A cape can be used for fashion reasons or for a costume. It is a very simple accessory to make and has been used for centuries to provide warmth, increase height, or enhance appearance. From Little Red Riding Hood to the catwalks, a cape always looks great. In this wikiHow article, you will see some ways to make a basic layer in various styles.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Make a Basic Layer
Step 1. Choose the type of fabric
The most suitable fabrics are cotton, flannel, satin and wool. You will need to choose a fabric for the main outer part of the cape, as well as a lighter fabric for the lining. You can go for matching colors and patterns, or ones that contrast with each other.
- Consider choosing a fabric with a pattern on one side and a solid color on the other.
- You can opt for a cape that has cotton on both sides, as this fabric is light enough.
Step 2. Take measurements for the neckline and the length of the fabric
Measure from the base of the neck and then from the shoulder to the point where you want the cape to end. Write down these two measurements.
- If you want to make something similar to a cloak, measure up to the ankle or mid-calf.
- If you want to make something similar to a poncho, measure up to the height after the elbows.
Step 3. Use your neck measurement to determine the radius
Use a calculator to divide the neck measurement by 2, and then divide the result by pi or 3. 14. Round the measurement to the nearest ¼ inch. This will be the radius.
Step 4. Fold the main fabric in four parts
Start by folding the fabric in half across the width. Fold it in half again (also widthwise) to form a square. Turn the fabric so that the folded corner is in the upper left corner. Don't fold the fabric liner yet.
Step 5. Begin to trace the neck part of the pattern
Attach a piece of string to the upper left corner of the fabric, where the folds meet. Tie a chalk or dressmaker's pen to the other end of the string so that it is the same length as the radius of your neck. Use the chalk or pen as a compass to draw an arc from the top edge of the fabric over the left side edge.
Step 6. Finish tracing the pattern
Add the radius measurement to the length you want the cape to be. Lengthen the chord according to the new measurement and draw a second arc to create the bottom of the layer.
Step 7. Cut the fabric, leaving 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) extra space for sewing
When finished, fold the lining fabric in four, then place the cut fabric on top. Cut the lining using the cut outer fabric as a guide.
Step 8. Open the front of the cape
Unfold the exterior and siding pieces and stack them. Fold them in half widthwise so that you form a semicircle. Cut along the left folded edge and don't touch the other. This will create the opening for the cape.
Now stack the fabric with the pattern sides facing inward
Step 9. After stacking the fabric, secure it with pins
Unfold the fabric half circles, then stack them with the pattern sides facing inward. Make sure all the edges are lined up, then start pinning them on.
Step 10. Consider adding a ribbon
Cut two pieces of ribbon that are about 30 inches (75 cm) long. Remove the pins in the top two corners on either side of the opening and tuck the ribbons into the cape. Make sure the ends line up with the edges of the cape, then pin them closed. The ribbons should be sandwiched between the layers of fabric.
- Give the tape a more beautiful finish by sealing the ends with a flame.
- Choose a wide ribbon that matches the cape. Ideally, you should get one that is about 2 inches (5.1 cm) wide.
- If you don't want to use a tape, skip this step.
Step 11. Cut the cape leaving 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) extra space for the seam
Sew along the inside collar, the bottom edge, and the two straight edges. Leave a 4 inch (10 cm) gap along the bottom of a straight edge. Reinforce the seam by making a back stitch at the beginning and end.
If you attached a ribbon to it, be careful not to stitch it on
Step 12. Make notches and grooves in the curves, and then trim the corners
Cut a few notches in the neck about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart. Make some grooves in the bottom curve about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) apart. At the end, trim the top and bottom corners of the opening. This will help the cape fall more smoothly.
Try to cut as close to the stitches as possible without cutting through them
Step 13. Fold the cape inside out and then iron it
Use something blunt but pointed, like a knitting needle, to fill in the corners. Tuck in the edges until they match the rest of the cape, then pin them together. Then iron the cape.
Step 14. Sew the opening
You can do this by hand using a ladder stitch. You can also topstitch the entire length of the cape using a thread color that matches and leaving a 1/8 inch (30 mm) space for the seam. Remove the pins when finished.
Step 15. If you have not yet attached a clasp, do so
You can sew a clasp-style closure, a hook-and-eye-style closure, or even a frog-style. Choose one that best suits your cape style.
If you attached a ribbon as a closure, skip this step
Method 2 of 4: Make a Hooded Cape
Step 1. Choose and buy the necessary fabric
You will need at least 1½ yards (1.5 m) of fabric. Choose one that is comfortable, such as wool felt, fleece, or flannel, and keep it folded as it came when you bought it.
If you want to make a longer cape, buy more fabric, but make sure to reserve about 24 inches (60 cm) for the hood and stitching
Step 2. Cut about 22 inches (55 cm) from the side of the fabric
Measure a 22-inch (55-cm) rectangle from one of the narrow ends, then cut it out. In the long run, this rectangle will be the hood, so save it for later.
Step 3. Cut the hood piece so that it is about 17 inches (45 cm) tall
Take the 22-inch (55-cm) rectangle that you just cut from the main piece. Turn it so that the folded edge is facing you. Cut it so that it measures 17 inches (45 cm) high and 22 inches (55 cm) wide. Make sure the 22 inch (55 cm) edge is along the fold. Discard the remnants from the top.
Step 4. If necessary, cut the body of the cape
The large rectangle that remains will form the main part of the cape. Measure the fabric along the folded edge, and if it is too long for your liking, cut it to the proper length. Remember to add 2 inches (5.1 cm) more for the seams.
Step 5. Sew the edges of the cape
Unfold the cape and turn it so the opposite sides are facing you. Fold 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) of one of the long edges down and flatten it with an iron. Then fold it another 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) and iron it again. Now backstitch the hem, 1/8 inch (30mm) from the inside fold. Repeat this step on the two side edges.
Backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam to reinforce the stitches
Step 6. Unfold the hood and hem one of the long edges
First, unfold the hood and turn it so the opposite side is facing you. Hem one of the 34-inch (85-cm) edges in the same way as you did the body of the cape. Leave the other three edges as they are.
- The 34 inch (85 cm) edge is the side that was 17 inches (43 cm) when folded.
- Don't forget to backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam.
Step 7. Fold the hood, and then sew one of the narrow edges
Fold the hood in half again, with the opposite side facing out. The 22-inch (55-cm) edge should be back along the fold, while one of the 17-inch (45-cm) edges should have a hem. Sew the other 17-inch (45-cm) edge, leaving an additional 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) space for stitching.
- Don't forget to stitch at the beginning and end of the seam.
- If the fabric is fraying a lot, you will need to do a French or zigzag stitch over the seams.
Step 8. Make two joining stitches across the top of the cape
Sew straight or baste along the top edge of the cape. The first stitch should be about 1/4 inch (65 mm) from the edge, while the second stitch should be 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) from the edge.
Step 9. Attach the top of the cape until it fits over the hood
Find the bottom thread on one side of the cape. Hold both of them and then start pulling on them. Keep joining the fabric until it is the same width as the base for the hood, about 20 inches (50 cm). Tie the strings and then cut off the excess.
- You can join the fabric from both sides of the cape, but be sure to only pull the bottom threads.
- When finished, take some time to adjust the seams so that they are even.
Step 10. Sew the hood to the cape
Pin the hood and cape together, with the correct sides facing each other. Make sure the edge of the hood lines up with the joined edge of the cape, and sew the two together, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of extra space for sewing. Prevent the joined edges from bending or bunching up as you sew.
- Don't forget to stitch at the beginning and end of the seam.
- If the fabric is fraying a lot, you will need to do a French or zigzag stitch over the seams.
Step 11. Add a closure
It is at this point where you can let your creative side free. You can make a simple frog-like closure on the front of the cape or you can also sew on two ribbons if you prefer to tie the cape on. Another option would be to put a looped drawstring on one side of the opening and a large button on the other.
Step 12. If you want, add some finishes
At this point, you can consider the cape finished, or you can add some embellishments to enhance its appearance. Here are some ideas that you can keep in mind:
- If you've made a gypsy cape, add a bead stripe across the entire bottom.
- Use iron applications to enhance the design.
- Sew a faux fur lining to the hood to give the cape a more cozy look.
- Do some embroidery on the edges of the cape to enhance its appearance.
Method 3 of 4: Make a Kids Superhero Cape
Step 1. Choose the type of fabric
Since you are not sewing this cape, it would be best to use a non-fraying fabric, such as felt or flannel. For this project, you will need about 1 yard (1 m).
You can also use this method to create a full-size cape, but keep in mind that you will need a larger amount of fabric
Step 2. Fold the fabric lengthwise in half
Orient the rectangle vertically, with one of the narrow edges pointing toward you.
Step 3. Trace the side border
Use chalk or a dressmaker's pen to make a mark along the bottom edge, about 11 inches (30 cm) from the fold. The distance you trace is up to you, but keep in mind that the longer it is, the longer the layer will be. Trace another mark along the top edge, about 5 ½ inches (15 cm) away from the fold. Now connect the lines by drawing a straight line.
- If you want to make a wider layer and have enough fabric, you can trace the bottom mark farther from the folded edge.
- For a more accurate length, add about 5 ½ inches (15 cm) to the length of the cape. This will be offset by the neck opening.
Step 4. Use a plate or bowl to trace the neck
Get an 8-inch (20-cm) plate or bowl and place it along the top corner of the folded mantle. The side edge of the container should be 4 inches (10 cm) away from the fold. The bottom edge should be about 5 ½ inches (14 cm) from the top of the fabric. Now trace the shape of the container with a chalk or dressmaker's pen.
Step 5. Cut along the lines you drew
Try to cut just inside the lines. This way they won't show up when the layer is finished. You can leave the cape as is or try one of the following variations:
- Round the top and bottom corners of the cape for a better finish.
- Add a scalloped edge at the base of the cape. This will be great if your child wants to dress up as Batman.
- Make notches and grooves on the bottom edge to create a battle cape.
Step 6. Add velcro closures
Get some velcro squares or cut your own. Use regular glue or fabric glue and glue them to the top of the cape (the equivalent of two fingers). One square should go on the top side and the other on the bottom. You can also use self-adhesive velcro.
Step 7. Consider adding a superhero emblem
Iron hot melt adhesive mesh onto a contrasting piece of fabric. Trace and cut out the superhero emblem, then use pins to attach it to the back of the cape. Now iron it and then remove the pins.
- Each piece of hot melt mesh will be a little different, so be sure to follow the directions on the package closely.
- You can also make the emblem out of felt and glue it to the back of the cape using hot glue or fabric glue.
Method 4 of 4: Make a Girls Princess Cape
Step 1. Choose the type of fabric you will use
Since you are not sewing this cape, it would be best to use a non-fraying fabric, such as felt or flannel. The fabric of a sweater and tulle are also very good options.
Keep in mind that the size of the cape will be suitable for a child, but if you want to make one for an adult, you will need to use larger measurements
Step 2. Cut the fabric lengthwise
Measure from your daughter's neck to the point where you want the cape to end, and then add 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) more to that measurement. Next, trim the fabric according to the measurement taken. You can make the cape as wide as you like.
Step 3. Create the liner
Turn the fabric so the opposite side is facing you. Fold the top edge down 2-3 inches to create the liner. Secure the bottom edge with fabric glue or hot tape.
- It is not recommended to use hot glue, as it is not flexible enough to be able to bond the fabric.
- If you know how to sew, you can sew the liner about 1/4 inch (60mm) from the bottom edge.
Step 4. Cut out a piece of tape that is slightly longer than the liner
If you like, it can be the same color as the cape or even one that makes a contrast. The ideal length is 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm).
If you want to make a bow with the ribbon, use twice the length of the lining. You can also use a piece of silver or gold cord
Step 5. Pull the tape through the liner
Attach a safety pin to one end of the tape and use it to pull it through the liner.
Step 6. Squeeze the cape together to join the fabric
Slide the layer so that it is centered on the ribbon. Then, squeeze the part where the tape is to bind it together. Its width should be half of what it used to be.
Step 7. Trim the ribbon to make the closure
Cut the tape to 3 inches (7.5 cm) on each side and seal the ends using a lighter to prevent fraying.
If you are making a bow with the ribbon, skip this step
Step 8. Add velcro fasteners to the tape
Attach one velcro closure to the front of one strap and the other to the back. Self-adhesive Velcro is the best option, but if you can't get it, you can stick a conventional one using hot glue or fabric glue.
- Consider gluing some rhinestones to the front of a ribbon for a more luxurious touch.
- If you are using a long ribbon, cut the ends at angles and then seal them with the help of a lighter.
- If you used laces instead of ribbon, tie a knot at each end to prevent fraying.
Step 9. Add the finishing touches
You can leave the cape as is, or you can add some finishing touches, such as rhinestones or paint. Use colors that match the cape and remember that less is more. Here are some ideas to keep in mind:
- Paint the designs using fabric glue or spray paint. You can paint them by hand or use stencils.
- Use stickers to add designs to your cape.
- Glue rhinestones along the edges using fabric glue or hot glue.
- Use hot melt adhesive mesh to stick appliqués on the cape.
- Use hot glue to glue a feather boa to the bottom of the cape.
Advice
- Wash, dry, and iron the fabric before layering.
- Wear a cape to complement a vampire costume.
- If you want to dress up as Batman, make a second cape for your friend so they can dress up as Robin!
- If you want to make a poncho, just create a circular cape, but don't cut the front opening. It also skips creating the closure.