How to Make a Clothes Divider for Shirts & Jeans

Making a simple clothes divider helps stay organized and keep track of clothing.

Keeping clothes neatly folded and separated can be a challenge, especially if space is limited. For parents of young children the problem is compounded. Making a few simple compartments to serve as clothes dividers in drawers can make the ongoing chore of maintaining organization much more pleasant. This simple act makes it easier for children to learn responsibility because their areas of required organization are clearly defined.

Things You'll Need

• Plywood -- 1/4 inch
• Tape measure
• Power saw
• Pencil
• Jigsaw
• Wood glue

Instructions

1. Measure the height, width and length of the drawer. Subtract 1/8-inch for each measurement. Record the measurements. The staff at the home improvement center will help you determine how much plywood is needed for your project depending one how many dividers you are making.

2. Cut one plywood divider piece representing the width and height measurements. For example, if the drawer's recorded measurement is a 23 7/8-inch width and 9 7/8-inch height, cut a piece of plywood 9 7/8-inches wide by 23 7/8-inches long to fit across the drawer interior.

3. Cut another piece of plywood representing the length and height measurement. For example, if the drawer's recorded measurement is a 19 7/8-inch length and a 9 7/8-inch height, cut the plywood piece 9 7/8-inches wide by 19 7/8-inches long to fit from front to back of the drawer interior.

4. Mark the center spot along one lengthwise edge of each of the two divider pieces.

5. Saw a 1/4-inch wide slot into one plywood divider piece at the center edge mark, using a jigsaw. Cut until you reach half way through the divider width. Repeat the process on the other divider piece. These slots represent the point where the two divider pieces will intersect.

6. Apply glue to the slots. Interlock the two divider pieces by placing the slots on one divider piece facing down and the slots of the other piece facing up. Push the pieces together tightly for a snug fit. Allow the glue to dry completely.

7. Place the clothes divider in the drawer.

Tips & Warnings

• All the items needed for this project are available at home improvement centers. The staff will answer any questions regarding necessary tools and supplies.

• Easy closet rack clothing dividers can also be made using cardboard. Cut cardboard in doughnut shapes, making the center hole the diameter of the closet rack. Cut scrapbook paper doughnut shapes corresponding to the cardboard doughnut size. Spray the front and back of the cardboard doughnut with spray adhesive and apply scrapbook paper to both sides. Cut a slit through the doughnut from the outside edge to the inside edge, creating an opening to fit over the closet rack. Use these dividers to separate closet clothes by child name, types of clothes, seasonal clothing, or whatever is appropriate, by writing on the doughnuts.

References

• Home Museum: Adaptable Drawer Organizers
• Fine Woodworking: Chests of Drawers
• Home Museum: Home-Made Drawer Dividers