Learn how to make a DIY Pleated Lampshade that are a cozy and beautiful upgrade to a boring ole’ shade. The entire process for making a pleated lampshade is simple, quick, and very inexpensive. You’ll be wanting to pleate every shade around your house after this…trust me!
Looking for even more easy Handmade Home Projects? Here are a few ideas: How to Make Beeswax Wraps, How to Make Beeswax Candles, DIY Bunting Garland, DIY How to Sew A Half Apron, and Inexpensive Drop Cloth Projects.
How to a DIY Pleated Lampshade
Needed Supplies:
- Glue gun
- Fabric of your choice – How much fabric you will need depends on the size of your lampshade. if you are buying new fabric, be sure to measure your shade first so you purchase enough fabric.
- Iron
- Sewing Machine (optional)
- Scissors
- Thread – For the final two pieces needed for this shade, I sew along the long edge of fabric. To do so, you’ll need a thread that matches your fabric.
- Lampshade(s)
Instructions:
1. Cut fabric into strips (3 inches wide and however long your particular lampshade is). I can’t give an exact amount of strips to cut since this will depend on how big your shade is.
2. Press the long raw edges of each fabric strip in on the back side of the fabric. The best way to keep them pressed is by using an iron.
3. Glue each strip onto the lampshade. Begin by gluing the top of the strip about 1/2 an inch away from the top of the shade. Then glue the bottom of the strip to the bottom of the shade (again leaving about 1/2 an inch of space from the bottom of the shade).
4. Cut any extra fabric from the bottom of the shade.
5. Overlap the next strip of fabric. Lay the next piece of fabric about half way over the preexisting strip. This will give you that desired pleated look!
6. Repeat the steps 3-5 until the entire shade is covered.
7. Create the top and bottom strips by cutting two more 3 inch wide strips. These pieces will be much longer than the other strips. You’ll want to measure the top and bottom of your lampshade to get the right length. Like before, you’ll press the raw edges in on the back side of the fabric. This time, you will fold the fabric in half and press.
If you make this project and love how it turned out, feel free to come back and comment about your experience. I’d love to see your creation and how you used it!
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- DIY Bunting Garland
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