Recycled Wire Hanger Yarn Dog

Photo of a finished dog made out of yarn.

Use an old hanger and a skein of yarn to make a yarn dog. This is a guide for making a recycled wire hanger yarn dog.

Solutions: Recycled Wire Hanger Yarn Dog

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Recycled Wire Hanger Yarn Dog

This is something I made for my children when they were little and am now making for my great grandchildren.

Materials:

lightweight wire coat hanger
light cardboard for template
about 1 4 ounce skein 4-ply yarn color of choice
30 inches of ribbon
3/4 inch black pom pom for nose
2 wiggly eyes 15 MM
white tacky glue or hot glue
small piece of red felt for the tongue

Instructions:

Bend the hanger using the photo as a guide. First stretch it out then bend according to measurements shown. These measurements are not critical, but make sure the "legs" are stable. The tail should be higher than the back.

Cut a template that is 2 1/2 inches wide and 4 inches long. Cut slots in the edge about an inch from the top.

To make the ties, wrap the yarn around the long side 20 times, then cut along the bottom. This will make 8 inch ties. Repeat for the rest of the ties. You will need approximately 135-150 ties.

Place a tie through the slots on your template, and make 20 wraps around the long side for an ear. Pull the tie up to the top, slide off the cardboard and tie tightly at the top with a double knot. Repeat for the second ear.

For body bundles, wrap 20 times across the short side of the template. Carefully slide off the cardboard and lay a tie under the middle of the bundle. Tie tightly around the bundle with a double knot. You will need about 135-150 body bundles. This may vary according to how tightly you pack them as you tie them onto the frame. The dog shown used 137 bundles plus the two ears.

To assemble, start with the circle for the head. Starting at the bottom front of the circle, tie on about 8 bundles, tie the ears in and then finish filling the circle with bundles. Next start tying bundles on the front legs. It is easiest to do work on both sides as you proceed from the front to the back of the dog, finishing at the top of his tail. Just tie them and keep pushing them together as you go. Cut a rectangle of red felt and round one end. Put a dab of glue on the square end, and tuck it in place pressing the yarn loops against it to hold it in place. Add the pompom for his nose and the wiggly eyes, using the photo for a guide.

Tie a bow around his neck, and give him a little "haircut", trimming the ends of the ties that are sticking out all over.

I forget to time myself when I make a craft, but would estimate that it will take about 3 hours to complete this project.

By Harlean from Hot Springs, Arkansas

By Harlean Greathouse

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Questions

Here are questions related to Recycled Wire Hanger Yarn Dog.

Looking for Yarn Dog Instructions

I'm looking for the instructions on how to make a shaggy dog out of yarn.

By Ashley from Fort Drum, NY

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Coat Hanger Yarn Dog

I am looking for the instructions for the recycle wire hanger yarn dog.

By Deryl from Greenwood, SC

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Making Wire Hanger Dog

I need instructions on how to make the wire form for the coat hanger dog. The horse and cat are really cute, too.

By Carol from MT

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Coat Hanger Yarn Dog

How do you make a yarn dog out of hangers?

By Debbie from Connersville, IN

RE: Coat Hanger Yarn Dog

Moderately Easy Instructions

Things You'll Need:
To make a yarn dog, the following items are needed: two or more balls of yarn (of any color), a metal hanger, a large two or three inch sewing needle, and a pair of scissors.

Step 1- Making yarn dogs involve tedious work and sound concentration. The amount of time you have will determine how long it takes for you to finish your yarn dog. The first thing you do is form the yarn dog skeleton. You do this by stretching the metal hanger so that it resembles a short snake with a hooked head.

Step 2 - Next, at the section of the metal hanger where the split begins, start folding the metal hanger so that it creates a figure. The first two legs should resemble spiked folds with the neck and head of the yarn dog longer than the hind portion of the yarn dog. The two hind legs should resemble smaller spiked folds with a hump to represent the back of the yarn dog and a loop for the yarn dog's tail. If the yarn dog skeleton is created correctly, then it should stand level and evenly on any surface. If your yarn dog skeleton is not standing evenly, then re-adjust the folding of the metal hanger until it reflects an even, standing structure.

Step 3 - Now that the yarn dog skeleton is ready, it's time to start adding flesh to the yarn dog. Start by taking a piece of yarn and place it between your thumb and your index finger. Next, turn your right hand or left hand, if you are left handed to the side. Slowly, begin wrapping the yarn around your hand at the top near your thumb. Do this procedure twenty times. Using the scissors, cut the yarn.

Step 4 - In creating the tail and the ears, create the same yarn bundle, tie a piece of yarn to the bundle on the inside of the bundle so that one side of the bundle is bound, while the other side is not unbound. Tie the yarn bundle with the bounded side to the yarn skeleton. Afterward, take the pair of scissors and cut the unbounded portion of the yarn bundle, which should be hanging downward from the yarn skeleton.

Step 5 - If you have followed the procedures illustrated properly, your yarn dog should turn out well. It will become a source of great conversation and many people will either want to take it home or have one made for them. Either way, cherish your creation because now you have made a yarn dog, not man's best friend, but a best friend for anyone. good luck. (12/04/2009)

By kffrmw88

RE: Coat Hanger Yarn Dog

In 2006, I submitted step by step instructions with pictures and measurements for forming the hanger shape. You can print this out if you go to this link in the Thrifty Fun archives. Just copy this into your browser: thriftyfun.com (12/13/2009)

By Harlean from Arkansas

RE: Coat Hanger Yarn Dog

Coat Hanger Yarn Dog

Good afternoon everyone, hope all is well! I am looking for the shaggy dog pattern made out of yarn. I would love to have this for our church Christmas bazaar. I had the book and pattern, but evidently I have misplaced it. Thanks so much!

By pejoef from Louisa, KY