If the shade is cone- or drum-shaped, lay it on its side, seam side up, in the center of a large piece of tracing cloth. Roll the shade to the left over to the seam, marking the upper and lower edges as you go. Roll the shade to the right and mark in the same manner. Add 3/4" all around for ease, and seam and hem allowances (1).
If the existing lampshade is made of separate flat sections (see the black shade with the orange cat), trace around one section on the tracing cloth, adding 3/4" all around for seam and hem allowances (2). If the sections are different shapes, trace around each one.
Do a trial layout to determine the required amount of background fabric. If you're fusing two fabric layers together, remember to double the amount of fabric.
For the cording amount, add the measurements of the upper and lower shade edges and round up to the nearest 1/8 yard.
Reverse Appliqué
Using a photocopier, enlarge or reduce the appliqué motifs on the downloadable pattern sheet as desired to fit the scale of the lampshade. Trace the motif onto the paper side of the fusible web, and cut out the web in a rectangle 1" larger all around than the drawn motif.
Prepare the slipcover fabric. If necessary, fuse interfacing to the slipcover fabric wrong side, or fuse two fabric layers together with fusible web. Use the lampshade pattern to roughly cut out the slipcover (or the appropriate number of slipcover sections) from the prepared fabric; leave about 1" extra on all sides.
Lay the appliqué motif patterns on the lampshade to plan the placement. Fuse the webbing motifs to the slipcover wrong side in the determined positions; let the fabric cool.
Cut out each motif from the background fabric, creating a shaped window. Use small, sharp scissors or a utility knife and cutting mat.
Cut a fabric rectangle slightly larger than the fusible web in the desired color (green for the spiders, orange for the cat, or yellow for the pumpkin features), and lay it right side up on the ironing surface. Place the slipcover over the colored fabric rectangle and fuse in place.
Tip:
Protect your
ironing board
when fusing
by using a
Teflon pressing
sheet or a piece
of muslin.
