Handkerchief Valance

My project today was a valance for the living room windows. I have seen handkerchief valances before and since I have a few handkerchiefs I thought I'd like to make one. I tried a couple different methods and decided to gather the handkerchiefs onto a ribbon. If you would like to try it, here's how I did it.

1. I found some ribbon and used it to measure the size of the window. I tied a loop around one end and put it over the end of the curtain rod and stretched the other end to the length I thought I'd like and marked it.

2. I cleaned and pressed the handkerchiefs that I wanted to use and folded them into a triangle and then stitched a running stitch about an inch from the edge so that there would be room to thread the ribbon.

3. I tied the end of the ribbon without the loop onto a crochet hook and threaded it through the casement that I created in number 2.

4. I continued to add enough handkerchiefs onto the ribbon and I slightly gathered them so they all fit onto the ribbon. The vintage handkerchiefs are soft and drape well, they are easily gathered onto the ribbon. You can use even more handkerchiefs and make it fuller if ya want.

If you use my directions, drop me a note and let me know how it turned out.