How to Make a Cape in Less than 20 Minutes!

How to Make a Cape in Less than 20 Minutes!

Learn how to make the perfect gathered cape out of fabric for costumes, Halloween, fantasy or cosplay in just a few minutes. 

This fun DIY cape only has 2 lines of sewing--so it's a great craft for any sewing skill level.

Only 2 supplies needed...fabric and cord--this is such a simple cape pattern that anyone can make.

How to make a cape in less than 20 minutes. I made mine in 10 minutes...so I'm over estimating here!

I love how this shimmery cape turned out! Best part--it only took me 10 minutes to make.

Full diagram and instructions at the end of the post!

This is a LONG cape, floor length, but you can alter the length easily, just by cutting the fabric and sewing a seam.

This cape is a perfect accessory for a Halloween costume, fantasy cosplay, renaissance faires and more!

I wore this cape to church because it is just so much fun!

I love capes. They change and enhance the look of every costume. They add some amount of warmth--for those of us that experience Halloween in the cold season!

Let's talk about fabric.

Here's the trick for making a quick cape...use fabric that does not need to be hemmed around the edges. Find a material that does not fray.

This fabric cut was 45 inches tall and I had them cut me 2 yards...

21 years ago!

That's right! I bought this fabric in 2001 before my first child was born! 

It's old enough to die for its country. It's old enough to vote...and barely old enough to buy dry ice and spray paint!

So it was time to use it for something amazing.

Do you have fabric just sitting there that is too nice to actually use? 

Make a cape for the perfect costume accessory today!

Here you can see the gathered collar.

Pull on the tied ends on both sides and it cinches beautifully. 

You can add a clasp or just tie it off like me.

I love the black with the deep blue/violet shimmer. It looks amazing in the sunshine!

Let's talk about capes!

The history of capes is rich and diverse, evolving from practical garments to symbolic and fashion statements. 

Originally, capes served functional purposes, providing warmth and protection from the elements in various cultures throughout history. 

In ancient Rome, the toga was a draped garment that could be considered a precursor to the cape.

During the Middle Ages, capes became more stylized, with knights wearing decorative cloaks over their armor. 

The Renaissance saw the emergence of capes as fashionable accessories, often worn by royalty and nobility. 

In the 18th and 19th centuries, capes remained popular, with voluminous cloaks becoming a symbol of elegance and refinement.

The 20th century saw capes adapted for practical purposes in military uniforms and rainwear. 

Superheroes in comic books and movies popularized capes as iconic elements of their costumes, symbolizing heroism and power. 

Meanwhile, in the fashion world, designers like Coco Chanel embraced capes as chic and versatile pieces.

Today, capes continue to be both functional and stylish. 

Designers regularly incorporate capes into runway collections, and individuals use them for everything from formal events to everyday wear. 

The history of capes reflects their enduring appeal, combining utility, symbolism, and fashion throughout the ages.

Supplies Needed to Make a DIY Cape in Less Than 20 Minutes:

• 2 Yards of Fabric (for an adult)
• 2 Yards of Cord (I'm using paracord)
• Sewing Machine
• Bodkin (or Safety Pin)

If you are having trouble finding material, LAME is a great one to use.

Check out this post from years ago.

Step 1 to Make a DIY Cape: Iron

Pre wash fabric and iron it...if you want.

I didn't and it still worked great. 

Step 2 to make a cape:  Fold

Lay the fabric down flat on a large surface.

Fold over the fabric on the long side about 2 inches.

Step 3 to Make a Cape: Pin

Pin the folded edge if desired.

If you are in a big hurry like me (trying to get this cape done in the few minutes before church so I can wear it) then don't worry about pins--you've got eyeballs--right?

Step 4: How to Sew a Cape

Sew a long stitch down the folded edge as pictured above.

Then sew another long stitch down the middle of the entire sew casing, creating a double casing, as pictured below.

Boom! Such an easy cape pattern!

Double casing is sewn. Ends on both sides are open.

Step 5 to Make a Cape: Cord

Now cut the paracord in 1 yard lengths so there are 2 pieces.

Melt the ends with a lighter so they don't fray.

Step 6 of Making a Cape:

Put the bodkin on the end of one piece of paracord. 

You can use a safety pin if you don't have a bodkin.

Thread the paracord down one side of the casing using the bodkin to push it through effortlessly.

Once the paracord and bodkin come out the other end, end it right back to the first side but going through the other side of the casing.

Then tie the paracord in a knot.

Repeat the process for the other paracord string but this time starting on the opposite side.

Now, when you pull on the tied ends of the paracord, the looped paracord pulls against the other and creates the perfect gathered collar!

That's it!

Now the cape is ready to gather and tie around your neck. 

You could also use a clasp, pin or brooch to secure the ends together for a more decorative look.

The size of this cape is perfect. It fits my height to a tee, so I didn't even need to trim a thing. 

The width is perfect too. 

Alter the fabric based on the person you are designing it for.

The sunlight makes that shimmer so bright. It's sheer fabric, which is a great look for the cape too!

The perfect cape from start to finish in just 10 minutes--longer if you use pins! 

You'll love this cape for the perfect costume accessory!

Here's a diagram and simple directions to save off for later!

Check out this post on How to Make Capes with these 6 cape tutorials!