Do you know a super kid? Create a superhero cape that will make his imagination take flight.
How to:
1
Begin by printing off the Free cape neck template (click here). (Margins are already included, so don’t scale or resize the pattern.) Cut out the pattern using craft scissors.
2
Lay both pieces of fabric together and pin the neck pattern towards the top center. Add extra pins down the length of your fabric to secure the two fabric layers together.
3
The length of your cape will depend on the height of your superhero. You’ll want it to come to the middle of the calf. For my preschooler, I measured 24 inches from the bottom of the neck pattern. Add a pin where you want the cape to end.
4
Next chalk a line from the end of the pattern down to the pin. Angle this line outward so the cape is flared. Repeat on the other side. Join these with a straight chalk line along the bottom.
5
Cut out the cape along the chalk lines and around the neck pattern. Remove the pins and separate the layers.
6
Now you can make your symbol for your cape. You might want to use your super kid’s initial. Cut the shapes from felt, then adhere to the back of the cape with fabric glue. I prefer this over pinning since the fabric is so slippery.
7
Topstitch to the cape with a 1/8 inch seam.
8
Next pin the two cape pieces right sides together. I recommend switching to a fine Microtex needle, since this slippery fabric has a tendency to snag. Sew the pieces together with a 1/2 inch seam. Leave a 4-inch hole along the bottom edge of the cape for turning right side out.
9
Clip the corners. Make notches in outward curves and clips on the inward curves, being careful not to snip your stitches.
10
Turn the cape right side out. Fold the raw edges of the hole inward, and topstitch shut with a 1/4 inch seam. Continue topstitching all the way around the cape. Since you can’t press this fabric, pause every so often to roll the seam between your fingers to create a crisp edge.
11
Finally, we’ll add the Velcro closure on the neck. One piece should go on the red side, and one piece will go on the blue side. I like to make the soft loop side rather long, so that the fit is more adjustable. Sew the Velcro in place.
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Finished?
Show it off!
I was browsing looking for a sun hat for baby – found the perfect one which I should be able to download from your site – but can’t see how. Would also like to join your site but can’t see that either.
Please advise – thanks.
Hi Paula, you can click on the red text in the Supply list to download the pattern. Click here: http://www.madebymarzipan.com/?p=2436
Sorry, but the neck hole for this cape is way too small. My granddaughter is only 2 and is small for her age. I made the cape exactly as you describe, including not adjusting the neck pattern, even though I thought it looked too small. There is no way she can wear this without choking herself. The cape is useless.
Sorry to hear that, Christine! It fit my 4-year-old fine, as you can see in the pictures. I know it’s so frustrating to sew something and not have it work out. Perhaps you could add a button (a jeweled one?) to one side, and stitch a hair elastic to the other. Then she can loop it around the button herself and you’ll have a few extra inches, plus a little sparkle :)
The above comment was so rude…..just saying. I made one for my toddler, my 6 yr old & my 11 yr old for a superhero theme birthday party. I obviously had to some of my own adjusted for my children & for my liking. They came out so good. thank you for your tutorial without it, i wouldnt even have known where to start.
cute
I’m going to make a super hero cape and I printed out your neck pattern. Before I cut it out would like your advice please. The entire neck pattern just looks way too small for a 5 year old boy. How would I enlarge it?
Thank you so much,
Roma
If you want to make it larger, just add a couple inches to all sides :)
I am going to split the neck center bottom and add about 4 or inches. Then I am going to split the pattern on the part that goes around the neck(each side) and add about the number of inches. This cape is going to be a gift to a special ed. class at a local elementary school. The children can wear it on their birthdays. On the back side(red) I will add a patch for wonder woman. That way it will be gender friendly. Thank you for the wonderful pattern.
Cute idea!