Designer Hangers

Description: Creating Designer Hangers with decorative knots is a very easy process. The hardest part is deciding which knots to use. Each technique gives the hanger a different appearance.

I’ve listed some of the different knots that can be used to cover metal hangers. Simply choose two and get started.

This is a great project for beginners as well as kids, and is suitable for a group project.

The Lavender Hanger in the image is made with the Spiral Stitch, and the Purple one features the Alternating Half Hitch technique.

• 1 Metal Hanger
• 6mm Macrame Cord or Yarn (7 yards)
  

• Overhand Knot
• Barrel Knot
• Oysterman Knot
• Stevedore Knot
• Chinese Button Knot
• Celtic Button Knot
• Clasped Hands Knot

• Spiral Stitch
• Half Hitch Pattern
• Half Hitch Spiral
• Vertical Larks Head
• Square Knot

Choose one type of knot from each list above. If you are anything like me, you will want to make several Designer Hangers, all with different combinations of knots.

The second set of knots are tied around the metal, which acts as a filler. The first set of round knots are placed at the tip of the hook. You may need to experiment a little, to see which knots work best for you.

Covering the Hook

Step 1: Cut 2 strands of material each 3.5 yards long. Prepare the ends to prevent unraveling.

Start by tying the round knot for the end of the hook, using both cords. It should be in the center.

Place the knot on the tip of the hook, so that you have four ends to work with. Select two ends to make a Square knot. The other 2 strands and the metal hanger act as the fillers. This will hold the knot on the end of the hook. You can also apply glue if you wish.

Step 2: Tie a series of the knots you chose from the second list, covering the rest of the hook. Use the same working cords, and be sure to tie the knots around the metal, as well as the other two ends.

Stop when you reach the point where the hook joins the body of the hanger.

Covering the Hanger

Step 3: Separate the 4 strands, so two of them head right and the others left. You'll be using the same knotting technique as in the previous step.

Using only 2 of the strands, tie the knots around the metal, which acts the same as a filler cord. It helps to put the hanger between your knees. The knots will follow the curve of the hanger naturally.

Step 4: Stop when you reach the middle point of the wide bottom section of the Designer Hanger.

Step 5: Repeat the process with the other 2 strands, covering the other half of the hanger.

As you get close to where you ended the first half of the design, you need to tie the knots around the metal, as well as the ends of the cords from the other half.

Just arrange those ends so they are resting right beside the metal you are covering, at the bottom. You can even apply tape to hold them in place.

Then take the ends you are working with (from the second half), and tie the knots around the wire AND the cords.

If you can, try to tie the knots over the TIPS of the cords, too. You can also trim the ends in the final step if you need to.

Try to squeeze in as many knots as you can, so the metal does not show at all.

To finish the Designer Hanger, tie a Square knot with the two ends. Apply a thick coat of glue on the knot, and allow it to dry. Cut off any remaining material.