As anyone with a crafting addiction knows, after a few years, you have a tendency to generate lots of leftovers, like bits of yarn, leftover yardage, etc. that I never have the heart to throw away. Because one day, that scrap of elastic just might come in handy!
Last year, I decided that it was time to use up some of my yarn scraps.
Back in the days when estate sales were still happening, it was rare to find an older home that didn't have at least one or two crochet covered hangers lying around. The yarn is usually rather lurid in color, and they have a tendency to smell rather funny from sitting in a closed closet for years and years, but I figured I would try to make some of my own. Basically, all you need are two crocheted (or knit, I suppose) pieces equal to the length and width of your hanger. The two strips then get crocheted together around the hanger, or a single length is folded in half around the hook and then crocheted together along the bottom edge.
The stitch choice is up to you, as is the embellishment.
This particular style of hanger is called "crescent" or "crescent shaped." They don't seem to sell them in the United States anymore, but there are British companies that sell them if you don't have any on hand. The shape is really quite nice since they don't create those unpleasant shoulder bumps that have to be steamed back into place.
And the layer of crochet keeps slippery fabrics from falling off the hanger. Think of these as the original "velvet" hangers.
These are quick and rather addictive. I used to make myself a covered hanger for each of my finished garments with Lion Brand Chenille and a standard plastic tube hanger. I don't bother with that anymore, but I think that I actually prefer this style of hanger, and the look of the crocheted cover. And as a bonus, a few more of those little balls of yarn taking up space in my sewing room have magically turned into a very useful item.
[Two of the patterns that I used as a reference are "A Happy Hanger How-To" and "Floral Hanger Cover"]
Hanging tough is easier knowing you are resuming your "force of nature" stature.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to your future entries and escapades.
These are really beautiful, and no funky smell!
ReplyDeleteI have so many of these that were made by my grandmother and I treasure them! Plus they work so well to keep the clothes from slipping off. So now I look for those hangers at garage sales and a friend of mine knits the covers. cute to see them today.
ReplyDeleteThese are so beautiful! I have never been able to get the hang of crochet, you make me so wish I could. What a lovely sight these would make in a closet.
ReplyDeleteNot sure how I ended up here at your blog but I am rather enchanted by your covers. I remember far too many of the lurid colours and harsh nylon lace edgings.
ReplyDeleteBut these? I love them! And I have my own collection of little balls of thread, and some clothes that would benefit from not sliding off hangers. Thankyou for inspiring me :-)