How to Sew Long Capes

Sew a long cape to use as a costume or for dress up.

Making a long cape for a Halloween costume or dress-up clothes is a simple way to save money while also seizing the opportunity to customize the elements. Choose a black fabric for the outside of the cape and a blood red fabric for the inside to create a scary Halloween costume. Alternatively, instead of a costume, sew a long superman cape for your child to wear during playtime. Whatever the use of the garment, sewing a long cape is a simple project that is sure to produce satisfying results.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Fabric measuring tape
• Fabric marker
• Scissors
• Sewing pins
• Needle
• Thread
• Sewing machine (optional)

Instructions

1. Measure the person who will wear the long cape. Start at the top of the shoulders and measure down to the ankles. Adjust the length if a shorter cape is desired, but to avoid walking difficulties, do not make the cape any longer than ankle length.

2. Trace the markings for the length of the cape onto the back side of the fabric for the outside of the cape. Use the selvage edges of the fabric for the width of the cape. Begin the length measurement at one cut end and measure down the length of the fabric. Cut and remove the rectangle from the fabric. Repeat this process to create an identical rectangle from the fabric for the inside of the cape.

3. Fold both pieces of fabric in half lengthwise. Lay the pieces on top of one another, positioning the folds on the left side and matching up the edges. It does not matter which fabric is on top. Grasp the two layers of the top-right corner of the top fabric. Pull the corner down toward the left fold until there is only about 4 inches of unfolded fabric along the top edge. This creates a diagonal fold on the fabric, forming the slanted edge of the cape. Cut along this fold, removing the top-right corner. Cut the bottom piece of fabric along the same diagonal cut, creating two identical pieces of fabric.

4. Mark the curve of the neckline on the top piece of folded fabric. Begin drawing the curve at the top-right corner where the diagonal cut begins. Curve down about 3 inches and continue drawing straight over to the folded edge. Cut along the line, removing the top of the fabric. Cut along the edge to create an identical neckline in the bottom fabric.

5. Cut strips to create the ties for the cape. Measure and mark two strips on scrap pieces of the outside fabric and inside fabric. All four strips should measure 3-by-16 inches.

6. Place a strip cut from the outside fabric of the cape, right-side up. Position a strip cut from the inside fabric of the cape, right-side down on top of the first strip. Match up all four corners and pin along the edges. Repeat this process to create the second strip.

7. Sew along the two long sides and one short side of each strip, leaving one short side open. Turn both strips right-side out through the open end.

8. Spread the outside fabric piece on a flat surface, right-side up. Lay one strip in the top-right corner of the cape, with the open edge against the side of the cape. Extend the strip down diagonally from the corner toward the center of the cape. Position the other strip the same way in the top-left corner. Pin the strips in place.

9. Lay the inside fabric piece on top of the outside fabric piece, right-side down. Leave the strips between the two pieces of fabric. Match up the edges and smooth out any wrinkles. Pin the two pieces together around all of the edges.

10. Sew around the entire cape, securing the strips in place in each corner. Leave about a 5-inch opening in the top center of the cape. Turn the cape right-side out through the small opening at the top, ensuring that all corners are completely pushed out.

11. Fold the open fabric edges down together and pin in place. Sew the top center of the cape closed.