Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Wire Hanger Makeover

Want to make your wire coat hangers much prettier?
You can! With a custom slip cover.
Slip covers can make anything more beautiful, even icky wire hangers!
I was inspired to make my own recently, when I saw these on Pinterest.
Here's a step by step on how I made my own covered wire coat hangers.
First, choose your fabric (I used vintage tablecloth scraps) and place your hanger over the part of the fabric which you want to show.
Next, trace* around your hanger making sure to include a seam allowance. I allowed for a 1/2" seam and a little over an inch for the bottom to hang below the wire.
*I always trace around each hanger I cover. Even though wire hangers seem to be the same, they can vary - and by a lot!
Cut out two pieces (front and back) of fabric, along your traced line.
If your piece of fabric isn't hemmed on the bottom edge, now is the time to do that.
I mark (on the wrong side of fabric) where the neck of the hanger will come through. With wrong sides together, sew from that mark to the bottom edge for both sides. Make sure to leave that 1/2" open at top for the hanger to fit through.
Before I turn and press, I clip the seam allowance with pinking shears.
The fun part is adding some embellishments.
I love the scalloped edge on this one!
Adding a button a couple inches from each shoulder makes a cute way to keep a thin strapped dress from sliding off the hanger.
Do you have any old embroidered pillowcases laying around?
They make pretty hanger covers too!
What an improvement to those pesky wire hangers, right?

10 comments:

sue said...

oh man, I love love love them!

ShabbyChicShaz said...

Simply delightful, love them :)

Debbie Kay said...

You are amazing........such a great idea.

Love,

Debbie

Sweet Bee Cottage said...

These are so sweet! I love how they turned out. So then I popped over to your etsy shop and love what you have there.

I used to buy from you a few years ago when you sold on ebay - well maybe I didn't win many auctions but I loved your work. Somehow I stumbled across your blog today and I remembered you and those two cute girls of yours.

To make a long story short, I'm your newest follower and I'm so glad I "rediscovered" your blog.

With honey,
Janelle

Kathi said...

These are so cute!! What a darling idea!! Maybe you could put these on Show and Tell Friday. Kelli is not doing it anymore, but a new gal took over and it's just the same only better with photos. Thank you for sharing. Kathi

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Huge improvement....those are beautiful!!

Trina M Curran said...

Oh, gosh! I have that same tablecloth. It's a little worn, too, so now I know what to do with it! So pretty!

Renna said...

I just found this post on Pinterest. I love the covered hangers, and will be watching for vintage tablecloths at thrift stores & garage sales so I can make my own. I'm having fun looking back through your old posts. You're so creative, and have such beautiful things! :-)

Cheryl said...

Thanks for sharing! Love them!

Linda MB said...

I made these out of mom's stash of pillow cases for Christmas gifts. They were quite a hit.