How2Day: Crafty Window Treatments

Making your own window treatments is a quick and simple project Dougal Waters/Digital Vision/Getty Images
Window treatments don't have to be boring or expensive. In the space of one afternoon, you can update the look of your windows with little to no sewing experience, and you can usually do it with items you already have in your home. Handmade window treatments are an economical, creative way to add some color to your home.

Napkin valances are easy to make and take only a couple of hours. You can use matching napkins or, for a vintage, eclectic look, you can use a variety of napkins that complement your decor. To make a napkin valance, measure the width of your window. Collect enough napkins so that, when they are side by side, they equal the width of your window. Turn your napkins diagonally so that the points are at the top, bottom and sides. Cut each napkin in half along the horizontal center. Arrange each napkin side by side so the points overlap by 2 inches. Pin along the upper edge. Sew along the raw upper edge with a straight stitch and a 1/4-inch seam allowance, being sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of your seam. Remove the pins and fold down the sewn raw edge 1/4 inch toward the back and iron in place. Fold over another 2 inches and iron in place. Pin in place and edge and sew along the bottom pinned edge with a straight seam and a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Install your valance on a cafe-style curtain rod.

This valance is a low-effort, high results project that usually takes less than an hour to complete. To make this valance, measure the width of your window. Cut two pieces of fabric, a lining and a main fabric, 12 inches by 1 1/4 times the width of your window. Place both pieces' right sides together and pin. Sew around all four edges with a 3/8-inch seam allowance and a straight stitch, being sure to leave a 3-inch opening for turning. Turn the valance right side out and push the turning opening edges into the body so that the side of the valance are even. Iron carefully on both sides. Pin the opening shut and topstitch (see References 2) around all four sides using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Place two cup hooks into the sides of your window frame, about 4 inches from the top on each side. Place another two to four cup hooks, depending on the length of your window, along the upper edge of your window frame. Drape the valance over the cup hooks so that it creates drapes and gathers.

For those that don't sew, this is a quick project that works well around the holidays. To make this window treatment, measure the width of your window. Purchase sheer fabric, such as chiffon or gauze, amounting to three times the width of your window. Also purchase enough small Christmas lights so that the width is at least twice the width of your window. Lay your fabric and lights on the floor and tie them together at their centers with a piece of fishing wire. Wrap the fabric and lights around the center of your curtain rod at least once. Starting at the center, wrap the fabric around the curtain rod to the right of the center and then to the left, arranging it so that it has plenty of volume. An even amount of fabric should hang down each side; rearrange if necessary. Wrap the lights around the fabric starting at the center and working on once side at a time, making sure not to disrupt the volume of the fabric. Secure any loose light wires in the folds of the fabric and plug in the lights.

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