Advice on making a cape

[ardchoille]

I'm not really sure where this thread should be so I thought it safe to post in off-topic, please move if needed.

I find myself wanting a cape. I don't know much about capes, there are probably several types, but what I want is a cape that is about knee-length and has a mantle that comes down to about mid-arm.

I'm planning to buy a sewing machine and make this a project. This will yield three things:
1) The satisfaction of making something myself
2) Obtaining a cape from the materials and style I want
3) Sharpening my sewing skills

The material I had in mind was 13 or 16 ounce wool in dark green or black. I would think adding two large box pleats in the back would allow for movement.

Has anyone made a cape? Are there any pictures I can look at for inspiration? Anyone have any advice for me?

[katmills2005]

There are a lot of good patterns for capes out there. I would suggest you also consider if you want a lined cape. If so, do you want it reversible. Reversible capes are great for use with multiple outfits and its easy to find the clasps that allow for attaching for this type of design.

I do a lot of events that call for medieval or fantasy style clothing. The best inspiration I can suggest is to go to your local fabric store and check out the patterns under costumes and to check google for "medieval garb capes cloaks" to see what pops up.

Most sites that are geared towards SCA will be more than happy to offer additional advice since that organization focuses on do it yourself for pretty much everything.

[sharpdressedscot]

Blanket and a safety pin?

[haukehaien]

First superpowers, then the cape. It's a law of nature.

[sharpdressedscot]

And tights with the underwear over them??

[Panache]

OK Folks lets try to offer some genuine help to Ardchoille.

I will point out this thread to my beloved Flame-Haired Celtic Amazon Goddess when she has time. She just finished making a cloak recently and might have some advice.

Cheers

Jamie

[ThreadBbdr]

I've made a cape - it's calf length, of a heavy black wool and alpaca blend. It's lined with black satin and has a hood. I made it back in highschool and I wear it over my formal dresses when it's cold (I was in Job's Daughters/Eastern Star and therefore had a LOT of formal occasions compared to most girls.) JC's worn it too - for both costume and garb - so it's quite unisex.

It's quite warm unless the wind is very gusty - rather like a kilt, actually. It is heavier than even my heaviest wool coat and has a very satisfactory 'swish' factor.

There are two things I would do different - the slits for the arms are too low, and I would either raise them or eliminate them altogether. And I used velcro for the fastening - OUCH with the long hair (which I don't have any more) and the velcro isn't strong enough to keep the cape on when moving rapidly.

I've since bought a pair of cloak clasps, which help that last issue a lot.

If you want pictures, I'll take some this weekend and post them.

As far as materials - I'd estimate this wool in the 16 ounce range - it's slightly felted, so it's hard to tell as the felting thickens it up so much. The cut is very generous across the bottom, so no pleat is necessary. I know I used a commercial pattern, but it was made 30 years ago now, so I doubt the pattern is still available. I do know that Folkwear has a ladies cloak pattern that you might be able to modify.

Best of luck, and let me know if you need pictures of mine.

[haukehaien]

OK Folks lets try to offer some genuine help to Ardchoille.

Cheers

Jamie

Genuine help is so much less fun than snark. Still:
Costumes.org has what looks to be a decent tutorial at
http://www.costumes.org/classes/254p...jects/cape.htm

[The Wizard of BC]

Ardchoille,

Contact Kevin at Empire Canvas. I remember he was selling a pattern for a nice looking storm cape.

[ardchoille]

Great input thus far. And I will contact Kevin at Empire Canvas.

haukehaien: Interesting approach, much easier than I had originally thought and that plan would eliminate the need for pleats.

Karla: Pics would be great if you have the time

Jamie: Yes, I am looking forward to a few specific member's input and I know F.H.C.A.G. has quite a bit of experience in DIY projects.

haukehaien and sharpdressedscot:

katmills2005: I like the idea of a reversible cloak, but that'll be for a later project. A friend did mention that I could use my clan tartan for the inner lining, which I think is a great idea as I have a good amount that I can use.

UPDATE:
Wow! and I do mean Wow! I think I found myself a cape pattern that is exactly what I wanted to begin with. I've contacted kevinkinney and hopefully I'll have this in my hands soon. Now, to find a good sewing machine

The Wizard of BC: Thanks for the advice