Crochet Pattern: Lampshade

 💡 Crochet Lampshade Pattern: The "Soft Glow" Cover

This pattern creates a decorative, fitted cover for a cylindrical or slightly tapered lampshade frame. Remember that yarn used near a hot lightbulb should be natural fibre (like cotton or wool) to minimise fire risk, especially if the bulb is incandescent. Use LED or low-heat bulbs with crochet covers.

Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms)

Abbreviation	Meaning
ch	chain
st(s)	stitch(es)
sl st	slip stitch
sc	single crochet
hdc	half double crochet
dc	double crochet
tr	treble (triple) crochet
BLO	back loop only
FLO	front loop only
rep	repeat
rnd	round
sk	skip
FO	fasten off

Crochet Lampshade Individual Design Count Stitches

Since lampshades vary widely in size, you must calculate your specific count before starting. This design uses a simple DC (Double Crochet) fabric for quick coverage, and is worked in the round.

A. Gauge Swatch & Calculation

1. Swatch: With your chosen yarn and hook, work a small swatch (e.g., 20 DC stitches for 10 rows). Measure the width of a 4-inch (10 cm) square.
2. Measure: Measure the Circumference (C) of the top ring of your lampshade frame.
3. Calculate Starting Chain:
• Let S be the number of stitches in your 4-inch swatch.
• Let C be the circumference of your lampshade in inches.
• Starting Chain Count:
  (C / 4) \times S
• Round this number to the nearest whole number that is even (or divisible by 4, depending on the stitch pattern you choose).
• Example: If your lampshade circumference is 30 inches and your 4-inch swatch has 16 DC stitches, your starting chain is (30 / 4) \times 16 = 120 chains.

B. Starting the Lampshade Cover

• Yarn: Medium weight (Worsted/Aran) Cotton or Linen is recommended.
• Hook: Size appropriate for your yarn (usually H/8 - 5.0mm or I/9 - 5.5mm).

Rnd 1 (Base Ring): Chain the Starting Chain Count calculated above. Be careful not to twist the chain. Slip stitch into the first chain to form a large ring.

Rnd 2: Ch 2 (counts as first HDC). HDC in each chain around. Sl st to the top of the beginning ch 2 to join.

Rnd 3 (Establishing Fit): Ch 3 (counts as first DC). DC in each st around. Sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3 to join.

• Tip: Hold the fabric up against the top ring of your shade. It should fit snugly but not stretch the ring. If it is too tight, increase the stitch count slightly (add 2-4 stitches) and re-check.

Rnds 4 - Until Desired Length (Body):

• Option 1 (Plain DC): Ch 3. DC in each st around. Sl st to join. (Repeat until you reach the lampshade's lower edge.)
• Option 2 (Textured): Ch 3. Work Alternating Front Post/Back Post DC for a ribbed effect, or work a textured stitch pattern (e.g., moss stitch or linen stitch) that fits your stitch count.

Finishing Instructions and Tips

A. Finishing the Body

1. Final Round (Bottom Edge): Once the fabric reaches the lower ring of the lampshade, work a round of SC to create a stable edge.
• Ch 1. SC in each st around. Sl st to join.
2. Optional Rnd (Securing Loops): To help secure the cover, you can add a final round of loops or ties.
• Ch 1. SC in the next 2 sts, ch 3, sk 1 st. Rep from * to * around. Sl st to join. This creates small spaces to thread ribbon or elastic through later.

B. Installation and Securing

1. Blocking (Recommended): If your yarn is cotton or wool, dampen the finished cover and slide it onto the lampshade frame. Allow it to dry completely while on the frame. This ensures the yarn takes the exact shape and size of the shade, improving the fit.
2. Securing:
• If the cover is designed to fit the frame tightly, the tension of the yarn will hold it in place.
• If you added the securing loops (Step A.2), thread a piece of thin ribbon or elastic through the loops at the bottom edge and pull gently to gather and secure the cover firmly under the bottom ring.
3. Weave in Ends: Use a tapestry needle to carefully weave all loose ends into the back of the work, ensuring they are secure and hidden.

C. General Tips for Crochet Lampshades

• Safety First: Always use LED or CFL bulbs which produce very little heat. Do not use incandescent bulbs, as the heat can be a fire hazard, especially with synthetic yarns.
• Colour Fastness: If your yarn is a bright or dark colour, ensure it is colourfast before blocking, or it may bleed onto the shade liner.
• Stretch: When measuring for the starting chain, measure the circumference loosely. If you chain the exact number of stitches to fit the frame without any stretch, the finished cover will be too loose. The finished cover should require a slight stretch to fit over the frame.