How To Make A Lamp Shade

So, you want to make your own lamp shade...

The good news is that anyone can make a lamp shade - in a jiffy.
There is no bad news, so let's get started.

The easiest (and most common) lamp shade is the conical shade. You can make the conical lamp shade structure yourself, but it's far easier to buy a cheap lamp shade or use the structure of an old lamp shade you have lying around.

HOW TO MAKE A LAMP SHADE
Step 1

Remove the covering from your existing lamp shade. Take care not to bend or damage the underlying lamp shade structure. If possible, remove the structure from the base before you begin.

HOW TO MAKE A LAMP SHADE
Step 2

The first thing you'll need is cotton tape in a color that will match the color scheme you have in mind for the final lamp shade. Make sure you get enough cotton tape.

Wrap the cotton tape around each strut (the metal bars that make up the lamp shade structure) and around the rings at the top and bottom. You'll eventually sew your lamp shade to that, so make sure your cotton tape is wrapped tight.

HOW TO MAKE A LAMP SHADE
Step 3

You probably have your material picked out already. If you don't, consider decorating a plain piece of material yourself. The reward is so much greater.

Measure the distance around the frame of the lamp shade structure (at the widest point) and cut the material 2 inches wider.

HOW TO MAKE A LAMP SHADE
Step 4

Baste stich the bottom and the top of the material. Turn your material right sides together and sew the ends together. Use a 1 inch hem. Turn the material right side up.

HOW TO MAKE A LAMP SHADE
Step 5

Place the material over the shade and gently pull it down until it fits snugly over the lamp shade frame. Pull the basting stiches around the top and bottom of the frame. Now sew the fabric to the cotton tape that you've wrapped around the lamp shade frame. Do this by hand.

HOW TO MAKE A LAMP SHADE
Step 6

Now all that remains is the finishing touches to your lamp shade. Attach a matching color cotton tape to the top and bottom, around the rings. This will give your new lamp shade a finished look. Take care with the color selection. A good choice here can turn a good lamp shade into an exquisite lamp shade. Consider using a contrasting color.

HOW TO MAKE A LAMP SHADE
Step 7

Show off. Then make another one :-)

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