Hi Linda, I started out by wrapping the top and bottom rings and then started weaving around the shade. My shade only had four ribs and it wasn't looking right so I added vertical strips to each side. I tied them as tight as I could for stability. As you work around the shade, try to keep the rings as close together as possible. I wish I had pushed mine closer together. I also varied the length of the strips so that the knots didn't all come out at the same place. I also wrapped the string around each ribe and vertical strip. I hope this makes sense, maybe the closeup will help. If you have any questions just let me know. Now I'm wishing I had another lamp shade!