How to Make a Victorian Lampshade

Purchase a simple Victorian lampshade frame, fabric with floral motif and a heat resistant lining for the inside of the shade. Trace out one of the frame compartments by placing a paper on the outside of the frame. All Victorian lampshade frame compartments are equal in dimensions, so one tracing is enough. Also trace out the front and lower rims.

Place the tracing on the fabric and the lining. Cut out the fabric with a scissor according to the number of the compartments. Leave 1/8 inches on both sides and 1-1/2 inches at the top and the bottom of the fabric.

Stitch the fabric and lining together by following the cut out pattern to match the compartments in the lampshade frame. Sew the first few fabric compartments and place them on the frame to see if they fit, then continue with the others.

Wet the sewn fabric lightly and rest it on the lampshade frame. Gently stretch the fabric from the top to the inside of the rim and carefully hand stitch it until the entire front rim is covered. Repeat the same procedure with the bottom rim. Continue to stretch the cloth slowly to prevent the fabric from overlapping at the end.

Decorate the covered lampshade by attaching braids or trim with high quality strong adhering glue. Glue the braid a little at a time for an even dryness and a proper finish. Gently press down with the palm of your hand. Repeat with all the panels.

Finish the lampshade. Attach a thin braid to the top rim of the shade with the glue. Use the glue to add fringe to the bottom rim in a way that the fringe overlaps and covers the ends of the braids. Press down hard where the ends meet so that the fringe does not pop up later.