How to Finish the Back of an Upholstered Valance

Draw a line around the inside back, up from the bottom of the valance 1 inch. Use a light colored pencil that will not show through the lining. This indicates the bottom edge of the lining. Ensure that the raw edges of the fabric covering that wrapped to the back are above this line. Lower the line if necessary.

Measure and record the width and length of each section of the inside back. Use the hem line as the bottom edge, not the bottom of the valance. Measure the two side pieces -- the “legs” -- and the backside of the front. Measure the length of the top piece -- the “dust board” -- from the front of the valance on the outside, across the top, down the thickness of the board and back to the front of the valance -- on the inside of the box. Subtract 1/2 inch from this length measurement.

Cut non-fraying fabric, such as blackout lining or felt, to these measurements.

Spray the back of each piece of lining with repositionable spray fabric glue. Place the lining on the inside legs first, then the inside back, smoothing the fabric as it is applied. Align the dust board cover to the front of the top of the valance, but set back from the front edge 1/2 inch. Lay the fabric across the top of the board. Smooth it toward the back, down the thickness of the board, and back across the underside of the top toward the front of the valance, making small tucks at the edges, as necessary, to accommodate the thickness of the legs.

Glue flat fabric trim, such as gimp, to the bottom edge of the lining. Adhere it with trim adhesive. Cut the gimp flush with the outside edges of the valance and apply glue to the trimmed edge -- it will prevent fraying and give the trim a finished appearance.