This mock swags and tails scarf valance can be made from sheer or lightweight fabrics. Made from one length of fabric, it can be lined in a contrasting colour or unlined. This scarf can be left plain or with extra fabric shaped into rosettes for extra decoration. These free illustrated sewing instructions will enable you to make your own scarf valance as a window treatment.

Requirements:

Fabric one width of required length
Contrasting lining (if required) same size as fabric.
Mushroom holdbacks (use for scarf with no rosettes), valance creators or scarf hooks. One for each rosette fitted to window frame in required positions.
Matching thread.
Elastic bands and safety pins.

Mushroom Holdback.

Scarf Hook.

Valance Creator.

Measuring:

Secure mushroom holdbacks, valance creators or scarf hooks to the top of the window frame.

Drape cord or tape measure across the window between the valance creators to simulate the lower edge of the swag and the longest length of the tails. In the figure to the right the red lines indicate the measurement for single swag scarf and the green lines for a double swag scarf.

Add 2" (5cms) for hems on unlined scarf or 1" (2.5cms) for seams on lined scarf. To this measurement add 12" (30cms) for each rosette, if required.

Cutting Out:

Place fabric on a flat surface and fold in half.

Measure 12" (30cms) from one corner along the selvedge and mark.

Draw a line from this point to opposite corner.

Cut off triangle.

Repeat for lining, if required

Making the Scarf:

Unlined Scarf.

Fold a double ½" (13mm) hem at each end of fabric, stitch and press.

Lined Scarf.

Place fabric and lining, right sides together and stitch round all 4 sides leaving an opening of approximately 20" (50cms) on one side for turning.

Turn to right side and press.

Slipstitch across opening.

Hanging the Scarf:

Lay scarf on large flat surface (floor) with wrong side facing.

Pleat across the width of the scarf beginning with the longest side towards you and ending with the shortest side towards you. (See figure 1 above). The pleats should be about 4" (10cms) wide.

Place ties around the pleated scarf every 18" to 24" (46 - 60cms) to make it easier to handle.

Place scarf over holdback or through scarf hook with shorter side facing down and in towards the window.

Pull centre of scarf down to depth of swag making sure that both tails are equal in length.

Remove the ties.

Pull gently on the upper folds of the swag, towards the corners, to decrease the amount of draping at the top edge (See figure 2 above).

When the desired effect is achieved secure the fabric around the holdback or hook with safety pins between the pleats so they do not show.

Making the Rosettes:

Measure down 12" (30 cms) from the corner.

Fold this portion in half with shorter side facing the window.

Do not twist scarf.

Secure "U" portion with an elastic band looped over valance creator keeping fabric in folds.

Repeat for other rosettes checking that the tails are still even in length.

For contrasting rosettes on lined scarf turn 12" (30 cms) loop inside out so that contrast lining is facing outwards. Be careful not to twist the fabric on swags or tails.

For all rosettes. Pull out folds from middle of fabric "U" spreading fabric apart to form a rosette (See figure 3 above).

Tuck top and bottom of rosette into elastic band to secure.

Adjust folds on the tails to give the desired effect.