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, extend your arms straight out at your sides.Measure from your shoulder to your knee or wherever you want the cape to hit, then stand up straight.Round up a little to give yourself more room.You can measure in either inches or centimeters.
Step 2: Measure the length of the fabric and cut it.
Most people have 45 inches of fabric on all 4 sides.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 makes it easier to work with.Make sure it hangs evenly when you wear it.
Step 4: There is a mark from the folded corner to the center.
One of the folded corners in the fabric has all 4 layers of fabric connected.Measure from the corner 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 on your fabric 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 enough, try on your cape.Make any changes you need to if it isn't.
Step 7: Take out the bottom of the fabric.
With the neck hole pointed upwards, keep the fabric folded.A curve or semicircle can be drawn from the neck hole to the bottom left corner with a fabric pencil.Cut along this line to get to the bottom of the cape.The circular, swooping shape that most fashion capes have is created by this cut.
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 don't want to, there's no need 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: A hood pattern is about 17 in long and is on spare fabric.
You can find free hood patterns online that you can trace and use as a guide.Place that on your excess fabric and either keep it in place with pins or mark it with a pencil.Adding a hood can elevate your cape into a more expensive 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 identical 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.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, and then pulling it back up through the layers 0.25 inches away from your first stitch.Continue until you get to the end of the hood.
Step 12: The hood should be pinned to the back of the cape.
Put your cape 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 is up to you.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 a 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 every 1 in of 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 the 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 it yourself or use a machine.
Step 16: For a finished look, add snaps, buttons, or a zip to your cape.
Adding closure 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.