The Board

• 1
  Measuring tapemeasure one image by Kimberly Reinick from Fotolia.com
  
  Measure the depth of the draperies and add 3 inches for clearance to determine the depth of the board you need. If you are topping two layers of heavy draperies, you may need to come out 8 to 10 inches from the wall. Measure the width of the window and molding plus 4 inches. If you are hanging the valance board over draperies, measure the length of the drapery rod and molding and add 3 inches. Mark this measurement on the board using a T-square and pencil.
  
  
• 2). Place the board flat on a workbench or table, with the end to cut extending over the edge. Press the board down to hold it in position and saw the cutting line using a circular saw.
  
  
• 3). Cover the board with fabric, folding corners neatly, and glue in place with fabric or white glue.
  Attach Velcro, hook side out, stapling horizontally along the front edge and both ends. Trim ends flush with board.
  
  
• 4). Using ladder, stud finder, level and pencil, locate and mark the position you want to install mounting brackets. Be sure they are level with each other and mark each drill point, putting your pencil through the holes on the vertical portions of the L brackets. If possible, mount them on studs. They can be mounted any distance above the window frame according to personal preference.
  
  
• 5). Drill holes in the wall using the appropriate drill bit for the screws or molly bolts you will be using. Attach the brackets to the wall with the screwdriver so the bottom of the board will rest on the top of the L bracket. (Use molly bolts, following the instructions on package, if you're drilling into drywall.) If the board is longer than 4 feet, add a bracket in the center, as well, and every 4 feet if longer.
  
  
• 6). Place the board on the brackets and mark drill spots. Drill holes and mount the board on the brackets.
  
  

Valance Pattern

• 1). Make a pattern for the valance using stiff craft paper (available by the roll). Mark the top edge by adding the width and both side edge measurements of the board. For example, if the board is 10 inches deep and 48 inches wide, add 10 + 10 + 48 for a total width measurement of 68 inches.
  
  
• 2). Measure the distance from the top of the mounting bracket to approximately 8 inches below the top of the window frame (not the molding). Transfer these measurements to the paper and draw this rectangle.
  
  
• 3). Fold the paper in half on the center line of the rectangle. On one half of the pattern, draw half of the shape you want for the valance (scallops, for example) or leave the pattern a perfect rectangle. Add a 5/8-inch seam allowance all around the edges. Add an extra inch to the bottom, to allow for the thickness of the valance board. Cut the pattern out.
  
  

Make and Mount Valance

• 1). Press the fabric flat to remove all creases and wrinkles. Pin the pattern to the fabric on the straight of the grain and cut out.
  
  
• 2). Fold the edges over ¼ inch (to the back--the wrong side) on all four sides and press to set the crease. Fold the edges on the sides and bottom of the valance over again ¼ inch. Press again and stitch in place. Pin a Velcro strip (loop side out) along the top, wrong side of the valance, covering the raw edge, and stitch in place. Pin any trim along the bottom of the valance and stitch in place.
  
  
• 3). Attach the valance to the mounting board by pressing Velcro edges together, wrapping the valance around all three sides of the board.