Easy to Build Folding Clothes Rack

A Super Simple Folding Clothes Rack with a Fabric Shelf

Previously, I posted plans for a folding garment rack that I built for my laundry room. I use it every time I do laundry and I really, really love it! I saw a folding clothes rack similar to this one in a flea market and thought it would be great for storing clothes for different seasons, in a craft room, in a laundry room or even as a display at a craft fair!

This folding clothes rack is made with minimal materials including off-the-shelf lumber. The dowel stretcher is secured with long screws through the legs, and the fabric shelf is secured with staples.

Materials:

• 3″ screws (<– affiliate link!)
• 2-1/2″ screws
• Sandpaper
• Finishing Supplies
• Staples and Staple Gun (<– affiliate link!)

Lumber:

• 4 – 1×2 at 8′
• 1 – 1/2″ dowel rod at 36″

Fabric for Shelf:

• 1 yd. of canvas or cotton duck
• Fabric Glue (<– affiliate link!)

Cut List:

• 4 – 1×2 at 65-5/8″- Legs
• 1 – 1×2 at 25″ – Lower Stretcher
• 1 – 1×2 at 26-1/2″ – Lower Stretcher
• 1 – 1/2″ dowel at 25″ – Upper Stretcher

Notes About the Project:

• Sand all of the pieces prior to assembly
• Pre-drill the holes for the lower stretchers on the outside of each leg
• Stain and seal (or paint) the rack before securing the fabric

Step One

Start by cutting the pieces for the legs to length. The angle at the top is completely optional… Mark the position for the hole at the top of each board, and drill the hole using a drill and a 1/8″ drill bit.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for each stretcher. The stretchers are positioned 4″ up from the bottom of the legs, and are secured using 2-1/2″ screws through the outside (don’t forget to pre-drill the holes for the screws!). Note that one stretcher is longer than the other – this will allow one assembly to fit inside the other so that the rack can fold when not in use.

Step Three

Cut the piece of dowel rod to length and drill a hole at the center of each end. Position the dowel between the narrower leg assembly. With the larger assembly on the outside, drive a 3″ screw through the holes in the outer assembly and inner assembly, into the end of the dowel.

Finish as desired.

 

Step Four

Cut a piece of the fabric approximately 26″ wide by 28″ long. Sew or glue a 1/2″ hem along each long edge (the 28″ edges). Wrap the fabric over the lower stretchers and secure with staples to the underside of the stretchers.

That’s it… As an added “decoration” (or maybe even a place to hang a belt or scarf), the holes in the ends of the dowel can be drilled a little larger to accommodate a threaded insert. Rather than use screws through the holes in the legs, decorative drawer pulls can be used (the threaded inserts will catch the threaded post of the drawer knobs securely).

Have questions about the folding clothes rack? Leave a comment below!