Doll Clothes Storage - Hanging Storage Options

Hi Everyone! In part 3 we take a look at several ways to create hanging storage for  your doll clothes items! First I'll share with you a few of the ways I've set up my clothing racks. Then Shari joins us with a creative way to create hanging storage in a plastic tub. We hope these storage methods inspire you to find the best way to create your own hanging storage too!

As a reminder, all of the coupon codes, download links, and monthly bonuses can be found in the Sewing With Cinnamon Bonuses section.

Hanging storage is something that I've experimented with in a variety of different spaces. I've really come to love the use of tension rods set into bookcases. They're easy to set up, functional, customizable, and easy to take with me into a new room or space. They are available in a variety of rod widths and lengths. Be sure to measure the width of your bookcase to find the best fitting rod. You'll also want to make sure your hangers will hang and slide comfortable on the rod.

Another hanging system I recently came across at Ikea called Elvarli, is quickly becomming a new favorite! It's easy to set up, stores a lot of clothes, and is also customizable. I have the basic set with just two posts and several hanging "clothes rails". The rod on this one is a bit wider so it only works with my 18" doll hangers - both plastic and wooden, but not the ones that come from American Girl or the smaller plastic hangers for 14" doll clothes.

Here's a look at two ways I've set up my own doll clothes hanging storage:

 

 

The Hanging Rack Storage Bin Project Tutorial

From Shari... As my kids have been growing older, they have requested that I start saving some of the doll clothes I make to pass down to their kids. That is a request that I am more than happy to fulfill, but as my collection grows, storage is becoming a bit of a problem. For long term storage, I prefer to used plastic totes, but the clothes quickly become crushed and wrinkled if they aren't stored hanging up. One solution I came up with is build hanging racks from PVC pipe that fit inside my plastic totes. These hanging racks are really simple to make – think tinker toys. They don't require any glue and the only tools you will need are a measuring tape, pencil, and a hacksaw (or a PVC pipe cutter - if you can get your hands on one they make cutting the pipe a snap).

Ok, now let's jump into the project! In this video, Shari is going to show you one way to turn a simple plastic storage bin into a long term hanging storage solution!

 

For this project, you will need:

Supplies:

• Large plastic tote that is tall enough to accommodate the length of your clothing on a hanger (for this demonstration I am using a tote that is 12” wide, 22” deep, and 17” tall)
• 1/2” PVC pipe (for this demonstration I need 15', but your numbers may vary depending on the size of your rack)

•  1/2” PVC elbows and “T” joints (for this demonstration I need 10 elbows and 6 “T” joints, but your numbers and types of joints may vary depending on the size and configuration of your rack) 

Tools:

• Measuring Tape
• Pencil
• Hacksaw or PVC pipe cutter

Here's a breakdown of the full step by step tutorial:

Step 1: Designing your Hanging Rack 

Figure out how your hanging clothes will fit best in your tote – lengthwise or widthwise. In my tote, the hanging rods fit best in three short rows instead of two long ones. Determine the configuration of the base of your hanging rack. The completed base should be a complete rectangle secured with elbow joints at each corner and “T” joints along parallel sides that are evenly spaced to accommodate the uprights for the hanging rods. The space between the hanging rods and the sides of your tote should accommodate the width of your hangers with a little extra space. The uprights and the hanging rods will be built up on this base to fit the height and width of your tote.

Step 2: Building the Base

Measure and cut the pipes for the base. The base ends should be about 2” shorter than the width of the bottom of the tote - to accommodate the elbow joints. The upright base pipes should be the width of the hangers – the extra space between the joints will keep the clothes to hang more freely. The upright base ends should be ½ the width of a hanger minus 1” - to accommodate the joints.

Pipe Measurements for this Demonstration

• Two 10” lengths for thebase ends
• Four 6” lengths for theupright base
• Four 2-1/4” lengths forthe upright base ends

Step 3: It is now Tinker Toy time.

Fit all the base pieces together, making sure the center hole of the “T” joint is facing up. Test fit the base in the bottom of your tote and adjust the length of the pipe pieces as necessary.

Step 4: The Uprights

Cut a length of pipe for each upright about 2” shorter than the height of your tote - to accommodate the joints. Test fit the first piece to make sure you are happy with the height and then cut the remaining uprights.

Pipe Measurementsfor this Demonstration

• Six 14” lengths for the uprights

Step 5: Fit the uprights in place.

If the top of your tote it wider than the bottom, you can angle the uprights to follow the sides of the tote to take advantage of the space.

Step 6: The Hanging Rods

Cut a length of pipe for each hanging rod about 2” shorter than the width of the top of your tote - to accommodate the joints. Fit an elbow joint on each end and test fit the first piece on a pair of uprights to make sure you are happy with the fit before cutting the remaining hanging rods.

Pipe Measurements for this Demonstration

• Three 12-1/4” lengths for the hanging rods

Step 7: Fit the remaining hanging rods on the rack and you are ready to start hanging clothes in your storage tote!

 

 

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