Hangers on
Give plain old wire coat hangers a bright new look with these simple fabric covers.
Give wire hangers a fabric makeover
INFORMATION Materials
* 50cm (20in) cotton fabric (makes 3)
* Wire coat hanger
* Dressmaker’s chalk
* read
* Seam ripper (optional)
Size: 41 x 14cm (16 x 5 in)
Skill level: Easy
We always like finding new ways to upcycle even the most mundane objects, and you don’t get much more mundane than a wire coat hanger! There are usually a handful rattling around in your wardrobe, but these simple covers can give them a whole new lease of life. Made from cotton fabric, not only are they practical but cheap too. You can easily make three covers from a half metre of material, meaning you can knock out a few in one go. You could also use up oddments from your stash and sew together different fabric for the fronts and backs for a cute twist to this project – which is also very cost-effective!
How to make the coat hanger covers
1 Place two layers of fabric right sides together. Trace a line 1.5cm ( in) around the hanger – adding an extra 5cm (2in) along the bottom so the material hangs below the wire after hemming.
2 Put the hanger to one side and cut out the fabric. Sew around the hanger shape leaving the long bottom edge open, clip the corners and finish the seams. Press seams open. Turn a 1.5cm ( in) hem around the bottom of the cover and press. Sew along the hem close to the edge. Turn the cover right side out.
3 Using a seam ripper or small scissors, cut through the stitches at the neck and push the hanger through. Be careful, as you don’t want all of the stitches to unravel! Hand sew either side of the opening to prevent the stitches coming undone, but be careful not to sew so tightly as to prevent the cover being removed for washing.