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DIY Pleated Lampshade Tutorial (No Sew) – She Holds Dearly

Creating a beautiful pleated lampshade can transform your living space, adding both character and elegance. If you’re looking for a quick and easy project that requires no sewing, you’re in the right place! This DIY pleated lampshade tutorial from She Holds Dearly will walk you through each step, ensuring you achieve stunning results without the need for a sewing machine or complicated techniques. Let’s dive in!

What You’ll Need

Before you start, gather the following materials:

• A plain lampshade – Choose one that complements your existing décor. An old lampshade can be upcycled for this project.
• Fabric – Lightweight cotton or linen works best. You’ll need enough to cover the lampshade plus some extra for pleating.
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks – This will secure the fabric in place.
• Scissors – For cutting the fabric to size.
• Measuring tape – To ensure your fabric measurements are correct.
• Pencil or fabric marker – For marking measurements on the fabric.
• Ruler – For ensuring straight lines and accurate measurements.

Step 1: Measure and Cut Your Fabric

Begin by measuring the height and circumference of your lampshade. Add a few extra inches to both measurements to allow for pleating and securing the fabric.

1. Height Measurement: Measure from the top to the bottom of the lampshade.
2. Circumference Measurement: Measure around the widest part of the lampshade.

Use these measurements to cut your fabric. Aim for a rectangular piece that is the height of the lampshade, with the width sufficient to cover the lampshade’s circumference plus additional fabric for pleating.

Step 2: Create Pleats

To achieve a lovely pleated effect, it’s essential to decide on the width and depth of your pleats:

1. Mark Pleat Lines: Use your ruler and pencil to mark lines for your pleats on the wrong side of the fabric. An easy way to create even pleats is to mark every few inches, depending on how full you want the pleats to be.
2. Pinch and Glue: Starting at one end of your fabric, pinch the fabric at your marked lines to form pleats and secure them with hot glue. Hold each pleat in place for a few seconds until it sets before moving on to the next. Continue this process until you reach the other end of your fabric.

Step 3: Attach Fabric to Lampshade

Once your pleats are set, it’s time to attach the fabric to the lampshade.

1. Align the Fabric: Place your pleated fabric against the lampshade, ensuring that it is centred and aligned with the top edge of the shade.
2. Glue in Place: Starting at the top, apply a line of hot glue to the lampshade and press the fabric down firmly. Work your way around the shade, applying glue and pressing the fabric down bit by bit. Make sure the pleats are distributed evenly along the lampshade’s surface.

Step 4: Finish the Bottom Edge

To give your lampshade a polished look, you’ll want to finish the bottom edge of the fabric.

1. Fold and Glue: Fold the edge of the fabric upwards and use hot glue to secure it to the inside of the lampshade. This will hide the raw edge and give a clean finish.
2. Optional Trim: If desired, you can add trim or ribbon around the bottom edge for an extra decorative touch.

Step 5: Reattach the Lampshade

Once the fabric is securely glued in place and everything has set, simply reattach the lampshade to its base.

Conclusion

There you have it! Your own DIY pleated lampshade, created without a sewing machine. This project not only enhances your home décor but also offers a personal touch that is sure to impress.

At She Holds Dearly, we believe that creating beautiful home spaces should be accessible to everyone, and this pleated lampshade tutorial is the perfect blend of style and simplicity. So gather your materials, unleash your creativity, and enjoy the satisfaction of crafting something truly special for your home. Happy crafting!