I have an easy method of making valances. We have 21 windows in our house and I made valances for each of them. Some of them are pieced and then some are some patterns I just made up. The valances are 18 inches wide when finished. I take a 36 1/2 " piece of fabric, fold in half, make a 1/4 seam on top and sides, leaving about 4" side opening for turning, and an inch opening on each side for the rod opening. These openings are about an inch and a half from the top. Turn to right side, press and sew an inch wide casing ( or whatever size your rod is.) Your valances are just as pretty from the outside as the front. I'm sure this is not an original idea, just one that works for me. They don't need to be hemed because they are on the fold. The width and length of fabric will depend on your window size. Most directions recommend using twice the width fabric as the window. Hope these directions make sense to you. If not let me know and maybe I can clarify Good Luck Louise