How to make lamp shades

[Tim The Toolman Taylor]

Let's start with a simple style lamp shade and shape, the conical shade. This is the common shape of lamp shade that you will find most often. You can either buy a shade for this project or use one you already have by removing the covering already there.


Next you want to purchase cotton tape by the yard.

Buy the cotton tape in colors to match your material you will use, so that the colors will not clash.


On the frame of the shade, wrap each strut (this is the name for the metal bars on the shade) with the cotton tape and also the ring on top. Make sure the cotton is wrapped tightly. This is important, so when you sew the fabric to the cotton tape, it fits snug.


Now measure the distance around the widest section of the lamp shade and cut the material 2 inches wider in width. With the sewing machine, baste stitch the bottom and the top of the material. This will allow for ruffling later.


Now turn the material right sides together and sew the end, using a 1 inch hem. Turn the material right side up and it should show the print of the material on both sides.


Now place the material over the shade and pull the basting stitches gently so they gather around the top and bottom of the shade. Sew by hand the fabric to the shade, making sure the material is pulled tightly.


Add a piece of cotton tape in a contrasting color, you can use a color that is in the material of the shade you just made. Attach that by hand to the ends and top of the shades around the edges to give a finished look.


You can buy a lamp at a garage sale and give it a new look with a new shade. People will think you paid a lot of money for your new designer lamp!

[Khalin]

Eh, I'm way too lazy for this, but thanks anyways.