Valance rhymes with balance, and that's a good way to think about this home decor staple. A valance is the mini curtain that covers just the top portion of a window. It provides sophisticated balance against your window frame and a finishing touch to the window treatment below - shades, blinds or drapes. Better still, it hides any window hardware. To make the most of an awesome view and to let through more natural light, some folks opt for only a valance and skip any window coverings below.

The pleated valance shown here is made from one of our favorite patterns. The simple, tailored elegance goes great with any window style, and it's very easy to sew.

Sewing Tools You Need

• Any Sewing Machine (we recommend the Janome Decor Computer 3050)

Fabric and Other Supplies

• McCall's pattern M4536, View B
• Linen damask, yardage according to pattern
• Lining, yardage according to pattern
• Mounting board, length cut to fit window
• All-purpose sewing thread to match fabric
• Scissors
• Straight Pins
• Iron and ironing board

Hints and Tips

Think through your colors and textures before you begin. And remember that a heavier, stiffer fabric is the best choice for this particular pattern, such as a brocade or damask.

Do you want the elegance of tone-on-tone coordination between the valance any window coverings? If so, think about using a different texture for the valance. If you want to have your valance become a focal point (a good idea if your window molding is very simple), then up the ante with a bright color accent, like a jewel tone; an unusual texture, like a cut velvet; or run a unique fringe or trim along the bottom edge.

Follow the instructions provided in the pattern for measuring your window, and cut your fabric according to the instructions. The valance is attached to a mounting board, and mounted above the window frame using L brackets.

Customize your valance for a multiple window treatment by adding an additional box pleat between each window. Calculate the valance measurements according to pattern instructions, but add an additional 12" to the width for each additional pleat needed. This will create a 6" wide box pleat.

Other machines suitable for this project include the Pfaff ClassicStyle Fashion 1523 and the Brother NX-450.