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No sew make-overs: How to spruce up a lampshade

No sew make-overs: How to spruce up a lampshade

To turn a plain lampshade into something special, wrap it in stunning fabric and trim with a quirky braid.

Drum lampshade

Fabric

Coordinated braid

Double-sided tape

Scissors

Note: Fabric and braid quantities depend on the size of your shade.

How to make it:

  1. Measure circumference – seam to seam – and depth of shade, then add 2cm to each short side and 1cm to each long side of finished measurement. Transfer measurements to fabric and cut out.

  2. Turn top and bottom of fabric’s long edges under 1cm, and one short side under 2cm. Iron in place for a sharp edge. Run double-sided tape around top and bottom of the shade, and down the shade’s seam.

  3. Starting with the short (unpressed) edge at the seam, line up raw edge so it overlaps tape by 2cm. Carefully run fabric around shade, pressing and smoothing onto tape. When you reach seam, run another piece of tape down the seam (over the fabric), and flatten ironed edge to tape.

  4. Cut braid to measure circumference of shade, then add 2cm for turnover where ends meet. Run some double-sided tape around bottom edge of covered shade. Secure braid in place, turning under end at seam for a neat finish.

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