Make & Fable is a UK based craft and creative lifestyle blog, a handmade jewellery line and host of creative workshops. Creativity you can wear, make and experience!
Update plain wire coat hangers with some pretty yarn and a simple half hitch knot.
My Nana used to have a lovely collection of coat hangers with crochet covers- the material used was totally some totally hideous nylon stuff. But they did brighten up the wardrobe and helped to stop clothes from falling off. So when my knitwear kept sliding off and landing in a heap, I remembered these crochet covers and wanted to create something along the same lines, but a bit more contemporary. Enter some yarn and the good old half hitch knot; otherwise known as the friendship bracelet knot! I just used some plain steel wire coat hangers, but I have since seen some very lovely pastel covered ones in Tiger that might just find their way into my life. Or you even combining my Cloud Shaped Hanger DIY with this one. The possibilities! The yarn I’m using is a delightful recycled aran weight cotton from King Cole, it has a wonderful texture and slight flecked look, but any cotton yarn or even cord would do nicely. Read more
For someone who doesn’t knit or crochet, I seem to have a lot of wool. So I’m always trying to come up with inventive ways of using up some of the yarn I have accumulated. This garland uses polystyrene balls covered in yarn and sequins to make a really different Christmas decoration.
You will need:
-Polystyrene balls. I used 4cm/1 1/2”
-Wool or yarn
– Bead and Sequin Pins
-Sequins
-Cutting Mat
-Awl or kebab skewer
-Long needle
Wrapping
1. Secure the end of your yarn to the polystyrene ball using a bead or sequin pin. These are shorter (16mm) than standard dressmaking pins, so you do not risk the sharp end poking out.
2.Begin wrapping the yarn around the polystyrene ball. I find it easier to hold the yarn and move the ball rather than the other way around. I attempted to use a fluffy mohair yarn, but it was just to soft to grip the polystyrene- cheaper wool works better!
3.Make sure you cover the surface equally for even coverage.
4. Keep wrapping until you can’t see any white of the polystyrene.I found it took approx 8 metres of yarn for a 4cm ball. Secure the end with another pin and cut off the tail.
Making the hole
5. Working on a cutting mat use an awl (a kebab skewer or large pointed needle also work) to poke a hole in the polystyrene.
6.Make sure you go all the way through
7.Using a needle, thread some yarn or twine through the hole. I made my own twisted needle from 0.6mm wire, but you can buy long, large eyed needles.
8. Knot either side of the ball to hold it in place. I spaced mine out about 5cm apart.
Decorating with sequins
9. Use the bead and sequin pins to attach the sequins
10.You can create lots of different pattern, like stripes
11.Try using different types of sequins, placed at random, for a really lovely effect.
12. You can even make star or snowflake patterns!
You can hang the garland on your tree, as a mantelpiece swag or even use the same technique to create baubles and ornaments. Let me know if you use this tutorial to make your own yarn and sequin decorations, by commenting with a link or message me on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook!
