How to make a Hidden Hanger Pocket from a Placemat

Transforming a simple placemat into a clever hidden hanger pocket is a creative and practical way to add storage space to your home. With just a few easy steps, you can repurpose this everyday item into a stylish and functional storage solution. Start by selecting a placemat that matches your decor and has a sturdy fabric. This project is easy and fun to make with the simple stated steps and materials. It is a great addition to your repertoire. 

You will need:

• A fabric placemat
• A coat hanger with a bar across the bottom
• Sewing thread and Sewing machine

For the removable travel version you’ll also need:

• Hook and eye tape that is 3 inches shorter than the short side of the placemat

How to make a hanger pocket that is permanently fixed

Take the placemat and place the coat hanger on top about 3-4 inches from the top.

Fold the bottom edge of the placemat up so it’s just under the bar of the hanger.

Fold the top of the placemat down over the bar of the hanger and pin in place.

Stitch the 2 sides of the placemat getting as close to the coat hanger as possible. Be sure to secure the beginning and end of your stitching by doing a few backstitches.

This is ever so slightly awkward as the hanger is a bit bulky to manoeuvre under your sewing machine, just stitch as close as you can to the bar of the hanger but don’t worry too much.

That’s it! Couldn’t be easier, right?

How to make a hanger pocket that is removable for travel

• Take the hook and eye tape and sew the one piece to one short end of the placemat centrally.
• Turn the placemat over and sew the other piece of the hook and eye tape to the opposite short end of the placemat, again centrally.

Place the placemat down so that the tape is facing up at the top edge. Lay a coat hanger on top about 3-4” down from the top edge. Fold the bottom edge so it’s just below the bar of the coat hanger. Pin the sides, remove the coat hanger and stitch the sides where you pinned them.

Again, make sure you stitch your side seams securely by stitching a few extra back stitches at the beginning and end of your stitching. This is a little easier than the other version though because the hanger isn’t in your way as you stitch.

To use the travel hidden hanger pocket just lay the coat hanger on top of the placemat and secure in place with the vel (ops, nearly!) hook and eye fastening.