How to make a cape (costume)

1. Materials & tools

Materials (For the adult size (75 cm length))

• Main fabric (satin, twill or felt) — about 110 cm wide × (length + 15 cm)
• Optional: lining (same amount; a contrast color looks great)
• Optional: trims (sequins, appliqué)
• Sewing thread

Tools

• Sewing machine (or needle and thread)
• Fabric marker or pencil
• Ruler and scissors
• Iron
• Pins or clips

2. Make the pattern (auto-generated in Katagami)

With the Katagami pattern tool, you just enter the finished size and it drafts a seam-allowance-included pattern, tiled to print at actual size on Letter or A4.

1. Open the tool
   Open the pattern tool and choose “Accessories” → “Cape (costume)” from the tabs at the top.
2. Enter the size
   Enter the body width (before gathering), the length, the neck measurement and the tie length. Presets for child, adult and long.
3. Set the seam allowance
   Use the slider at the bottom (beginners: 1.0–1.5 cm / about 3/8–5/8 in).
4. Print
   Press “Print (actual size)”, then in the print dialog set Scale = 100% and turn “Fit to page” OFF. Check the 50 mm calibration box on the first guide sheet with a ruler.

3. Cutting the fabric

1. Decide the measurements
   Set the length from the shoulder. Make the body width 2–3× the neck measurement for a soft, gathered fullness. Use the ratio shown in the tool as a guide.
2. Mark the fabric
   Everything is straight, so you can draw it straight onto the fabric from the guide sheet. Two pieces: the body (a rectangle) and the neck band / ties (a long strip).
3. Cut
   Cut one body (two if lined) and one band.

4. Sewing

4-1. Finish the edges of the body

1. If you are not lining it, double-fold the sides and hem and topstitch. Felt can be left with raw edges.
2. If lining it, put main and lining right sides together, sew all but the top edge, and turn out.

4-2. Gather the top edge

1. Run two rows of long machine stitches across the top edge inside the seam allowance (loosen the top tension to pull more easily).
2. Pull both bobbin threads together to gather the top down to the neck measurement. Spread the gathers evenly.

4-3. Sandwich it in the tie band

1. Fold the band in half lengthwise, right sides together, sew each end (the ties) and turn out through the corners.
2. Slip the gathered top of the body into the open middle of the band and edgestitch. Use the notches (tie / neck boundary) as a guide.

4-4. Finish

1. Trim the tie ends at an angle or a point so they are easy to knot.
2. Add sequins or a star appliqué if you like — it reads much more as a costume.

✏️ If the gathers collapse in a thin fabric, fuse a narrow strip of interfacing along the top edge before gathering, and the gathers will hold.

5. Tips & variations

• Change the character: black with a red lining for a vampire, black with purple for a witch, primary colors for a superhero. A contrast lining flashes when it flips.
• Length changes the look: short is a shoulder cape, long is a trailing robe. The Long preset is a full-length adult version.
• Felt is easiest: raw edges do not fray, so you can skip finishing the edges. Great for a quick costume for a small child.