Mock hobbled valance

I struggled with the mock hobbled valance for years, but now I have a method that I'm happy with and goes comparatively quickly.

There was not enough fabric to completely match the pattern, so I aimed for a balanced representation of the pattern elements instead.  This process begins with a sketch to scale of the folds and tapes.  I drew it up two ways and preferred the one with deeper folds.  I plan the "ring" placement (there are no actual rings) and I plan the exact increments for the twill tape.  That takes time beforehand but eliminates guesswork at the end.

The fabric and lining are prepared, the side hems secured, the rows drawn with disappearing pen, and the tape placement marked.  The prepared tapes are pinned at the folded bottom hem.  There were two identical valances, so they were prepared side-by-side at the same time to ensure consistency.

From this point on, all sewing is done by machine.  The bottom hem is topstitched and the tape attached at the same time.

I sew across the entire width of the shade, catching the tape at its marked increments as I go.

This valance has 3 rows.  The bulk is pulled up and the tapes secured at the marked increments as I sew across the next row.  The valance has begun to take shape.

 That little black dot marks the board line, and the last seam sewn 1/4" above it.

If the fabric and tape have been marked accurately, the chaos has now become a valance!

The corners are mitered, sewn, and trimmed to reduce bulk on the top of the board.

I like to get the valance on the board before adding the legs.  Here the valance is stapled, and the dustboard fabric partially stapled.

The covered legs are attached, then the returns are wrapped around and secured, and the dustboard finished.

Ta-da!