![DIY leather whipstitched lampshade](https://img.hunkercdn.com/375/cme-data/12/4/28f4178cad7a46e48d49253c8c5046d0.jpg)
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DIY in a Day brings you step-by-step instructions for easy projects that will spruce up your space — within 24 hours (or less!).
Ready for the easiest IKEA hack we've ever featured? We gave a plain SKOTTORP lampshade a custom look by adding a leather whipstitched detail around the rim. Don't worry — no sewing skills are necessary here. Seriously, it's as simple as punching holes and threading leather cord through them. We have to say, considering the minimal effort required, the texture and visual interest of the leather stitches shines a whole new spotlight on style, no matter which lamp you place it on.
Things You'll Need
Video of the Day
![IKEA SKOTTORP lampshade hack](https://img.hunkercdn.com/375/cme-data/12/4/276db8ca739e4023a3d46cabaf4c1c5d.jpg)
Step 1
Wrap the measuring tape around the top rim of the lampshade, and tape it in place with painter's tape. Starting at the back seam of the shade, mark a dot 1/2 inch down from the rim. Continue marking dots around the entire rim, spaced 1/2 inch apart. Do the same around the bottom rim of the lampshade.
Video of the Day
![Measuring and marking dots around rim of lampshade](https://img.hunkercdn.com/375/cme-data/12/4/cde0c1e2d94245b88a071aefa1d57952.jpg)
Step 2
Using the smallest hole setting on the leather punch tool, punch a hole on each of the dots you drew.
![Punching holes around rim of lampshade with leather punch tool](https://img.hunkercdn.com/375/cme-data/12/4/eb760217889d4b96964cd6c12341917e.jpg)
Step 3
Starting at the hole closest to the vertical seam on the lampshade, thread the leather cord through the hole from the inside of the shade, and leave a tail hanging that's a few inches long.
![Threading leather cord through a hole from inside the shade](https://img.hunkercdn.com/375/cme-data/12/4/4180e83831944bd7890187ef1eadaaac.jpg)
Pull the cord up over the top rim and thread it through the next hole, again entering from the inside of the shade.
![Pulling leather cord up over rim of lampshade](https://img.hunkercdn.com/375/cme-data/12/4/4a0be98d9e864db48d50034977f38883.jpg)
Continue stitching the cord in this manner until all the holes are stitched. Make sure you pull each stitch taut as you work.
![Whipstitching leather cord around rim of IKEA lampshade](https://img.hunkercdn.com/375/cme-data/12/4/e32441c42f3345389962508ff3ab5c34.jpg)
Step 4
After you've stitched the last hole, tie the tails of the cord together inside the shade, and cut off any excess. Repeat this process around the bottom rim of the shade.
![Ends of leather cord tied into knot inside lampshade](https://img.hunkercdn.com/375/cme-data/12/4/433f678bf9784f47948fac570c27048e.jpg)
Now place your shade on a lamp, and let its newly stitched style shine bright.
![IKEA hack leather whipstitched lampshade](https://img.hunkercdn.com/375/cme-data/12/4/3559303209474b4ab2b734ab30aa1ff3.jpg)
![DIY whipstitched lampshade on desk with candles and vase](https://img.hunkercdn.com/375/cme-data/12/4/b46e6656fe574800ab687ca700f11464.jpg)