Great idea.

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    1. Thanks Barbara! Everyone seems to like this pretty shade!

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  7. Oh Kim, I love this! Purple and sparkles....you must have made this for me!!

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    1. Absolutely! ;) I can send you a pair...I think the postage would cost more than the fabric! ;)

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  8. Lucky girl, your daughter. I like this look a lot, Kim, and have seen something similar with linen and velvet ribbon. I'd like to give it a try sometime. Thanks for the tutorial.

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    1. There are so many ways to customize this design, Nancy. Linen and velvet sounds luxurious! I'd like to give that look a try in one of my grown up rooms!

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  9. Very nice! My daughter would love that.

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    1. Thanks! I think the color and the sparkles are the draw! :)

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  10. Great idea. Thanks for sharing.
    Sherry

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    1. Thanks Sherry! I appreciate you popping by to check it out! :)

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  11. How fun!!! I love yours with the sparkle and glitz!!
    I just finished this same type blind for our den and kitchen. Mine are about 30" long, so when pulled up, they have a curvy little jabot on the side. They are made of a 3/4" tan and cream check. Not cute or glitzy, but they look pretty good for spring in my DDDDDDARK Den!!
    You go Mom!!!
    Blessings to both of you,
    J

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    1. Thanks so much, J! It was a fun project, can't put purple glitz in the kitchen, that's for sure! Well, not my kitchen anyway! Your valance sounds dreamy, much more my style! Too bad you don't have a blog...I would love to see them! :) Hope you're having a great week!

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