How To: Turn a wire hanger into a cloth one

Are you bent out of shape over damage to your clothes caused by wire hangers? Don't buy new ones – follow these easy steps to modify hangers you already have. Watch this video to learn how to turn a wire hanger into a cloth one.

You Will Need

* Wire hanger
* Ruler
* Tissue paper
* Pencil
* Scissors
* 1 yd Yard of thick fabric
* Clothespins
* Needle and thread
* Ribbon

Step 1. Trace and cut pattern

Place the hanger flat on the tissue paper and trace it, leaving a gap for the hook and adding a quarter-inch to the top two sides and two inches to the bottom to allow for a seam. Cut out the pattern.

Keep the pattern so it can be used to make more covers later.

Step 2. Cut the fabric

Fold the fabric in half and pin the pattern to it with clothespins. Cut the fabric and create two identical pieces.

Step 3. Sew the top

Place the two pieces against each other with the outsides facing each other, so the cover is inside out. Sew the top two sides together, using the extra quarter-inch as the seam. Don't sew the bottom together, otherwise you won't be able to slip the cover over the hanger.

Step 4. Sew the sides

Turn the cover right-side out. Fold the bottom half-inch of each side inward and sew the sides together. Leave the top of the hanger cover unsewn, creating an opening for the hanger hook.

Step 5. Make an opening

At the top, where you left the gap, cut a half-inch long, one-inch wide tab on both pieces of fabric. Tuck the two tabs inside the cover to allow the hook of the hanger to poke through without catching on the fabric.

Step 6. Cover

Slide the cover over the hanger. Sew the bottom seams together if you wish. Then, tie a ribbon on the hook to add a pretty touch. Now your clothes will store better, without damage.

FACT: Thomas Jefferson invented a rotating clothes rack for his closet at his estate in Virginia.