How to Reinforce Top of Garment Bag With Ribbon

Because the user of a garment bag will be repeatedly putting in and taking out hangers from the garment bag, the opening for the hanger needs to be reinforced to keep it from fraying. An easy way to do this is to sew ribbon around the opening.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Begin with the front panel of the garment bag. Cut a length of half-inch fabric ribbon that's a half-inch longer than the hanger opening.

2. Pin the ribbon to the edge of the opening so half the ribbon is on each side of the fabric and a quarter-inch extends beyond the ends.

3. Sew the ribbon to the edge of the opening, using a small straight stitch. Don't forget to reverse the direction of the sewing machine at each end to anchor the ends. Trim off the ends of the threads.

4. Sew another length of ribbon to the hanger opening in the back panel of the garment bag.

Tips & Warnings

• Although you can use ribbon of any color, you will want to match the color of the fabric panels if you want to make a plain bag or choose a coordinating color for a more decorative bag.
• Garment bags can be used by children to take clothes to sleepovers or to change into after sports practice. They can also be used to keep dust from clothes hanging in a closet rather than use the plastic bags provided by a dry cleaner or clothing store.