Tutorial | How To Make A Simple Lamp Shade

Perhaps "Lamp Sleeve" is more correct. This tute will show you how to make one of these simple, yet satisfying covers for a basic and inexpensive lamp, such as this GRÖNÖ lamp from IKEA.

I use 100% linen for the sleeve. Note that you want something somewhat translucent so the light comes through. I like white grounds best, but you can use what you like! Linen is also nice and crisp, so it works well when you press it and the texture is very appealing.

Before we start, you must DISREGARD the dirty ironing board cover: the result of ironing 150 linen tea towel calendars!

Materials 

(this is to make one sleeve for the lamp shown):

Fabric measuring 9.25" x 17"

GRÖNÖ lamp from IKEA

Sewing machine

Iron

Pins

Ruler

Cotton baby blanket or small towel (you'll see)

1. Crease fabric along long edges (top and bottom) exactly .5". Turn under again to make a hem of .25". 

2. Press and sew close to the edge of hem.

3. Crease fabric on short edges (sides) .25". Sew close to the raw edge. Press all edges nice and sharp.

4. Wrap sleeve, wrong side out, around lamp and meet the two edges at a corner of the lamp. Pin close to the glass, but do not pull too tightly or you may have difficulty getting it on the lamp later. Crease the fabric with your fingers to make a stitching guideline to follow. You can use a pencil to draw a line, too. Tip: you want the sleeve snug, but not overly tight. Over time, it's more likely the fabric will relax and grow rather than shrink, so it's important to find the perfect snugness here.

5. Sew along the line and then press the seam open and flat. 

6. Turn inside out. Using a rolled up baby blanket or towel as a seam roll, insert into the sleeve and press smooth. Note: be sure to use an all cotton fabric here... you don't want things melting!

7. Remove "roll" and slip the sleeve over the lamp carefully as to not wrinkle it. Tip: Sometimes sliding it on all corners of the lamp can be a struggle when it "just fits"- if this happens, use a piece of stiff paper to jimmy the fabric around the edges of the lamp. Line up the seam with a back corner so it's not so noticeable.

8. Plug 'er in, and enjoy!

I made two of these yesterday for my mom in less than an hour. Makes a great gift!