Course overview:

Our lampshade courses are arranged on request for a minium of 4 students, up to a maximum of 6.  Book the whole course with friends, or add your name to our waiting list.

We offer two options: PLEATED or TRADITIONAL lampshades.  On our lampshade-making courses, you will create either a beautiful, lined pleated lampshade or traditional lampshade.  When you have learnt the skills covered in this course, you can go on to make your own lampshades at home.  Please read all the information below before booking.

Course Tutors:

The course is taught by Jeannie Kelly.  Jeannie is a professional lampshade maker and is vastly experienced in making all kinds of soft furnishings.  There are between four and six students on the course, so you will receive plenty of attention.

Course level: all levels
Cost: £190
Date: Contact us to arrange a suitable date
Timings: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Duration: 2 days – Saturday & Sunday
Location: The Old Pigsty on Parsonage Farm
Spaces available: Contact us to book the whole course, or add your name to our list

Book your place:

Please email us to book your place or to ask any questions you may have.

Course components:

• Binding the lampshade frame with special tape
• Making a template for your top cover and lining (not always necessary)
• Learning how to stretch the fabric over the frame on the bias
• Hand-sewing: mastering the “lampshade” stitch
• Creating a “balloon” lining or a pleated lining to cover the interior stitching and hems (more hand-sewing!)
• If time allows, attaching braid and fringing to the frame

Depending on your choice of frame, you may also learn how to pleat fabric on the frame or learn how to create panelling on the frame.

The course fee includes:

• Lampshade frame
• Lining fabric
• Lampshade binding tape
• Glue
• Detailed hand-out

What you need to bring:

• One metre of top fabric (see below about choosing fabric)
• Braid
• Matching thread (that blends in to your fabric)
• Dressmaking pins – these are particularly suitable for lampshade making
• Thimble
• A notebook and pen/pencil (to make notes)
• A packed lunch

Experience needed:

No previous experience of sewing is needed.

Your choice of fabric:

The fabric that you choose can either be plain or patterned.  The most suitable fabrics are: silk, Dupion (slightly textured silk), Moire, damask, lightweight cotton or cotton mix, and linen.  Heavier-weight fabrics such as velvet and very stretchy fabrics like jersey are not suitable.  If you are using a patterned fabric, be aware that it will be used at a 45-degree angle (on the bias), so think about the placement of the fabric and where the design will sit.

Your choice of braid:

If you would like to complete the lampshade in the two days, please ensure you have bought some braid.  To finish off your lampshade, you will need 2 metres of braid.  Barnett Lawson is a great company that sells a huge range of braids, and they offer a samples service.  If you’re undecided on the type of braid you’d like or you run out of time, we will demonstrate how to attach it to the frame on the second day so you can add it at a later date.

Your choice of frame:

At the beginning of the course, you can choose your frame.  If you have a frame not shown below, send us a photo and we will advise if it is suitable.

For pleated lampshades, the frames below are the most suitale.  They come in various sizes and are suitable for a table lamp or pendant light.

For traditional lampshades, the frames below would be suitable, as well as other curved designs.

Booking terms and conditions
Health & Safety guidelines