Making a Cloak or Cape

The earliest forms of outerwear were capes and cloaks. At a time when fabric yardage was costly and labor-intensive, and sewing and tailoring had not yet evolved, this was the simplest shaping of woven material into something useful to wear in cold weather. Just a small amount of form allows it to hang from the shoulders and stay in place, freeing the hands for other tasks instead of keeping the garment wrapped around you.

In modern times, cloaks and capes are often relegated to the realm of costume, with the extra fabric viewed as bulky and intrusive to highly-active movements. However, they still shed the rain and can keep you warm with a style and elegance all their own. And since the patterns tend to be uncomplicated, it's easier than you think to make one for yourself!

Before you get started, there are a few decisions that you need to make about your cape or cloak that will make the actual project a lot easier.

Costume or Real Garment? - Is this just a one-time garment (try the no-sew version!) or do you want this to work as a real outer garment that protects you from weather? You'll want better material and to spend more time on a real cloak versus a cape for a costume party.

Length? - Capes can be to the waist, to the knee or full-length (to the ankle) It's often best to make sure they don't drag on the ground as this can make them get wet/dirty or prone to being stepped on.

Material? - Are you doing a character cape? Or is this a historical recreation for the SCA? Costume capes tend to be satin, cotton or velvet, whereas historical garments are almost always a heavy wool or brocade that will actually shed rain and keep you warm.

Garment details - hooded? collar? Will the cloak tie at the neck or fasten with a brooch?