This course invites you to explore the timeless craft of traditional hand-stitched lampshade making, offering an engaging, practical experience with the tools, materials, and techniques required to produce a beautifully pleated lampshade. Under the guidance of an expert tutor, you will gain the skills needed to create a lampshade from start to finish, embracing methods steeped in tradition.

The session begins with an overview of lampshade construction and function. Participants will delve into essential design considerations, including fabric selection, preparation, and the use of specific tools. The initial focus is on binding the frame to provide a sturdy base for the fabric, lining, and finishing touches. You will then learn to calculate the precise amount of fabric needed to achieve the desired fit and symmetry. The fabric is carefully prepared and skilfully pleated, before being secured to the frame with traditional hand-stitching techniques, ensuring each component is firmly in place.

A central focus of the course is mastering both the pleated exterior and lining. This process involves carefully pleating and stitching the fabric to achieve a textured, tailored finish that enhances the lampshade's design and durability. Precision during this stage is essential for ensuring a polished, professional result.

To complete the lampshade, participants will apply a hand-stitched self-bias trim, a defining feature of traditional craftsmanship. This finishing touch neatly conceals raw edges and adds a refined elegance to the piece.

Throughout the course, you will have the opportunity to infuse your creation with individuality, using your choice of fabrics and trims to express your style. By the end of the workshop, you will have crafted a stunning pleated lampshade that combines practicality with timeless artistry.

This course is perfect for anyone eager to develop a new skill, refine their craftsmanship, or create a one-of-a-kind piece for their home.

Included

On this course, the tutor will supply all the tools to use for the duration of the course, a lampshade frame, lining fabric, and binding tape.

What students need to bring

• S4Top cover fabric: 1–1.5 meters of fabric (minimum width 110cm) – please see additional information

Available to buy

Available from tutor: For any additional lampshade frames or materials, your tutor can be paid either in cash or by card. All major cards are accepted, except for American Express.

Additional information

Here’s the fabric specification:

What fabric to bring: For hand-stitched traditional lampshades, lightweight fabrics like silk, tana lawn, and block-printed Indian cottons work best. These fabrics drape beautifully, create a soft, gathered or pleated look, and allow light to shine through nicely. Vintage or antique textiles can also add a unique touch. Fabrics to consider: • Silk: Lightweight silks, such as saris, offer a luxurious sheen and diffuse light beautifully while being durable. • Cotton: Tana lawn is an excellent choice due to its lightness and drape. Block-printed Indian cottons add a distinctive charm. • Linen: Light linen works well, provided it’s not too heavy or open-woven. • Other Options: Vintage or antique fabrics for unique textures and patterns. Weight Guidelines: • Top cover fabric: Lightweight fabric between 70gsm and 90gsm would be suitable. • Lining fabric: Lightweight fabric between 70gsm and 90gsm would be suitable.

Avoid: Heavier fabrics like upholstery, embroidered fabrics, or those with voids or holey textures.

N.B. If anyone brings a fabric that isn’t suitable, your tutor will have plenty of options available for you to purchase during the workshop.

Additionally, your tutor suggests two online shops where suitable fabrics can be purchased: • Liberty • Cloth House London

Please wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for a hands-on crafting environment.

Student registration: 10.30am - 11am
Course teaching: 11am – 5.15pm 
Morning session: 11am - 1pm
Lunch break: 1pm - 2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes: 5.15pm  
 

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.

Refreshments

Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety

Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions