it works fine but much easier to do if the shade is rectangular, square or the top circle and bottom are the same diameter--otherwise it's more difficult to get smooth.

That's what I did. I even lined it with lightweight fabric. I used it for years.

The lamp I have had for years Has the fabric in about 5-6" strips and wrapped up and down and over lapped a bit. The top is smaller than the bottom.

Yes, you can!

There is a book that gives details and how-to for a makeover. She has some great ideas using fabrics and trims. You can even use vintage linens. She has resources available for the different sizes and options.

Here is also the link to the blog.

http://lakeslampshades.com/

Rhonda K thanks for the link, I have been wanting to do one and this is a great help.

I remember an Aunt who covered her lampshades with fabric but can’t offer any details other than she did a professional job on it.

i saw this on t.v. long ago where they took a large "template" of paper, or fabric and laid the shade down and rolled it and marked as it rolled until you had the full circle marked. then cut leaving seam allowance or how ever you are going to apply it.
long ago i made a cover for a silk stained shade and put elastic around the top. fit easily and covered the ugly shade.

I think gathering fabric into a tube with elastic at each end will work great but not if you want the fabric picture to be a feature.

I have covered lamp shades also. I just measured around the shade and added another 1/2 measure of the circumference and gather at the top to fit the lampshade. I cover the topraw edges with gimp or something that highlights the fabric. I use something decorative on the bottom hem. I have used lace, on a western one I used leather fringe. Clear as mud??

I’ve done this before. I sprayed adhesive on it first then glued the trim on top and bottom and used clothes pins to secure it. I had spray painted a small ginger jar lamp that turned out really cute. The covered lamp shade finished it off. I had an ironing board hanging on the door so I made a new cover with coordinating fabric. Loved that sewing/guest room.