How to Make Slip-Covered Lamp Shades

Custom lamp shades are very expensive. You can make your own slip-covered lamp shades for next to nothing. Best of all they are really easy to make. Now you can change your lamp shades as often as you want. All you need to do is change the slipcover. Read on to learn how to make slip-covered lamp shades.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Fabric
• Plain cylindrical-shaped lamp shade (no ruffles or pleats)
• Medium-weight round elastic cording
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Steam iron
• Ironing board
• Safety pin

Instructions

1. Measure the height of the lamp shade. Add 3 inches. Then double that amount. This determines how much fabric you need to buy to make the slipcovered lamp shade. Purchase a lightweight fabric that's at least 44 inches wide. A fabric that drapes easily makes the best slipcovered lamp shade. Also, purchase at least 3 yards of medium-weight round elastic.

2. Lay the fabric on a flat surface. Cut the fabric to the height plus 3 inches you measured in the first step. Put the two strips of fabric right side together. Pin in place. Stitch a 1/2-inch seam along the selvage edge.

3. Use the tape measure to figure the circumference of the lamp shade. Multiply this amount by 1 1/2. You now know the length you need for the strip of fabric.

4. Keeping the seam as the center point, measure the fabric strip. Cut the strip to the correct length. Pin the narrow edges together with right sides facing each other. Sew together with a 1/2-inch seam. Press both seams open.

5. Turn up 1/2 inch on all the unfinished edges, both top and bottom. Press. Turn them again another 1/2 inch. Press again. Stitch in place. Stitch the hems close to the edge. Leave about 2 inches open on both hems to insert the elastic. Backstitch both openings.

6. Cut two pieces of elastic the length of the circumference of the lamp shade. Pin the safety pin on one end of one piece of elastic. Using the safety pin as a bodkin, run the pin through the hem casing. Pull the pin and elastic all the way through the hem, being careful not to let the tail end of the elastic disappear into the hem. Using a square knot, tie both ends of the elastic together. Repeat this process for the other hem.

7. Place the slipcover over the lamp shade. If the elastic is too loose, pull it up and retie it. Adjust the folds to suit yourself.