Traditional Lampshade Making Workshop, Brighton
Learn one of the most beautiful and rewarding craft skills you can acquire - traditional hand-sewn lampshade making. This immersive full day workshop is held at the wonderful Starling Studio in Fiveways, Brighton, and is taught by Jo from Lume Lighting, who has been making traditional lampshades for over 10 years.
Traditional lampshades are made in an entirely different way to contemporary drum shades. There's no hard PVC backing, instead, fabric is hand stretched over a frame and hand sewn into place, a technique that takes patience, skill, and a steady hand. It's a deeply satisfying process, and by the end of the day you'll have made a beautiful bowed empire soft shade that you'll be genuinely proud of.
Classes are kept deliberately small, a maximum of 6 people, so you'll get plenty of individual attention and guidance throughout the day.
What you'll learn
- How to bind a lampshade frame using cotton tape
- How to stretch and pin fabric over a frame so it sits perfectly
- How to hand sew fabric onto the frame
- How to make your own bias binding
- How to finish your shade with bias binding or trim
What's included
- A full day of expert tuition from Jo
- A 12"/30cm diameter bowed empire lampshade frame
- All haberdashery - pins, needles, threads, and scissors
- Printed instruction handouts to take home
- Tea, coffee, and snacks throughout the day
Please note - there is a lot to learn with traditional lampshades and a good amount of hand sewing involved. Depending on your pace you may need to finish a small amount at home, but you'll have all the skills and instructions to do so confidently. The workshop is suitable for complete beginners.
What to bring
- At least 1 metre of fabric plus matching thread
- Lunch, there's a 45 minute break and there are lovely cafes in Fiveways a 10 minute walk away
Fabric guidance
A light to medium weight cotton, linen, or cotton/linen mix works best. Please note the fabric is cut and used on the bias (at a 45 degree angle), so if your fabric has a directional pattern it will sit on the diagonal — a non-directional print works best. Please avoid thick fabrics such as velvet, upholstery fabric, or heavy cottons. Not sure about your fabric? Get in touch before the day and I'll advise.
Workshop dates & location
- Saturday 13th June 2026 - 10am to 5pm - Starling Studio, 107 Havelock Road, Brighton, BN1 6GL
- Saturday 22nd August 2026 - 10am to 5pm - Starling Studio, 107 Havelock Road, Brighton, BN1 6GL
- Saturday 10th October 2026 - 10am to 5pm - Starling Studio, 107 Havelock Road, Brighton, BN1 6GL
Can't make these dates? You can buy a gift voucher which are valid for a year and make a wonderful present for anyone who loves craft.
Private group bookings This workshop is also available as a private group experience for up to 8 people, at Starling Studio or at my own studio in Hove. Perfect for a special birthday, hen party, or group day out. Get in touch to find out more.
