Measuring and cutting the outer fabric

Measuring and Cutting the Outer Fabric

The process for getting your outer fabric ready is largely the same, but with one difference to bear in mind. You should also follow these steps for both projects - just look out for adjustments on the location of the bottom edge.

What You Will Need

• Outer fabric
• Lampshade frame
• Tape measure
• Large scissors
• Dressmakers pencil
• Notebook
• Heavy duty clips
• Metal ruler
• Iron or steamer depending on fabric

Preparing Your Outer Fabric

Step 1

Lay your fabric onto a flat surface, clamping into place and ironing or steaming out any creases.

Step 2

Familiarise yourself with your measurements. Remember, for your outer fabric in both projects, you are working to a 2 x fullness.

Step 3

Establish where you want your bottom edge to be. If you are working with a patterned fabric, you may want to line this up with a border or incorporate an even number of repeats. If you are cutting for Project 2, make sure you have an inch of excess beyond your bottom edge to create the frilly base.

Step 4

Start at the right hand side of your fabric to measure and mark your first spoke on the bottom edge of the fabric, adding 2 cm for seam allowance. It's definitely worth doing your markings with a dressmaker's pencil in a contrasting colour to your fabric so it's clear and visible.

Step 5

Move along the bottom edge of the fabric marking the distance between each spoke; you don't need to add seam allowance for these. Make sure the marks are as prominent as possible - they will eventually be covered with a trim, so don't worry about them being visible on the final piece.

Step 6

Once you reach the measurement for the last spoke, add 2 cm seam allowance to this.

Step 7

Next, mark the measurement you have for the height of your lampshade onto the fabric by using a ruler to draw a straight line up from the bottom edge at either end.

Step 8

From the top point of your height measurement, work along the width of your fabric again to repeat the same marks for the spokes along what will be the top edge of the fabric.

Step 9

Using a ruler, draw a straight line that joins up each of these spoke measurements to create the top edge of your fabric.

Step 10

Take a large pair of scissors and cut your fabric out, cutting carefully along the top line and then down the side.

Step 11

Neatly fold your measured and cut piece of outer fabric, and place with your lining fabric ready for the next stage.