How to make a cape (jagged hem)

1. Materials & tools

Materials (For the adult size)

• Main fabric (satin, twill or felt) — about 110 cm wide × (length + 15 cm)
• Optional: lining (same amount; a contrast color pops)
• 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 (jagged hem)” from the tabs at the top.
2. Enter the size
   Enter the body width (before gathering), length, neck measurement and zigzag depth. 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, and the body width (2–3× the neck for fullness). A larger zigzag depth makes the points more dramatic.
2. Cut
   Cut one body (two if lined) and one neck band / ties. Cut the jagged hem along the pattern line.

4. Sewing

4-1. Finish the hem and sides

1. Unlined: double-fold the jagged hem and the sides and topstitch (clip into the valleys so they fold). Felt can be left raw.
2. Lined: put main and lining right sides together, sew all but the top, and turn out for crisp points.

4-2. Gather the top edge

1. Run two rows of long stitches across the top and gather down to the neck measurement. Spread the gathers evenly.

4-3. Sandwich it in the tie band

1. Fold the band in half right sides together, sew the ends (ties) and turn out.
2. Slip the gathered top into the middle of the band and edgestitch. Use the notches as a guide.

✏️ Clip into the valleys of the zigzag so the double-fold or the turn comes out crisp. Felt is the easiest finish.

5. Tips & variations

• Change the character: black with a red lining for a vampire, black with purple for a witch, deeper points for a wizard robe.
• A contrast lining flashes the inside of the points as it flips.
• Felt is easy: raw edges are fine, so you can skip finishing.