What is the difference between the Kingston Valance 9101 and the Empire?
The Empire has pleats that stack on top of the mount board. The Kingston pleats develop behind the horns below the board top. The Empire is an easier construction.

What is the difference between the 9001 Empire and the 9284 Classic Empire? I also see that you have other patterns for Empire Pole swags. Can you explain them to me?
Go to our web site, click on yardage pages.Then click on the pattern # of your choice. Read the top portion of the page. This is the part that will explain what the design is all about. It will tell you the size limits, etc. Down further is the yardage, which will tell you how to determine the swag size.

ALTERATIONS

How can I alter the swags?
We cannot give you instructions to alter the swag in width or depth. To go beyond the sizes given would require the shape and size of the pattern and the pleat angles to change. There is no formula for a quick fix.

I have a designer who wants me to make an Empire Valance with a ruffled header. I'm imagining that it would need to be created as a rod pocket valance. Could you possibly tell me the best way to go about this and adjust the pattern accordingly for yardage as well as construction?
The 9229 pattern is a rod pocket Empire, also pattern 9204.

I only want 3 pleats in each swag. Can you please advise me how to convert from 5 folds to 3? I really don't want to have to buy another pattern.
The 9001 pattern was designed for 5 pleats. It does not adjust to 3 pleats. The Kingston (9101 pattern) can be adjusted in the pleat (fullness) area. The Empire can not. We have 9213 (Squire Valance) that has 2 pleats. We don't have a pattern with 3 pleats.

Why can I alter the Kingston depth but not the Empire?
The Kingston fullness area is a straight line. It does not have pleats that angle. However, you can’t alter the Kingston width for the same reason as the Empire.

I need an Empire valance with a swag depth of 24".
“Please use pattern 9234 for depths 24” to 28”.

I have a decorator who wants the Empire on board treatment with swags finishing 20" and the horns to finish 18". I just purchased your pattern 9001 and it looks like the horns would finish at 16". Can you make these longer and still look right?
To create that design you would have to draw the horn to come down at it's center instead of a curve upward.

Can I alter the pleats to 4 and not distort the pattern?
No, we can't give instructions to alter the pleats.

RETURNS

I am using the jabot, and mounting this on a board with a 12" return. How much wider should this be cut to look good with such a deep return? And should it be gathered, or would it look better pleated?
Depending on the fabric, at least double fullness. The jabot is designed to be gathered. With such a large return, you could design it to be pleated if you desire.

SWAG SIZE

I wish to make the Empire swag for a 122" window. I have no clue what size to make the swags. I purchased the Designer's Digest and in part 1-C1 it has a list for Swags and Swags on Poles, but nothing about the Empire swags. I honestly don't know what size to make the swags.
Empire swags aren't the type that have a chart. The yardage page tells you how to determine your size.

122" less 3" = 119"

Pick a number (any number) to divide into 119"

7 divided into 119 = 17" is the swag size

When the number you picked doesn't divide within the 14" to 38" width range of the pattern, you simply pick another number.

Since you have a large window, you have a choice of using 4 to 8 swags. Each will give a different swag size that is within the range of the pattern.

We're figuring swag widths. Our question is: the board is 90" with a 3 1/2" return on both sides. Do we cut 3 swags 30” each? The reason we aren't sure is because under the yardage section of the pattern it says "to decide how many swag sections to use, subtract 3" from the board face measurement". Why do we subtract 3"?
There isn't enough room on the yardage page for us to explain it there. Sometimes you just have to trust. This is explained on page 2 of the instruction booklet. When deciding how wide to make your swag sections, remember that they are set in 1 1/2" from each end of the board in order to allow enough room for the horns to fit in. Therefore you must subtract 3" from your board measurement and then divide by the number of swag sections desired. That is the measurement to use on the pattern, for swag width.

My total window width is 179". I deducted 3" per the instructions. I divided 176" by 38" (swag width). This gave me 190”. If I used the swag width of 36" which gives me 180" (which is still 4” too long) would this be better? Would it be better to sew each piece individually instead of all together as the pattern calls for? This would allow me to position each swag and horn separately with the return on each end and then attached to the board? Please advise me of the best way to proceed.
The instructions tell you to divide by the number of swags desired, not by the swag width. Dividing by 5 gives you swag sizes of 35.2. This will fit your window. No, I don't advise making the valance larger, nor making separate sections. Go in between the lines on the pattern to get your exact swag width.

I have purchased the Empire Valance and need some understanding of the board length. If I want the valance to cover the window and the molding, should my board length be equal to that distance or should it be 3" shorter than the window plus the molding? The pattern indicates subtracting 3" from the board length for the swags to account for the horns, but it doesn't mention the addition of the jabots. My configuration is 4 swags with 5 horns and 2 jabots.
Your board size should be what you want it to be. I can't imagine you would want it smaller than your window. You do not subtract 3" from the board for the swags. You subtract 3" from the SIZE of the board before figuring swags. This is explained in the instructions. Do not subtract for the jabots.

I have a 42" window and want to do 2 swags. My calculations determine that each swag would be 19.5". How can I modify the swag width from 26" to 19.5"? And if I modify the swag pattern do I need to modify the horn and return as well?
You don't need to modify the pattern. You simply go between the 18" and 20" swag width cut lines to get 19.5". Don't change any of the pattern pieces.

Can you use the Empire Valance when making three curtains (windows are close together with different widths) and have them come out all the same length across?
The Empire is a valance pattern, not a curtain pattern. When using it for valances, all widths will hang at the same depth. Example: If you are using the 18" depth cutting lines on all pattern pieces, all the widths will hang 18" deep.

FABRIC

I am using a "crisp" silk, cut on the bias. My horns turned out beautiful, but the swags will not hang smoothly. Would you suggest interlining?
Yes, silk should always be interlined. Silk is a crisp fabric and will "crinkle" when used for swag folds (pleats) even when cut on the bias. I have found that the fabric stabilizer (sold by Rowley Company and M'Fay Patterns) makes a big improvement and a smoother appearance. I would use the stabilizer and interlining.

My client has selected a 1" wide tone on tone stripe fabric. As I look at the construction, I'm beginning to think the stripes are not going to look good when the swag pleats are put in. Do you have any input on my concerns that the stripes are not going to look good?
Stripes will not line up. Whether or not you like the look, I cannot determine. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I can say that stripes are used for the 9001 often. My preference is that they be cut upright instead of bias.

STYLE

I need an Empire pattern with knots.
“Please use pattern 9284 Classic Empire Valance.

Can I use the Empire Valance on an arched window?
No. Our Empire patterns are not designed to hang on a curve. We do have Kingston Arched patterns, 9300 and 9301.

PROPORTIONS

I need to know the short point of the horn. I plan to make either the 16" or 18" depth swag, so can you tell me the short points for either option?
There is a 4" difference between short and long point.

I am in the middle of cutting the returns of the Empire Valance. I will make 2 identical swags, plus respective drapes. Each window measures 35" wide and 70" long. Ceiling height is 9' and windows are about 5' apart. Should the length be 16" long or 18"?
If the valance will be installed 7' off the floor the valance should be 16". If it will be 8' up make it 18". If it will be 9' up make it 20".

I'm going to be using the Empire Valance on 5 windows in a master bedroom. Four windows are single width, 39" wide. One window is a double, 72" wide. My question is: Should I use (a) 2 swag sections for the single windows and 4 for the double?; or (b) 1 for each single window and 2 for the double?; or (c) 2 swag sections for it all, but different sizes? I've used the Empire on double windows before with 2 swag sections and it looks beautiful, but have not done it in conjunction with a single window. I'm not sure how it would look without a center horn on the single windows, but also not sure if it would be too much to have 4 on the double. My preference is to use 2 swags on each, but that results in much bigger swag sections on the double window than the single and I'm not sure if that would look ok.
Within one room you should keep all swag sizes as close as possible. Your choices are 2 swags for the 39" and 4 swags for the 72" or 1 swag for the 39" window and 2 swags for the 72". After that it depends on the client's decor. Small swags if an ornate look is desired or wide swags if you want a more tailored look.

YARDAGE

Do the fabric requirements listed for railroading include the self-lining of the returns and horns?
All lining measurements are separate from the main fabric. If you are railroading the fabric to prevent seams, you should do the same with the self-lining. If you plan to put seams, there is no point to railroading the lining. Use the info for upright cut.

CONSTRUCTION

In Step 9, on page 8 of the instruction booklet, it says to cut along the board line to the small dot at the top of the swag. I am not sure why this is necessary. If it is cut, how do I then attach the cone to it?
This clip is necessary for the pleats to lay flat. It will not interfere with the placement of the horn.

I don't understand how the horns come together along the pleats. Please help!
After the swags are pleated, bring the seams at each side of the horn together. The swag sections will then butt together behind the horn.The horn will join dot to dot, overlapping the swags. The outside swags are done the same way, with the swag butting the return or jabot. The horn will still be overlapping them.

TRIM

I wish to add a scalloped tassel fringe and I plan on elongating the jabots a bit. I am not sure I like the look of this trim on the jabots because the tassels will hang on an angle. There are no pictures on your web site except for the Squire Pole Valance with it's trim; would it hang similar to this? If so, then I could make a judgment call as to whether to go forward with it.
A good example to view is pattern 9287 and 9288 jabots. Tassel fringe is beautiful on jabots. You should not hesitate to use it.

BAY WINDOWS

I’m using the Empire for a bay window. What should my swag sizes be?
Make the board and valance in one piece. Plan for a horn to be at the inside corners. Subtract 1 1/2” from each end of the board only. You must figure the side swags size. Then you figure the middle swag size, keeping them as close to the same size as possible. It is to be expected they won’t be the same.

I am making the Empire Valance for a bay window. The side windows are 29 1/2" wide and the middle window is 54" wide. I will treat this as one long window. If I allow an 1 1/2" for the jabots and 2 14" swags for the side windows and 4 14" swags for the center window, will the swags appear too small? I usually like to use around 16" swags. They will be 18" long.

Either selection is fine. The smaller swags will give a busy and more ornate look. The swags will appear very full. The larger swags will give a more simple, tailored look. The swags will not appear as full.

I'm using the Empire for a bay window with unequal window lengths. The middle window is 8" wider than the two side windows. I plan to make 3 swags on the larger window and 2 on each of the side windows. My question is: How do I attach the valance to the boards when they meet in the two corners? I plan to have horns in each corner, but don't see how I could attach it unless I use Velcro and stick it up after I've installed the board on the window. Can the pattern be ended at the horn and not attached to the next swag over on the next board?
Evidently you plan to have 3 separate boards and 3 separate valances, but the valances need to join as one? You can make just one mount board and one valance. Even if you want the boards to be separate and butt together at the corners, you need to make the valance in one piece. You can attach it to the board before or after the board is installed. If you attach it after installation, use Velcro.