Do-It-Yourself Soft Scalloped Valance With Pleats

Measure the height of the window you want to cover, using a measuring tape, from the top of the drapery rod where the valance will be installed to the bottom of the window frame. Divide that number by 5 or 6 to determine the appropriate length for your valance. A deeper valance -- one-fifth the height of the window -- is a good proportion for a wider window, while one-sixth the height is a good scale for a valance over a more narrow window.

Determine how many pleats you want in your valance. The more pleats, the fuller and more pronounced the scalloped effect. A faux Roman blind valance or casual gathered valance may be pleated almost all the way up, while a Murphy-style valance has pleats only in the one-third nearest the bottom edge. Add 6 inches to the finished length measurement for each pleat. For instance, for a faux Roman valance that you want to have a finished length of 18 inches and four horizontal pleats, you would need drapery panels at least 42 inches long. While 42 inches is a standard length for panels not intended to go all the way to the floor, you can cut and hem your panel at any length, or stitch decorative trim over the cut edge as a finishing touch.

Measure the width of your window -- including any overhang on the length of the drapery rod -- and compare it to the width of your drapery panel. The panel should reach all the way across, with at least 6 inches of slack.

Figure out how many scallops you want to have across the face of your valance. For a relatively narrow window, you might want just one that spans the width of the window with one graceful, yet casual, swoop. On windows wider than 30 inches, figure on scallops that are 10 to 12 inches across -- use a span that divides evenly into the width of your panel, minus 1 1/2 inches.

Thread an all-purpose sewing needle with all-purpose polyester thread in a color that matches the front of the drapery fabric. Pull the thread through so you have two strands about 18 inches long. Clip and tie the ends together in a knot so you can sew with doubled thread.

Turn your drapery panel over to the wrong side. Measure in 3/4 inch from the right edge at the bottom hem. Sew on a 5/8-inch plastic ring -- pushing through the fabric to the knot, looping around one side of the ring and back into the fabric several times until it is secure. Pull the thread tight, knot it and trim it off with scissors. Measure straight up 6 inches -- ensure you are still 3/4 inch from the edge -- and sew on another ring. Repeat up the edge of the panel, sewing the last ring on at the point where you want pleating to start on your valance.

Move 10 to 12 inches to the left -- whatever your specific measurement is for the scallop -- and sew a ring on in a column at every 6 inches in the same manner. Either draw a line straight down with chalk or measure at each point to ensure the ring is 6 inches from the one above it and 10 to 12 inches from the one on its right to keep your scallops lined up. Repeat across the width of the panel until you sew the last column of rings on 3/4 inch from the left edge.

Gather up the rings in each column and either tie each set together with a length of string, or catch them up with a split plastic ring -- similar to the plastic sew-on rings, but with an opening like a key ring. This forms the stacked accordion pleats and secures them so they drape to form gentle scallops between each cluster of rings.

Run the rod through the rod pocket to hang your new scalloped, pleated valance. Arrange pleats and scallops to your liking by hand if they don't fall neatly into place right away.