Child's Cape DIY

A one-piece child's cape that doesn't need any sewing!

Who could ask for more?

An original design without a hood that lends a mischievous air to its wearer.

Thanks to "Froufrou et Capucine" ("Froufrou and Nasturtiums") for sharing this tutorial.

Level: Easy
Creation time: 1 h

Supplies

Materials

• Polar yarn (amount depends on child's measurements)
• Fabric for the lining (amount depends on child's measurements)
• 1 appliqué
• 2 medium snap buttons
• Matching thread

Tools

• Paper pencil
• Measuring tape
• Sewing machine
• Needle
• Scissors
• Pins

Instructions

• Measure the distance from the child's one wrist to the other.
  

• On the first fabric, draw a line of that length.
  

• Find the middle of that line and trace a circle centered on it using a pencil and a piece of thread as a compass: pin the end of the thread at the center point, tie a pencil to the other end (at the distance you want half of the circle's diameter to be) and draw a circle.
  NB: If you want a cape that's a little longer, trace an oval there. It will give the same arm length but will increase the length in the front and back.

• Cut around the drawn circle (or oval).
  

• Do the same thing with the other fabric.

• Measure the child's head.
  

• Fold the cape in half (along the short side, if you made an oval).


• Draw a T in the middle, the length of the arms of the T equaling the the head measurements plus a few cm/inches.

  

• Unfold the cape and cut the T.
  NB: Only cut the front, not the back.
  

  

• Do the same thing with the other fabric.

• Add an appliqué or a charm to the cape.
  
  
• Sew the 2 fabrics together, right sides together, leaving a large opening.
  

• Turn the cape right side out and sew the opening shut.
  

• Fold 5 mm (1/16 inch) in around the collar and sew the wrong side with a zigzag stitch.
  
  


• Add 2 snap buttons to close the wrists, along the arm line, a few cm/inches from the edge.

Tips

To avoid an opening that's too large, cut the T in steps. Try it for size and cut more, if necessary.

Source: "Froufrou et capucine" ("Froufrou and Nasturtiums")

:laura: