How to cover a coat hanger

You will need

* Wooden or plastic coat hanger * Thick polyester wadding (available at haberdashers) * Fabric marker pen * Tacking thread * Fabric (we used Soubise, ref F5900-02, £65 a metre, Osborne & Little ) * Matching thread * 20cm of narrow velvet ribbon * Mother-of-pearl button

Measuring and cutting the fabric Step 1: Fold the polyester wadding to double thickness, place your coat hanger on top and draw round it using the marker pen, adding 5mm all round. Cut out to give two pieces.

Step 2: Sandwich the hanger between the wadding pieces and tack them together all round, pulling the stitches tight to gather the wadding into shape.

Step 3: To make the cover, lay the padded hanger on a sheet of newspaper and draw around one half stopping at the hook. Add 3cm all round and cut out to make a paper pattern. The cover is made in two halves, joined together once in place.

Step 4: Wrong sides facing, fold your fabric in half, pin the paper pattern on top and draw around it. Flip the pattern and repeat, matching any fabric pattern (see illustration). Cut out your four fabric pieces.

Stitching on the cover Step 5: Wrong sides facing, stitch the first pair of fabric pieces all round bar the central edge taking a 2.5cm seam. Clip into the seam allowance around the curved edges and turn through. Repeat to stitch the second pair of fabric pieces. Step 6: Pull each half of the fabric cover on to the padded hanger, gently working the fabric as you go to ensure a smooth fit. When you get to the centre, turn under the raw edges to create a neat fit around the hook. Slip stitch the two halves of the cover together all round, keeping the stitching as small and neat as possible.

Step 7: Wrap the ribbon around the base of the hook and tie so that if falls over the slip stitched seam. Thread a decorative button on to the ribbon to finish.

Finishing touches Looking for a different design? Browse our fabric selection for ideas.

Check out our guide to creating an organised wardrobe

In a crafty mood? See our ideas everything from how to make a buttoned lampshade to how to make a voile panel , or subscribe to Country Homes & Interiors magazine for more craft great makes.