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By Singer
Reference Library
A cape
is a dramatic and very versatile costume
element. Distinguished royalty, wizards and
magicians, and even witches can benefit from the
use of a cape. In its simplest form, a cape is a
circle of fabric, cut out and tied at the neck,
and open down the front. An inexpensive cape can
be made with minimal sewing, using felt. Either
cape style can be made with or without a collar,
and both are secured at the neck with ribbon
ties.
The length of
cape style can be varied, depending on the
desired look; fabric and be pieced to acquire a
circle with the necessary diameter. However, to
avoid piecing felt, the circle diameter must be
equal to or less than 72” (183 cm).
Cutting
Directions
For a felt
cape, cut a square of fabric from felt twice the
desired length of the cape plus about 3"
(7.5 cm). For the collar, cut one rectangle from
felt, step 1.
You Will Need
- Felt- amount
depending on length of cape.
- Bias Tape -
single fold
- 1 yd. (91.4
cm) ribbon, for ties.
How to Sew a
Felt Cape
Cape with a
Collar
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1. Fold
square of fabric for cape in half
lengthwise, then crosswise. Pin layers
together. Measure around base of neck.
Divide measurement by 3.14; then divide
result by 2 to find the radius. Mark an
arc on fabric, for neck opening,
measuring from folded center of fabric a
distance equal to radius, using
straightedge and pencil. |
2. Mark
an arc for lower edge of cape, measuring
from folded center of fabric a distance
equal to the desired length of cape plus
measurement of radius determined in step
1. |
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3. Cut
on marked lines through all layers. Cut
along one folded edge; this will be
center front opening of cape. |
4.
Measure the distance around the neck
edge of cape from center front to center
front 1/2” (1.3 cm) from the neck
edge. Cut rectangle for the collar,
measuring this length by desired width;
collar width, can range from 2” to
4” (6.5 to 10 cm).
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5. Stay stitch around neck edge of cape, 3/8” (1.0 cm) from raw edge. Clip neck edges of cape to stay stitching. Pin-mark middle of collar and center back neck edge of cape.
6. Pin collar to cape along neck edge, right sides up, positioning ends of collar even with center front edges, and matching pin marks. Stitch collar to cape 1/2” (1.3 cm) from raw edges. Trim seam allowances to scant 1/4” (0.6 cm). Figure 5.
7. Cut bias tape to length of seam of neck opening, plus 1” (2.5 cm). Open one fold of bias tape. Pin bias tape to wrong side of cape along neck edge, aligning tape fold line to stitching line; extend bias tape 1/2” (1.3 cm) beyond edges at center front. Stitch on fold line.
8. Turn under the 1/2" (1.3 cm) of bias tape at each end. Fold bias tape over seam allowances; pin. Stitch close to tape edge, encasing seam allowances. Finger-press encased seam allowances toward cape at center fronts and pin.
9. Cut ribbon for ties to desired length. Turn under 1/2” (1.3 cm) on one short end; pin to cape front, 1/2” (1.3 cm) from edge at center front, centering over neck seam. Stitch tie to cape close to edges and along edge at center front.
How to Sew a Cape Without a Collar
1. Follow Steps 1 through 3 above. Cut bias tape to length of neck opening, plus 1” (2.5 cm). Open one fold of bias tape. Pin bias tape to right side of cape around neck edge, aligning raw edges; extend bias tape 1/2” (1.3 cm) beyond edges at center front. Stitch bias tape to neckline, stitching on fold line. Figure 6.
2. Press seam allowances toward bias tape. Clip the neck seam allowances as necessary. Turn under 1/2” (1.3 cm) of bias tape at each end. Fold bias tape to wrong side of cape and pin. Stitch close to remaining fold in bias tape. Follow Step 9 above, pinning ties to center front at neck edge.
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