Learn how to make small wire hangers that can be customized to fit any size of doll clothes.
A while back, my husband made this doll clothes closet for my little girl (read about it HERE):
It’s basically just a box made of beadboard with hinged doors that open and a dowel for a clothes rod. The inside is lined with scrapbook paper.
Originally I had cut out cardboard hangers, but as time wore on, I knew I wanted to make something a little more sturdy and better looking. So I figured out a method to make doll-sized wire hangers and I’m going to share it with you today!
Here’s what you need to get started:
Materials Needed
- A Picture of a Wire Hanger (or you can draw it yourself if you are good at stuff like that)
- A Small Scrap of Wood
- A Few Nails
- A Hammer
- Needle Nose Pliers
- 14 Gauge Wire
You can buy this type of wire in the jewelry section of most craft stores. 14 gauge is a great thickness because it’s sturdy but not so thick that it’s impossible to work with. And the wire I linked to on Amazon comes in lots of fun colors.
Instructions
Start by drawing the bottom triangle part of the hanger onto your board. Put a nail or two into each of the three points of the triangle.
Next, unroll your wire and start wrapping it around the nails, pulling tight to get the straightest lines you can. Leave a little overlap at the beginning.
Twist the triangle together at the top part, using the overlap you left. Use the needle nosed pliers to make sure the end isn’t sticking out. We don’t want any snagged doll clothes or poked fingers!
Use a marker or glue stick that is the size you want to shape the curved top part of the hanger. Cut off any extra wire using the cutters inside your needle nosed pliers.
That’s it! Look what a cute little hanger you just made!
Now your little one can hang up all her doll clothes on real wire hangers!
These work great for skirts too if you add two miniature sized clothespins. And seriously, are these not the cutest thing ever?
Comments & Reviews
Oh! I better try making these hangers too for my dolls clothes. It is really so cute and easy to make. And I guess it is one great way to organize and keep dolls’ clothes in great shape.
Cool! Good idea.
Good tip about Joann's for the wire! Thank you so much,you make it look easy enough for my granddaughter.
thank you for the idea of using nails in a board to make the perfect shape, great idea!
Are these hangers sturdy enough to hold up to play? Seems like jewelry wire would be too flexible…??
Jewelry wire comes in different gauges and some of them are quite thick and rigid. Our hangers have held up well.
Thank you so much for the hanger instructions. Been looking everywhere for one and thanks to you I have one. Have 3 granddaughter that have the Walmart brand of 18 inch dolls. Making them each a doll closet for their clothes now they will have hanger to go with it. Thank you again so very much.
Thank you for tutorial. How many inches apart is the bottom of the triangles.
About 4 inches
you know you could use paper clips just bend them into the shape of hangers
Paper clips are not nearly long enough, so even though you could bend them, I don’t think it would work.
I agree Jennifer, I tried with a larger paper clip and still waaaaay too small for the 18″ doll’s clothes! Tho may suit Barbie sized clothes I alos have a fairly large paperclip about 3 – 4″ long so will see how that goes!
I tried the large paper clips for Barbie clothes. It was still too small. I made hangers from pipe cleaners. I really like your idea. Thanks for sharing!
Great idea, I have been busy making American Doll outfits and need hangers before I gift them to some little girls. This will complete my gift. Thanks fir sharing