Making Tiffany Lampshade Instructions

Whilst there are many styles of lampshade readily available, it is relatively easy to make your own. This will give you the opportunity to cover it with a fabric of your choice which can co-ordinate, match or contrast with the existing decor in the intended room.

It could be that you already own a suitably sized frame and in this case all that is needed is to remove the fabric cover and replace it.

It is not always necessary to purchase new frames as old lampshades can often be picked up cheaply at charity shops, jumble sales and car boot sales.

Do not use a bulb larger than 60 watts with these lampshades.

The free instructions below are for a tiffany lampshade which will give any room that country look. It is best made in a lightweight fabric and can be used as a pendant or on a table lamp.

Requirements:

50 cms of lightweight fabric, 45" (115 cms) wide.

Birdcage lampshade frame, approximately 11" (27.5 cms) diameter at the widest point.

1.5 metres of 0.25" (6 mm) wide elastic.

2 metres of contrast bias binding, if required.

Making a Tiffany Lampshade:

Measure the circumference of the frame at the widest point and add 1" (2.5 cms) for seams.
Measure the depth of the frame following the curve of a vertical wire.
Cut 1 piece of fabric to the required size.
Fold the fabric in half to make a tube with the raw edges together, stitch a 0.5" (12 mm) flat fell seam.
Turn down a double 0.5" (12 mm) hem at the top edge and stitch close to the fold to form a casing leaving an opening of 1" (2.5 cms).
Turn up a double 0.5" (12 mm) hem at the bottom edge and stitch close to the fold to form a casing leaving an opening of 1" (2.5 cms).
Mark a line 1.5" (3.75 cms) up from the bottom fold on the right side.
For the frill cut 2 rectangles of fabric 40" (102 cms) wide and 6" (15 cms) long, matching the pattern where necessary.
With right sides together join the 2 pieces together at both short sides by stitching a 0.5" (12 mm) flat seam at both edges to form a ring.
Trim the seam allowances to 0.25" (6 mm) and press the seams open.
With wrong sides together, fold the ring of fabric in half so that both raw edges are at the top and any pattern is the correct way up.
Overlock, zig zag or bind the 2 raw edges together to neaten.
Work 1 row of gathering stitches 0.5" (6 mm) down from the top edge and another row 0.75" (18 mm) down.
Pull up the gathering threads so that the frill fits around the shade at the marked line, adjusting the gathers evenly.
Pin the frill onto the shade so that the marked line is in between the 2 rows of gathering stitches.
Stitch the frill in place on the marked line and remove the gathering stitches.
Thread 20" (50 cms) of elastic through the top casing and 40" (1 m) of elastic through the bottom casing.
Place the shade over the frame so that the frill is positioned at the bottom edge of the frame.
Pull up both pieces of elastic to secure the shade on the frame, knot and trim.
Insert the knots into the casings and slipstitch across the openings.

Remember that the Finishing Touches ebook contains many more detailed projects which go much further than these web pages will permit. All the ebook instructions are interactively linked to the comprehensive Sewing Guide. 70 projects, with over 330 colour diagrams/photographs.

Each E-Book is priced at only £10.00 with fantastic savings (up to 60%) when purchasing the bundle/package.