Making a Cloak or Cape
100Historical Outerwear
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!
History of Capes & Cloaks
- Cloak Line Drawings. Fashion and Costume History 1
Full length cloaks have been in fashion since time began. Undecorated it is one of the simplest garments to make. - Tempus Peregrinator's Cloak Site: A Short History
The English word cloak derives from the medieval Latin cloca, meaning cape, and the Old French cloke, which was the same as the later cloche, meaning bell. - Cloak - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A cloak is a type of loose garment that is worn over indoor clothing and serves the same purpose as an overcoat—it protects the wearer from the cold, rain or wind for example, or it may form part of a fashionable outfit or uniform. - Cloak Etiquette
Some of the history behind capes and cloaks - Antimony & Lace ~ DIY dark and gothic fashion
One of the trickiest items to learn to wear properly is a cloak. It seems so simple, and one might think that it would go with everything, but there are certain types of clothing and certain occasions where cloaks are more appropriate than others.
See a Cape being Sewn
No-sew Capes & Variations
- No Sew Cotton Cape
This simple, no-sew cape is an easy way to make a variety of costumes. - Cloak *how to* page
This is a pattern for a cloak as worn by the Jawas in Star Wars. - Cloak Patterns
What follows are patterns for a suggested starting point. - Simplicity Halloween Cape with or w/o lining
This pattern has been designed to print on standard letter-size 8 1/2 X 11 paper, and will print on a total of 20 pages, which need to be arranged and taped together before cutting and sewing.
wool cloaks
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100% WOOL JEDI SITH ROBE CLOAK STAR WARS COSTUME ROTS
Current Bid: $160.00
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100% WOOL JEDI SITH ROBE CLOAK STAR WARS COSTUME ROTS
Current Bid: $120.00
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MEDIEVAL WOOL CLOAK COSTUME CAPE SCA LARP RENAISSANCE
Current Bid: $194.99
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MEDIEVAL WOOL CLOAK COSTUME CAPE SCA LARP "MILORADA"
Current Bid: $239.99
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STAR WARS EPIS 2 ANAKIN 100% WOOL CLOAK COSTUME PROP
Current Bid: $399.99
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MEDIEVAL WOOL CLOAK COSTUME CAPE SCA LARP "MILORADA"
Current Bid: $239.99
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Designing Your Cape
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. Pinning some fabric and walking around the house can help you get a good idea of what works for you. Be sure to try things like going up and down stairs, going in and out of doors and at least just once try going to the bathroom with your practice cape pinned in place.
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. If you don't want the cape to flap behind you and hang down straight more readily, make sure the fabric is heavier. Also be sure to look at the "wrong" side of the fabric and decide if you want the inside of your cloak to look like that. If not, you'll want to pick out a fabric to line it with.
Garment details - Do you want your cloak to have a hood or not? Or maybe just a stand-up collar? Will the cloak tie at the neck, button shut or fasten with a brooch? Do you want your cape to have any inside or outside pockets? Or maybe an inside secret pocket? The more details you can think about and make decisions on before you start making your cloak, the better you can control your project budget and the less likely it will be that you get stuck halfway and can't figure out how to finish it.
hooded velvet capes
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Adult Pleated Velvet Hood Cape
Price: $15.99
List Price: $19.99 |
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Hooded Crushed Red Velvet Cape Adult Costume
Price: $26.99
List Price: $35.99 |
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Boutique Hooded Velvet Cape with Boa Child Size, Made in USA, Many Color Choices
Price: $75.99
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Adult Burgundy Panne Velvet Hooded Cape
Price: $19.95
List Price: $25.00 |
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Adult Pleated Velvet Hood Cape
Price: $15.99
List Price: $19.99 |
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Black Pleated Velvet Hooded Cape Womens Costume
Price: $22.95
List Price: $29.00 |
Sewing Capes & Cloaks
- Cape Project at The Costumer's Manifesto
Making a cape can be a simple project for a beginner, or can be done more elaborately for the experienced sewer. - Craftzine.com blog: Hooded Cape Pattern
Teresa Franco shows you how to sew a hooded cape with her cape pattern -- perfect for Halloween or for trotting on over to Grandmother's house. - How To Make a Pareo - Free Sewing Pattern and Instructions for Easy Wrap Zorro Cloak
Instructions and a free diagram pattern, how to make a Pareo Wrap Cloak (Zorro Style). - Cloak Making Guide - The Semi-Circular Pattern
This pattern is a little more complex that the basic rectangular pattern but it does produce a very nice cloak without too much effort. - Cloak Patterns
Multiple cloak patterns, including half-circles, rectangles and more. Specific sewing styles and pattern numbers listed for modern patterns too.
The Extreme Pros and Cons of Cape-Wearing
Sewing Tricks and Tips
ALWAYS wash any fabric before you start working with it. This removes any of the sizing from when it was manufactured and makes sure it won't shrink smaller after you've sewn it up.
The thicker your fabric, the more thread gets used sewing it. If you're making a really heavy cape, make sure to get a spool more thread than you think you need so that you won't run out before you get done and thus can ensure the colors will match properly.
The best way to hem your cloak or cape is to put it on and then do the pinning. This allows the fabric to hang natually by its own weight and you get a straighter hem that way. You can put the cloak on a dress form, have a friend the same height as you wear it, or put it on yourself and have a friend do the marking and pinning.
Want a way to finish edges without having to sew them? Try using what's called fusible interfacing or hem tape. This is a lightweight type of fabric coated with a thin layer of glue that activates when heated with an iron. Be sure to read the product directions carefully for specifics before using.
Got Any Cloak or Cape-crafting Tips To Share?
Great hub just in time to start getting ready for Renfest. I made a rather crummy cape a few years ago but can see that a good quality cape is doable.
Fantastic hub, Relache. I've been getting more involved in the Renaissance Fair we have in Pennslyvania and was looking for information about making a cloak so I can look extra cool this summer during the fair =) Thanks.
Veej, weight vs durability is a bit of a toss-up: the lighter the material, the more it can snag or catch. Try looking for a medium weight cotton or light-weight wool.
How cool! I didn't know there was such a body of resources around cloakology. What kind of material would you recommend for a cloak that is both light and less likely to be damaged by getting caught on stuff?
Excellent Hub! Definitely something I'll remember to look back on when I get around to making a cloak the way I've wanted to for so long!
Great picture...I want to make this one...can't find the pattern link on the site!
Very interesting. Was going to buy one, but now I think I'll make one instead. I feel inspired!
Thanks for this one Relache will pass it onto my who makes bustiers.
Relache,
Very interesting hub. I absolutely love cloaks and capes. I had one for many years that was made of some type of fake fur. However, it was really warm and I loved the look as it could be worn with almost anything and look stylish. Thanks for the reminder. Think I will try to find another one! LOL
Bonnie
Very nice! I had a chance to see and to touch very special cloak - costume at the end of 2007, which was used in the church for special worship ceremony. It looked so nice...I was very persistent to find out the price of that amazing work of art and I was told £10.000 ($20.000)!!! There is an old tailor in Rome, who makes them.

















Misstikal1 says:
2 months ago
Nice hub my friend. This is helpful to me, especially since Halloween is right around the corner. That Medieval Wool Cloak Costume Cape is something I may purchase.