Vintage quilted covered hangers “How-to”……….

Taking this process step by step really makes me stop and think about how I do a project! Mostly, I just “wing it” and visualize/trouble-shoot the stages in my head, without much real “concrete” prepping! So, we’re off……….

First: gather the “ingredients”….. pillowcases, hangers, lace edgings (if the cases have a simple hemmed bottom edge but are embroidered)…

These are what I brought to Texas with me. Each are different widths, which will dictate the hanger dimensions I’m able to use (if I want to just use the cases w/o enlarging them.).

 

Hangers do vary in widths, so be sure those measurements can be worked with.

 

 

 

I chose this combo. I measured up from the bottom to give me some fmq room above the design and enough of a “drop” to cover a garment or just look nice as a mini wall quilt.

Press the case flat, fold/press in half horizontally (matching the bottom edges of the front/open end with the folded/stitched end) and cut the case on that fold, giving you 2 pieces of equal sizes. You will, then cut the side seams/folds to give you 4 pieces.  2 of the pieces will have a decorative lower edge (these are your outer/”right” sides to the finish). 2 pieces will be straight on all four sides (these are the “backing” pieces for the hanger sandwich). There is no additional fabric needed. 1 pillowcase makes 1 hanger.

I press these pieces, again, very well (using a light starch/stabilizer).

Batting is my usual Hobbs 80/20, cotton/poly (this time it’s “bleached).  

Lay the hanger on the decorated piece, centering it and allowing enough “drop” below the hanger. Lightly mark the outline of the right/left slant sides (draw a vertical line down to the bottom edge from the right/left lower edge of the hanger itself), noting where the  “hook” is at the top. Then mark 1/2” to 1” beyond this marking for ease and seam allowance. This will give you your “playing field” for fmq!

Red arrows=seam allowance

Green arrow=hook

 

I do the front piece first and, then mark the corresponding right side of the back piece (the other piece that has a decorative lower edge). There will be no cutting until all the quilting is finished!

Time to make 2 sandwiches (one will be the front and the other the back of the hanger!)……..    Here’s a close-up of the front sandwich with the arrows……   Up til this point you have had opportunity to be looking at the design and imagining just what you will be stitching! I have not taken the time, prior to sandwiching, to do any marking. I’m kinda backwards in this or the piece is slow in communicating with me….sigh. These directions might be over-involved but you will figure your own ‘best way’ after you do one of these.

I always start quilting the back piece first to get my creative juices flowing and, then, do the main/front design. Remember…..there are no rules!!!! This is merely what I do. If it works for you…..awesome!!!!! See here and here for my previous finishes.

Any questions….jump right in and let me know. “Part 2” coming very soon…..

‘Click’ to enlarge photos for clarity.