Capes always make terrific costumes. Vary the color and the embellishments and you quickly become a princess, a member of the Grecian nobility, a super hero, or even a Hobbit.
I have a quick method for making a cape. It can be modified to fit just about any size, shape, or occasion.
The Cape
45 inch wide fabric (measure from the top of your head to the bottom length you desire and double this measurement to determine yardage you need.)
Fabric for tie ( 24" -36" long by 3" wide)
Thread
Embellishments
- Fold the fabric in half so that the fold is at the crown of your head with the right sides together. The fabric should now be your desired length plus an inch for hemming.
- Match the salvaged edges along one side. Now pin these together.
- Sew down the entire length of the pinned side, removing the pins as you sew.
- Turn it right side out.
- The top sewed edge of the fabric where it meets the folded edge will be the back peak of the hood on the cape.
- Try on the cape and fold back the front edge about 3/4 of the way towards the peak of the hood.
- Now fold back the front edge 1/2 towards the edge of the first fold.
- Try on the cape again and decide if you need one more fold in the hood. Adjust accordingly.
- Pin the folds in place.
- Now stitch a straight line down the center of the crown sewing the folds permanently in place.
- Cut the fabric for the tie.
- Fold the tie fabric in 1/2" on both ends.
- Fold the tie fabric towards the middle along both lengthwise sides.
- Now fold the piece in half. You should not have any raw edges at this point.
- Sew down the length of the tie.
- Again try on the cape. Using the tie, adjust the hood to achieve your desired look.
- Sew the tie on the back seam of the cape where it will best work for you.
- Once again, try on the cape. Adjust your hood with the tie.
- Hem the bottom edge.
- Embellish the cape as you like.