How to make a cape (8 different types)

Why should you learn to make a cape ? Whether you’re gearing up for a costume party, preparing for a theatrical performance, or simply looking to add a unique piece to your attire, learning how to make a cape is a bonus. They are effortless cover ups, casual fashion statements , great for layering, can even be worn as tops over a camisole.

Here you will find step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks to create your very own custom cape with the fabric of your choice.

Can you not see yourself wearing a casual top and jeans and a cape on top and end up looking like Elizabeth Taylor. Maybe not! 

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1. Make an easy cold-shouldered circular cape

This is a very easy cape to make . This is just a fabric with a hole – made the way a circle skirt is made. You need a wide enough fabric  ( 45″); this will give you a 17″ long cape

Fold a 45″ square fabric twice, lengthwise and width wise through the center

Mark 5″ from the mid point ( the same way you do for a circle skirt) Mark this point every one inch.Join the dots .Mark 22 inch from the center, to mark the hem. Mark every 2 inch. Join the dots.

Cut through the lines, so that you will get circle with a  hole in the middle

I have added a simple fake fur trim

Related post: Faux-fur muff sewing tutorial. To make this trim, I cut a 40″ long  fake fur strip of 1 inch and made small darts ( 1/2 inch ) every 6 inches of this strip.

I then joined this strip at the end. Gave me a hexagon like this.

I finished the fabric edges of the top hole and the hem.

Kept the trim near the edge and top stitched in place. You can add satin ribbon or lace trim the same way. Done

2. Make a fitting cape

This type of cape is made in a sheer/ transparent fabric and let me tell you making anything in sheer thin fabric is almost always a pain. Checkout this post on tips to sew thin sheer fabric.

Take 2 pieces of fabric length – 16 inch & width – the full width of your cloth ; Fold by the middle. Mark the following pattern. Cut out the two pieces for back and front with the pattern. The back is cut in one piece; you can give a front opening by giving 1 inch extra at the center fold and cutting.

Sew the sides and join. Stitch the neck and hem the bottom and finish the front edges 

The shoulder slope is a little tricky. You will have to trace the outline of a fitting bodice for to make this pattern.Make a bodice following this tutorial

3. Make a Knit cape with a hood

Because it is made in a knit fabric you do not have to do anything with the fabric edges, unless you specifically want to.

Make a hole in the middle of the 45 inch sqaure  fabric as per the picture below. Join the 2 hood pieces at the side seams . You have a small tube now. Keep the shorter edge together with the opening in the main piece. Stitch with right sides together. Easy hooded cape

4. Poncho capes

Checkout the tutorials to make some cool poncho capes / jackets 

 

5. Faux fur cape

Faux fur gives real distinction to a cape. You can make a cape like this one at weallsew – it is super easy and looks great

Or make a collar scarf  in fauxfur like this one following the tutorial

6. A line Cape Pattern 

The back pattern is one piece but the front pattern is in two parts.For the back pattern you  need 40″ wide  and 20 inch long piece. Fold by half and mark.

And for the front patterns you need two 20″ square fabric pieces.

Cut out the pieces and join at B-G for left and right front pieces to the back piece.

Bind the neckline/ Hem the edges with a rolled edge finish. You can add ribbon ties at F of the front patterns .

7. A Super hero Cape

This is the most common type of cape you see around – an unavoidable sewing project for mommies who make costumes for their kids.

You can make one for your kid with a velcro fastening with the following pattern.Take a fabric of length – measure length from shoulder to knee (or till ankle if you want ankle length cape)

To make super hero cape with a lining Just cut 2 pieces of the pattern on fold. Stitch together at the outer edge, right sides together. Leave a 2 inch opening for turning the cape inside out.   Turn the whole thing inside out through the opening. Close the opening shut with hand stitching. You can paint or applique your super hero logo on the cape if you want to. Attach the velcro under the extended piece. 

8. Sewing tutorial for a hooded cape

Fabric choices for making capes

Which fabric you choose for your cape can make it or break it – but then it also depends on the look, feel and function you are aiming for. Wool is a popular material for capes if you are looking for warmth and durability. Woolen fabric is ideal for outerwear. Boiled wool is a very good option for making waterproof and really warm capes.

For those needing a cape that stands up to the elements, Gore-Tex is an excellent material choice for its water-resistant and breathable qualities. Synthetic materials like nylon are often selected for lightweight and water-resistant capes.

A festive cape can be made in embroidered tulle or satin. Tulle netting adds volume and a fairy-tale quality to capes, making them popular for dress-up and cosplays. Satin can give a cape a glossy, sophisticated finish, while velvet provides a rich texture and depth of color. Usually a cape is a dramatic statement, so the fabric you choose will reflect that.

Line the cape or not?

Lining can give your cape a good structure and an elegant look. And an extra layer of warmth if you need it. And also hide all the seams and cut edges of the fabric. Select a material similar to the outer material as the lining. You can even make a reversible cape with the right kind of lining. 2-in-one.

You can add fleece as lining for warmth. Other options are brushed cotton and flanellette.

Pro tip when sewing long capes : Wind more than one bobbin – it is a long long sewing session. You will need them

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