How to Make Lined Swag & Valance Curtains

A swag is a decorative piece of fabric that hangs in an arch or wave shape. Swags can be made from a variety of fabrics, but a lined swag will provide extra body and structure.

Materials

- Fabric: 1/2 yard of main fabric and 1/2 yard of lining fabric

- Thread

- Scissors

- Measuring tape

- Hem gauge

- Iron

- Pins

- Sewing machine

Instructions

1. Cut the fabric.

- Cut two rectangles of fabric, one from the main fabric and one from the lining fabric. Each rectangle should be the desired width of the swag plus 1 inch for seam allowances. The length of the rectangles should be twice the desired length of the swag plus 1 inch for seam allowances.

2. Hem the edges of the fabric.

- Fold the edges of the fabric under 1/2 inch and press. Fold under again 1/2 inch and press. Stitch in place.

3. Sew the front and lining fabrics together.

- With right sides together, place the front and lining fabrics on top of each other.

- Sew around the edges, using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Leave a 4-inch opening in one side for turning.

- Clip the corners and trim any excess fabric.

- Turn the swag right side out through the opening. Use a point turner or other blunt object to help push out the corners.

4. Sew together the swag edges.

- Pin the edges of the swag together, aligning the raw edges.

- Stitch in place, using a 1/4-inch seam allowance.

5. Decorate the swag.

- You can add trim, buttons, or other embellishments to the swag.

- Once you are happy with the look of the swag, hand-sew the opening closed.

6. Gather the swag.

- To gather the swag, you will need to make two rows of evenly spaced stitches along the top edge of the swag.

- Stitch 1 inch from the top edge and again 1.5 inches from the top edge.

7. Hang the swag.

- Tie the strings around a curtain rod or other support.

- Adjust the gathers so that the swag is evenly distributed.