Lamp Shade Tutorial

Here is the tutorial that some of you have been waiting for.

I was so excited to learn how to do this.

My dear friend Shirley custom covers lamp shades 

and she was gracious enough to not only show me how, 

but help me create this tutorial 

so that you can learn, too. 

This is my finished lamp shade:)

Maybe you will remember these that Shirley made for her Granddaughter.

I posted them earlier this year.

What you need to get started is a lamp shade

 with a wire frame and cloth or plastic lining.

About a yard of your choice of cotton fabric.

Enough trim to cover the top and bottom of your shade.

Freezer paper 

Hot glue

Quick grip glue

Lots of clips or clothes pins

and a sewing machine.

 I apologize because I thought that I had taken a picture 

of my lamp shade before we started.

Mine was a lamp shade that I bought at Goodwill for $1.99.

I carefully removed the trim that was on the top and bottom edge, 

so that I had a clean plain shade to start with.  

Mine was white plastic. 

First you place the freezer paper on the shade

so that it goes from one side seam to the other. 

Next, clamp it to the top to hold it while you make your pattern.

Turn the shade over and take a pencil and mark the bottom of the shade.

Next there should be two seams on your shade.

Made a mark down both seams.

Next mark the top of the shade.

See how the paper is loose over the shade.

This will be a loose pattern, don't worry.

What you will end up with is a pattern for half a shade.

When you cut out your pattern be sure 

and add 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch extra 

for seam allowance and turning a hem.

Now that you have your pattern,

you'll want to cut out two pieces.

So, fold the fabric so that you are cutting your pattern on the bias. 

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT.

Sew both of the side seams together and then do a fitting.

It should be big.  

With extra at the top and bottom for the hem.

Put it on inside out and start fitting it tighter.

Always keeping extra at the top and bottom.

Here you can see by first seam.

I took mine in at least three times before I got a tight fit.

Keep doing this a little at a time until you have it nice and tight,

and with fabric at top and bottom.

When you have it fitting your shade 

be sure to trim your seams so the they are not bulky.

 Next fit it over your shade and clip the bottom . . .

 

and the top.

Look how good it is looking:)

Now start turning a small hem.

Clip it all around and then

use your Quick Grip glue to secure your hem.

Next do the same to the top.

IF YOU HAVE ANY PLACES ON THE SIDES 

THAT ARE NOT FITTING SMOOTHLY,

Just spray them with a mist of water.

As they dry they will tighten:)

Next use your hot glue gun and apply your trim.

That's it:)

There are a lot of steps, 

but it really isn't that hard to do.

Now tell me where are you going to find 

lamp shades to match your decor?

Now you can :)

I hope that you enjoyed this tutorial.

Please leave a comment.

If you have a question, I'll do my best to answer it.

Have fun!

 Your blogging sister,

Connie :)