I’ve had a problem for years of wire hangers alternately fighting each other and multiplying in my closet. Twenty-five years ago a friend made strong, non-violent hangers by combining three of them and then using some kind of crochet stitch to make a cover. I’m still using these hangers but could never find the pattern and really don’t want to crochet. I was hoping to find a sewing pattern for covering multiple hangers but only turned up patterns for covering plastic or wooden hangers. I tried a few ideas and came up with a way to simultaneously reduce the quantity of wire hangers and the quantity of fabric scraps.
You will need for each set:
- 3 wire hangers of the same general size and shape
- Masking tape
- Transparent tape
- One inch wide strip of ribbon or fabric
- Two pieces of fabric approximately 9-1/2″ x 18″ each
Take one of the three matching hangers and place on a piece of tissue paper. Trace on the outside of the hanger, leaving a space where the handle comes down. Draw another line 1/2″ from the outside of the first line. At the space add a tab about 1/2″ long. Draw a line along the bottom about 3″ from the bottom edge of the hanger.
Put the three hangers together and tape at various spots with masking tape, being especially careful to cover the tips of the wire handles.
Wrap the handles with ribbon or fabric. Fabric should be cut into strips with pinking shears to avoid fraying. Start with covering the handle tips and then wrap the ribbon/fabric around the handle down to the base of the handle. Tie and then secure with clear tape. A bow or other embellishment could be added after the cover is on the hanger. *UPDATE: Through the years as I’ve continued to make these covers, I’ve found a more durable cover for the handle tips is to cut a piece of fabric 1-3/4 inches wide by 15 inches long. Fold strip in half lengthwise and sew across the top and down 4 inches to make a narrow tube. Turn and place on handle tips, then wrap the handle as described above.
Place two pieces of 9-1/2″ x 18″ fabric right sides together and pin the tissue pattern to it. Cut the fabric and sew around the sides using 1/4″ seams and leaving the tab area open.
Turn under bottom edge of fabric 1/4″ twice and stitch hem. Turn cover and press, leaving the tabs on the inside of the cover.
Place the cover over the taped three hangers and add a bow or other embellishment if desired.
This pattern is good for using up small remnants of fabric but can also be used on old knit tops, T-shirts, flannel shirts, etc., which offer a nice soft base for your clothes.
I made up 15 of these hanger sets in all kinds of fabric, greatly reducing my stash of hangers, fabric scrap and old clothes – also reducing my frustration at ill-behaving wire hangers.
LILLIAN'S CUPBOARD 