Capes, ponchos, or wraps have long been a favorite style for chic classic looks. It is simple to sew your very own cape and add this timeless piece to your wardrobe. Here is what you will need to make one.
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Supplies for Cape
2 yards outer fabric – I used wool coating from Minerva.com
2 yards lining fabric – silky fabrics work well, such as this Bemberg lining.
Snaps – I used large sew on snaps similar to these
Interfacing – I like to keep a lot of this one around as it can be used in many projects
Basic Supplies: Sewing Machine, Thread, Iron, Needles, Tape Measure, Paper for pattern making
What is the best fabric to make a cape?
This depends on the look you are going for with your cape. If you are creating a winter coat cape, choosing a wool or wool blend coating is a great option. You could also create this cape in fleece or brocade for some other fun choices.
How to measure for a cape
Measuring for the cape is as simple as taking your neck measurement and the length you want your cape. You are essentially making a circle skirt, but your neck will be the “waist” measurement.
To begin, place a measuring tape around your neck and measure where you would like the cape to lie. I chose to have my cape overlap by 2 inches so I made sure to add that to my measurement. Take your neck measurement and divide it by 6.28. This will give you the measurement you will use to create your pattern in the next step. You also need to determine how long you want your cape to be and write down that measurement. Measure from your neck to the finished length you desire.
How to Make a Cape Pattern
Begin by laying out a large piece of paper to draw your pattern. You can use the back of a piece of wrapping paper, but I prefer this medical exam table paper. It is inexpensive, thin enough to see through for tracing but doesn’t tear too easily. I buy it in bulk to keep on hand.
Take your neck radius measurement, and starting in one corner, make marks all the way around at the radius. Then connect the lines to create your neckline. Next measure from your drawn neckline to your desired length and make marks all the way across. Connect the dots to create your hem line.
Video Tutorial and Sew Along for Sewing a Cape
Easy Steps to Sew Your Own Cape
- Cut your cape pattern out of the main and lining fabric. Make sure your fabric is double folded so that both long edges of your pattern are on a double folded edge. Open up your cape and cut up one side to create the front.
- Cut your collar pattern piece out of your main fabric, lining, and interfacing (to determine your collar pattern piece, measure your neck opening and cut a piece of fabric the height you want your collar + 1-inch seam allowance by the width of your neckline. )
- Iron interfacing to the wrong side of your main collar piece. Sew the collar and lining, right sides together, around two short sides and one long edge. Trim seam allowance and turn right side out, pushing out corners carefully with a tube turner or corner turner.
- Mark the center back of your cape on the main fabric and the center back of the collar piece. Match up the collar and main cape at the center backs and sew from the center back to one side of the collar. Then go back to the center and sew the other direction from the center to the end of the collar. Clip the seam allowance along the collar with small notches to help relax the fabric around the curves.
- Lay your lining fabric on top of your cape, right sides together, sandwiching the collar in between. Sew the neckline from one side to the other attaching the lining to the collar. Then drape your cape for 24 hours to let the hem relax.
- After 24 hours, trim any areas that have stretched out or lengthened during the hanging process. Then, with right sides together, sew all the way around the cape. Make sure to leave a 5-10 inch opening (depending on how thick your fabric is) to turn the cape right sides out. After stitching all the way around, clip the corners, and turn the cape right sides out.
- Press the cape well, making sure your lining is hidden from the main side. Topstitch around the entire cape and make sure to close the opening while topstitching.
- Lastly, try on your cape and mark the overlap with a pin. Sew your snaps onto the collar and top of the cape to create the overlap.
2 Additional Ways to Style Your Cape
I love the simplicity of the classic cape, but I wanted to give myself a couple easy options to dress up the look with a little embellishment as well. I will show you how to make the simple clip on bow and the fur detachable collar. Both are simple and easy tutorials to add a little more fun to this cape. TUTORIALS will be posted and linked soon.
Can I use this pattern to make a child’s cape?
Yes, this cape can be made in any size needed. Just use the neck measurement and length measurement to customize the pattern for any size. If you are looking for more of a costume cape, leave the collar off and add the closure of your choice. You can sew in ribbon near each neck edge to tie close, add buttons/buttonholes, or the closure of your choice.
And now you know how to add this simple and stylish piece to your wardrobe.
About 18 years ago I decided to teach myself how to sew. Long before blogs and resources available today which meant it was often disastrous. But I never gave up because I loved it so much. Today I love helping others get started on their own sewing journey. You can read more about my family and I