How to Make a Cape
How to Make A Cape video at bottom of page
or wear it as a costume "Little Red Riding Hood"
MaterialsMORE ON HOW TO MAKE A CAPE - HOW MUCH FABRIC Although this cape took less than a yard and a half, you may want it larger or smaller, or longer or shorter, so take measurements, then calculate what you need. The back of the pattern package will help with that, but always use common sense as well. Hold up the fabric to the body that will be wearing it and eyeball it too. That way there won't be any big surprises. TIES OR BUTTONS For the ties I used some black bias tape (close up photo middle of this page). I had tons of it and didn't have ribbon on hand. I tried tying it first, and it worked, so there you have it. Use what you have when possible, and remember you made it, so if you don't like it, you can always change it, or even make it into something else. Just love the flexibility. MAKE YOUR COSTUME WORK ALL YEAR The cape we are making here is a heavy fleece and flannel, so it can be worn on a cold day, and as a costume (double duty). A very practical costume as well, since it will be warm and cozy for a cool evening out. If you use something this heavy or fluffy, make sure your sewing machine can handle it. You can always go with lighter weight fabrics as well.
A little about this project- Changing the pattern
FLEXIBILITYLearn how to make a cape and many other costumes using this Simplicity pattern #0488. We are making the "Little Red Riding Hood Cape". One of the best things about sewing is the abilty to change patterns to your liking, and that's what we've done here. REVERSIBLE In this example we are making it reversible, which will require making the cape twice, then sewing right sides together. To simplify it, you can make it unlined, then hem to finish it just like the pattern explains (especially if it's a one time costume). TIES INSTEAD OF A BUTTON The other change to the pattern is the ties instead of a button. We use the ties here, but you can use the button and just follow the pattern directions. GENERAL INFORMATION Either way, follow this example and the pattern, until the first cape is made. If you decide to make it reversible or lined, then continue to follow along this page. The pattern does not go over the details for a reversible or lined cape. This pattern is pretty easy, but as always, read the instructions before starting. Take measurements and figure out how much fabric you'll need. Prepare the fabric according to manufacturers instructions, review sewing terms here at retrosewing.net, and don't hesitate to write with questions or suggestions. Happy Sewing!
Here's What You'll Need...
Lay it Out
Cut Out 4 Pieces - Using Front Pattern Piece Twice
Clip Notches at Side and Shoulder Seams
Stitch Cape Front to Cape Back at Shoulder Seams
Sew Together at Shoulders
Match Notches on Seam of Hood & Sew Together,Stitch center back seam of hood. Gather neck edge between notches.
Matching Notches Pin Hood to Neckline of CapeWith right sides together, pin hood to neck edge of cape, matching centers back and placing small dot at shoulder seam. Pull up gathering stitches to fit. Baste.
For Reversible or Lined Cape, Make a 2nd CapeIf you decided to go with a non-reversible cape, then follow the rest of the pattern directions as they are.If you are going to make a reversible or lined cape, then continue on with the making of the second cape, the same as the first.
For Reversible or Lined Cape ContinuePut one cape inside the Other, with RIGHT SIDES together, matching notches.
Sew together from neck to hem along shoulder seams, leaving hem openAfter sewing the two capes together, turn the right sides out through the hem opening. Try on for fit, see how it looks, and attach ties or button (see pattern for button instructions).
Place Ties at Neckline Seam, and Trim to Your TasteLook for the location at the neckline where all the seams come together. The hood meets the neckline right in front where you tie. Using your seam ripper, open up a few stitches. Just enough to insert your tie (ribbon, rope, whatever you have that works).I used bias tape because I had lots of it, the color was right, and most importantly, when I tied it, the look and hold was good.
Turn Inside Out and Sew Ties in PlaceAfter you have placed the ties just where you want them, pin in place, and turn the cape inside out, as pictured below. The long part of the tie is on the RIGHTSIDE of the cape which is not visible at this point. You are looking at the seam and the place you will resew the stitches you removed.
Should Look Like This
With Right Sides Together, Sew Appx 75% of Hem TogetherWhile the cape is inside out, sew 75% of the hem closed, using a 5/8th seam allowance. Leave appx 25% of the hem open. Enough to pull the cape RIGHT SIDE out through the opening.Also while inside out, attach the two hoods with just a few stitches at neckline. Make sure to fit the hoods inside of each other and line them up at the seams. Just a few stitches will keep the cape together. For a little extra style you can put a few basting stitches in at the neckline for a little gather. After all, this may be "how to make a cape", but you can still add your own touches.
Turn Cape Right SIde Out, Turn Under & Pin Unsewn HemAfter all the inside stitches are done, you can turn the capes RIGHT SIDE out and finish. First pin the rest of the hem from the outside, turning it in to align with the rest of the hem.Almost done with "how to make a cape"
Top Stitch Along the Edge of the Whole CapeFinish the hem and the whole cape with a top stitch along the edge of the whole cape. I like to start at the top front where the ties are. The front is most visible, so start with that and stitch to the first seam. Then start at the top front at the tie, on the other side (don't end in front, just in case there's extra fabric that has collected). After both sides of the front are stitched, Finish the back between seams, and starting with the part of the hem that has not been sewn.How to make a cape, sewing tutorial coming soon.
Let's Try it On
Video Tutorial on "How to Make a Cape"
Hope you enjoyed "How to Make a Cape" |
