I think it will be fine, also. When the valance is on the rod, make sure the seams are arranged so they sit within the back fold of the gathering. The only problem I foresee is if the fabric has an obvious pattern repeat that will be interrupted by the mismatch. Less likely if the fabric is a small, random pattern.

I agaree with Dian...if, when looking at the completed curtain...if there's a large floral somewhere across the fabric and suddenly in the drape it's dropped down and the pattern is interrupted, then be careful. That could be very obvious. If, on the other hand it's a very all-over pattern, in a small print, then it may not be noticeable.
Put your fabric on the floor, double it back on itself, keeping the pattern going in the same direction and move it up and down on the edges. If you can see a difference, chances are others will, too.
If it's very visible, can you use some of the plaid on the bottom of the curtain like we see done on home dec shows lately?
Good luck!

Dian and Glitter,

Thanks for the input. I am trying to figure out your testing technique, Glitter. "Move it up an down on the edges" has me puzzled.

I have put a picture of the valance I hope to copy along with samples of my fabric into a MSWord document that I would like to send you. Maybe you could take a look and have a better idea.

I think piping the bottom edge would be nice if I do it in the floral. I don't have enough material to cut it on the bias, but because it is being placed against the plaid, I think it would be fine cut along the salvage edge.

It is a lined, scalloped, plaid valance with a floral rod pocket and piping, and a 1 inch header in the plaid.

My hubby is nuts about the four inch wood trim above the windows. I have to hang the valance below that. AND I'd like to have it hang down to the first panel which will make the valance 14 inches from top to bottom. I usually pull the shades to that point all winter, lower in summer.

Whatchya think?

Sheesh, it's difficult to describe some things, isn't it?
;-D
Let's try again: If you roll out the entire length of floral fabric and at the 1/2 way point in the length bring it back down, then fold it up again so what you end up with is two smaller lengths of fabric, but with the pattern going in the same direction...as if there was a nap...better? Because, if you just fold the other 1/2 down, it would be upside-down to the first length. Fold it so that it would be as if you had it sewn together. Then, you'd be able to tell if there's a really visible pattern match (like wall-paper has). Moving one of them up or down, would give you a good idea of whether a tight wallpaper-like match would be the only way to go, of if being "off" a bit would make much difference. Good grief. Have I confused you even more?
It would be like slicing the length of the fabric in half, then turning the other piece to match the pattern. Only without the slicing part. ;-)

Your valance sounds gorgeous! Yes....I don't think the floral piping needs to be on the bias...I've used some piping in pillows on the straight grain and it worked out fine. Sometimes we do what we have to do! Right?
I had to chuckle about your hubby's affection for your 4" wood trim! lol! It's just like a guy!

Absolutely send me the photos! I'd love to see them!
I've sewn curtains for each home we owned and wouldn't want to do it any other way! It's such fun and so rewarding!

This valance will hang 14", right? Now didn't you mention a drape, too?

LOL! Makes me want to sew drapes around here again!
Can't wait to see your pics!

...Lindi

Glitter,

I can't E-mail you. Your E-mail address is not available.

There is no drape, just a valance. Here is part of what I tried to E-mail to you. I am going to try your technique of checking out the matching.

I am trying to piece together the measurements with the seam allowances. Here's how I think I have to go about this. For the 1" header I think I need 2 1/4". For the 2" rod I am cutting a strip 3 3/8 ", including 1 1/4 for the seam allowances and 1/8 for ease. For the body, I am going to allow 11" plus the 1 1/4 seam allowance. Then there is the floral piping which I have to cut along the salvage edge because I don't have enough material. That is the 14 inches that I need to reach the first panel.

So, I stitch the top of header to the lining (eventually), the bottom to the top of the rod pocket, the bottom of the rod pocket to the top of the body. Is that right? Then I will sandwich the piping between the bottom of valance and the lining. Or I could just sandwich a folded, interfaced, strip of the floral without the piping?

You say this is fun, but I am NOT having fun figuring this all out. It has me panicked because I don't think I can get more of the floral material.

Cove

What happened to my post?! Jeepers....it was a longish one, too, and had my email address in it.
Hmph.
Just email me at Glitter_53@yahoo.com
I'll go over what I wrote earlier...just fyi..I didn't think you were allowing enough fabric in most areas...I've done plenty of drapes/valances/curtains, and may have not understood your measurements...but just to be sure...email me and we'll sort it all out, okay?

TTYL!....Lindi

Thanks Dian & Glitter for all your help. Valances are just gorgeous. Hubby gave in and let me hang them on his woodwork. He realized it would look strange hanging below it.

I couldn't have done it without Glitters help.

I do this type of thing for work if it going to be gathered at 2.5 then you should not have to worry about matching the fabric

Thanks Nette.

Awww...shucks...;-D
I'm happy you're pleased with them, Dianne!

I know this is an old post, but I was wondering where you got the pattern for your valances or did you design them yourself? I have also come up with something similar, using a stripe and a floral, but I am not sure how to make the scallop without a lining since this will be just for my enclosed porch. I am also making cushion covers in the matching floral for my wicker furniture.

bump