This is basically a small curtain covering the track to give elegance to the window treatment. It needs to be hung from a separate track which protrudes out from the curtain, this is known as a valance rail. Valances can be plain or shaped and adding a lining will improve it's appearance. Adding a frill or fringe along the bottom edge will accentuate the shape. Like curtains valances can have pencil pleat or pinch pleat  and need to be at least as full as the curtains. Special consideration should be given to the drop of the valance. A general rule of one sixth of the curtain drop is usual with a minimum of  8" (20cms). A way to determine the drop is to make a paper strip and pin it over the top of the open curtains. This can be adjusted to give the required effect.
These free illustrated sewing instructions will enable you to make your own valances to enhance your window treatments.

Figure 1
Valance with fringed edge

Figure 2
Valance with bordered edge

Requirements:

Fabric allow at least twice the track width plus 24" (60cms) for the returns (the sides of the track ).Allow enough fabric in the drop for pattern matching and hems.

Lining.

Heading tape long enough for the finished valance plus turnings.

Matching thread.

Fringing or Braid ( if required ) long enough for the bottom of the valance. This can be back stitched by hand or glued in place once the valance is finished.

Making a lined valance:

Cut the fabric and lining to the desired length plus seam allowance ( 1" (2.5cms) at top edge and 0.5" (12mm) on other sides ).

Join the widths together using a flat seam and matching the pattern on the fabric.

Place right sides together and machine stitch 0.5" (12mm) in from raw edges along ends and lower edge.

Turn right sides out and press.

To attach tape turn under 1" (2.5cms) at top edge.

Place tape as near to the fold as possible and pin in place.

Free cords at both ends and turn under raw edges of tape.

Stitch along top and bottom edges of tape with both rows of stitching going in the same direction.

If fringe or braid is to be added, hand stitch along lower edge.

Pull up cords from both ends but do not cut off the excess.

Adjust the length to fit the valance rail with the pleats evenly distributed along the length.