Sofia Martinez
Adding crochet to a plastic hanger is a fun and creative way to decorate your closet. It's a simple project that can be completed quickly and cheaply, using leftover yarn. The process involves crocheting a chain and then working from one end back to the centre, repeating for the second side, and finally seaming the two pieces together. This can be done with a variety of stitches and yarn types, allowing for a range of contemporary and vintage styles. The end result is a practical and beautiful way to keep your clothes organised and in shape.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Yarn, tapestry needle, wire coat hangers, crochet hook, scissors, masking tape |
| Yarn type | Cotton yarn, rug yarn, DK-weight scrap yarn, Red Heart yarn |
| Yarn weight | Heavier than worsted, double yarn |
| Yarn colour | One or multiple colours |
| Process | Tape the yarn to the tip of the hanger, make half hitch knots all the way around, crochet single stitches, sew pieces together |
| Tips | Use hangers without hooks or wide ends, measure the chain to fit the hanger, leave the hanger hook free |
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What You'll Learn
Getting started: Use a tapestry needle, yarn, and a crochet hook
To get started on crocheting around a plastic hanger, you will need a tapestry needle, yarn, and a crochet hook. The type of yarn and crochet hook you use will depend on your preferences and the type of hanger you are using. For example, if you want a sturdier hanger, you can use a heavier yarn like "rug yarn", or you can use a thinner yarn and double it. You can also use two or more colours of yarn to create different patterns and designs.
For the crochet hook, a 4.5 mm or 5 mm size is commonly used for this type of project. It is also recommended to use a hook that is comfortable for you to handle and that fits well with the size of your yarn.
Once you have gathered your materials, you can begin by creating a slip knot on your crochet hook and chaining a number of stitches. The number of stitches will depend on the size of your hanger. A common recommendation is to chain around 125 stitches, which will curl but will straighten out when you add rows.
After creating your chain, you will then start crocheting around the hanger. Begin by holding the yarn at the back of the hanger and taking the crochet hook down and behind the hanger's wire. Pick up the first loop of yarn with the hook, then pick up the second loop from the top of the wire. Pull the second loop through the first loop and repeat this process, creating a single crochet stitch.
Continue adding single crochet stitches around the hanger, working your way up towards the hook of the hanger. You may need to adjust your technique when you reach the hook to ensure it remains functional. One method is to skip a stitch when you reach the hanger's hook, allowing it to remain uncovered and usable.
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Crochet stitches: Single crochet all around the hanger
To crochet around a plastic hanger, you can use a single crochet stitch all around the hanger. This is a simple crochet method that doesn't take long to complete. The tricky part is joining the crochet around the hanger, especially at the hooks and corners.
To start, fold the crochet strip around the base of the hanger hook. Single crochet it together, ensuring you go into each stitch. If your hanger has little hooks, skip a stitch so that the hook remains usable. When you get back to the base of the hanger hook, join both pieces together with a single crochet stitch, then cut a long tail.
Thread a needle and stitch the edges together. You can also tape the end of the yarn at the tip of the hanger hook and make half-hitch knots all the way around the hanger. When you get to the end of the hanger neck, knot it off and tie a bow.
For a no-slip design, you can make miniature side covers from single crochet stitches. These only use a small amount of yarn, so they're great for using up scraps.
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The tricky part: Carefully crochet around the hooks and corners
The tricky part of crocheting around a plastic hanger is carefully working your way around the hooks and corners. You can start by wrapping tape around the tip of the hook of the hanger. Then, hold the yarn at the back of the hanger, take the hook of the crochet hoop, and bring it down and behind the wire of the hanger. Pick up the first loop of yarn, then pick up the second loop from the top of the wire. Pull the second loop through the first loop and repeat.
If your hanger has little hooks, you can skip a stitch when you get to that part so that the hook remains usable. You can also decide to leave the hanger hook free so that it hangs better in the closet.
Another method is to start crocheting a chain with 125 stitches. Don't worry if it curls as it will straighten out when you add the rows. Crochet four rows of single crochet. Then, fold the crochet strip around the hanger at the base of the hook. Single crochet it together, making sure to go into each stitch.
If you prefer, you can also use wire cutters to remove the hooks on the inside of the hanger and opt for hangers that are molded in one piece without hooks.
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Finishing up: Cut yarn, thread the needle, and stitch edges
Once you have crocheted around the plastic hanger, it is time to finish up. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail, and thread the tapestry needle. You will use this tail to stitch the edges of the crocheted piece together. Stitch the two sides of the crocheted piece together, securing it around the hanger. You can stitch the sides by crocheting them together or using a needle and yarn.
If you are crocheting the sides together, fold the crocheted piece around the hanger at the base of the hook. Single crochet the two sides together, ensuring you go into each stitch. When you get back to the base of the hanger hook, join both pieces together with a single crochet stitch.
If you are using a needle and yarn to stitch the sides, you can follow a similar process. Fold the crocheted piece around the hanger and stitch the sides together, securing them to the hanger. Ensure you stitch the base of the hook and the edges securely.
You can also stitch the sides together by tying a bow. Pull the yarn through the last loop and cut off a tail. Since you are using double yarn, you can tie a bow to secure the sides together. This will also add a decorative touch to your hanger.
Finishing up your crocheted hanger is a simple process, and you can choose the method that works best for you. Whether you crochet the sides together, use a needle and yarn, or tie a bow, your hanger will look beautiful and keep your clothes organized.
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Creative touches: Add bows, beads, or 3D appliques
Adding creative touches like bows, beads, or 3D appliques to your crocheted hanger can make it even more special and unique. Here are some ways to incorporate these elements:
Bows
You can create a simple 3D crochet bow to adorn your hanger. This project uses basic stitches and works up quickly, making it perfect for beginners. You can use light worsted or DK yarn and follow a free pattern to create the bow shape. After assembling the bow, you can attach it to your crocheted hanger to add a cute and whimsical touch.
Beads
There are several ways to incorporate beads into your crocheted hanger. One method is to add them individually as you crochet each stitch. For this, you'll need a small steel crochet hook and beads with large enough holes to pull the yarn and hook through. Pull the loop a bit taller than normal, place the bead on the hook, grab the yarn, and pull it through the bead. Then, re-insert the regular crochet hook to complete the stitch. You can add beads in a specific color sequence or randomly mix and match colors.
Another method is to sew the beads onto the crocheted hanger after it's finished. This approach gives you more flexibility in bead placement and is useful if you're working with small beads that have tight openings. However, it can be more tedious and time-consuming.
3D Appliques
You can add three-dimensional appliques, such as crocheted flowers or roses, to your hanger to give it a delicate and charming look. Combine hangers with and without appliques to create a set of pretty and varied closet accessories.
Additional Tips
When working with beads, consider the weight of your yarn. Thinner yarn may not be suitable for pre-stringing beads, as the friction and weight of the beads can cause the yarn to break. Instead, adding beads with a needle and thread after crocheting may be a better option.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a plastic hanger, yarn, a crochet hook, and scissors. Optionally, you can also use masking tape.
First, wrap tape around the tip of the hook of the hanger. Then, hold the yarn at the back of the hanger and use the crochet hook to pick up the first loop of yarn from behind the wire of the hanger, and the second loop from the top of the wire. Pull the second loop through the first loop and repeat. Keep adding single crochet stitches around the hanger. Once you reach the place where the legs of the hanger divide, go around the top leg and continue until you've crocheted all the way around the hanger. Finally, pull the yarn through the last loop, cut off any excess, and tie a knot.
It can be fiddly to join the crochet around the hanger, especially at the hooks and corners. You may want to leave the hanger hook free so that it hangs better in the closet. If your hanger has little hooks, skip a stitch so that the hook is still usable.
