You might think of a costume or a superhero when you hear the word cape.A cape is a versatile piece of clothing that you can wear over any outfit to make it more elegant.Instead of spending a lot of money on a cape, you can make one yourself in a single afternoon.
Step 1: Measure from your shoulder to your knee.
To get the width of your cape with a soft tape measure, you need to extend your arms straight out at your sides.Measure from your shoulder to your knee or wherever you want the cape to hit.Round up a bit to give yourself more room.You can measure in either inches or centimeters.
Step 2: Measure the length of the fabric you want to cut.
The fabric is about 45 inches on all 4 sides for most people.If you use your exact width and length, you can get a square or a rectangle for your cape.You can use any type of fabric you want, but one that is double-sided and resistant to fraying is the best.Reusing old blankets can provide you with a warm cape, while using silk or lace will give you an elegant cape.
Step 3: The fabric should be folded once widthwise and once lengthwise.
This will make it easier to work with.Make sure it hangs evenly when you wear it.
Step 4: Take a 5 in (13 cm) mark from the folded corner to the center.
One of the folded corners has all 4 layers of fabric connected.Measure 5 inches away from the corner and out to the center with a ruler.If you want to make your neck hole wider, you can add 1 to 2 inches to your measurement.
Step 5: The 5 in mark should be marked with 4 to 5 markings.
To mark where 5 inches (13 cm) is on either side of your original mark, keep your ruler in place and move it from side to side.A curved line of dots is created by this.
Step 6: Use sharp scissors to cut across your measurements.
Use sharp scissors to cut the curved line you measured.The fabric should come out in a circle if your line is curved.If the neck is wide, try on your cape.Make any adjustments you need to if it isn't.
Step 7: Take out the bottom of your fabric.
The neck hole should be pointed upwards.A curve or semicircle can be drawn from the neck hole to the bottom left corner with a fabric pencil.To round out the bottom of the cape, cut along this line.Most fashion capes have a circular, swooping shape.
Step 8: If you want it to open in the front, slice down the center of the cape.
To mark a straight line from the neck downwards, lay your cape out on the floor.To make an opening for your cape, use sharp scissors to cut the top layer of fabric.If you do not want to, you don't have to cut an opening in your cape.You can attach snaps to the front with an opening, but you may have to hem it to keep it from unraveling.
Step 9: There is a hood pattern that is about 17 in long.
You can find free hood patterns online and use them as a guide.Either mark it with a pencil or keep it in place with pins.Adding a hood can elevate your cape into a more expensive looking garment.
Step 10: Cut out the hood after folding your fabric so it is in 2 layers.
Make sure your fabric is doubled up because you will need 2 pieces for your hood.Cut out your hood pieces and leave a 1 in seam allowance on all sides.If you need a seam allowance, you can use it.It is better to cut your pattern small than large.
Step 11: Use a straight stitch to sew the hood together.
Keeping the pieces of fabric on top of each other, sew them together with a straight stitch using a sewing machine or hand.This will give the hood a nice hem.If you are sewing by hand, you can do a straight stitch by pushing your needle in through both layers of fabric, then pulling it back up through the layers 0.25 inches away from your first stitch.Continue until you reach the end of the hood.
Step 12: The hood should be pinned to the back of the cape.
Put your cape out on the floor and put the hood on it.If you sew it on, pin it in place with sewing pins.The front or back of your hood can be chosen.Take into account the patterns and seams of your fabric to make sure it sits correctly on your body.
Step 13: Using a straight stitch, sew the bottom of the hood.
You should keep the pins on the hood as you sew.To sew the hood on with a straight stitch, use a sewing machine or needle and thread.
Step 14: The bias tape should be on the edges of the fabric.
It is easy to hem edges with bias tape.Place a roll of bias tape around the edges of your cape.Place sewing pins in the tape to keep it in place.bias tape can be found at most sewing supply stores.
Step 15: Attach the bias tape to your cape.
Attach the bias tape to your cape using a straight stitch.As you sew, keep the tape straight so it doesn't bunch up.If you want to give your cape a finished look, you can either sew by hand or use a machine.
Step 16: For a finished look, add snaps, buttons, or a zip to your cape.
Adding closures to the front of your cape can make it more versatile.The cape and statue should be spread out so they don't touch each other.Either sew buttons in a row, sew a zip onto each side of the opening, or sew snaps up and down the cape to keep it closed when you want it to be.The easiest option to choose is sew-on snaps, which can be sewn on by hand.