How-to: A Hoop Skirt Made from Wire Hangers

Wire hangers may not be suitable for actually hanging your clothes, but for internal structure they’re actually pretty great. The wire in wire hangers is quite strong, malleable enough to be formed into shape but not so malleable that it’s easily warped once in place, and can be cut with a sturdy pair of wire cutters.

Using nothing but wire hangers, hot glue, and duct tape, I created a hoop skirt for a garment that I’m making my kiddo to wear in this year’s Trashion/Refashion Show in our town. Here’s how:

1. Freecycle yourself some wire hangers. With one email, I scored wire hangers from someone who gets a lot of dry cleaning done, the manager of a thrift store, and a couple of other friendly random people.

2. Untwist and straighten each hanger. I used both pliers and my fingers, and yep–my fingers were sore the next day!

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