1 serger + 1 yard fabric = 2 super hero capes
In case anyone with a serger wants to make super easy, super fast, super hero capes. It’s cheap too. 1 yard of symphony broadcloth on sale for $1.99, felt .25 and a roll of ribbon .99, for a grand total of $1.65 per cape!!
If you don’t have a serger, see option two at the end.
For 2 capes, you’ll need:
1 yard of lightweight cotton fabric
40 inches of ribbon cut into four-10 inch lengths
1 piece of felt (I used that new recycled eco-felt, also found at JoAnns)
A serger
thread (multi-color or coordinating color
regular sewing machine
drafting compass (or string/ruler & pencil )
Diagram is not exactly to proportion
1. Fold the fabric into quarters (you will be cutting two capes at one time). Use the diagram above and cut out capes. I used a pencil and string to make my own drafting compass for the rounded bottom and this for the neck. This fancy contraption would work too (I secretly want one of these).
2. Set your serger on rolled hem setting and hem around all edges – neck, sides and bottom. Repeat on second cape.
3. Cut out 4 felt strips (2 for each cape), 2 x 4 inches each. Round off one edge on each strip. Now cut 4 squares, roughly 1 x 1 inch and trim with pinking shears if desires. Place square over ribbon edge and sew onto strip. Sew other end of strip onto cape with a simple zig-zag stitch on a regular sewing machine.
Option one:
Add a circle of white fabric to back with double-sided iron-on interfacing. Stitch around the edge and let the kids decorate with markers or colored pencils.
Option two:
If you don’t have a serger, you can do a rolled hem on a regular sewing machine by doing a double fold along the edge, press and then sew. Or you can make one cape out of both pieces by sewing them together along the side and bottom edges, leaving the neck open to turn right side out. Use bias tape to close up the neck.
Now watch your kiddos S O A R ! ! !
February 27th, 2009 at 8:28 pm
I love this cape. I’m going to make two for my boys this weekend!!!
March 1st, 2009 at 3:20 am
Tell your Mom, tell your Dad, this is super RAD! This idea is awesome.
March 1st, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Great tutorial, I made a black velvet cape for one of my kids for a dress up once and it has been the most popular dress up item of them all. The kids just love it. The best thing is that they are quick,easy and inexpensive to make, fit all shapes and can be used for lots of different characters.
March 1st, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Another great idea! Too bad I don’t have a serger, but I suppose I could try one without? Pinking shears?
March 2nd, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Very cool indeed. My 2 year old, a major fan of Lazy Town on Noggin, has already proclaimed herself a super hero. As I’ve mentioned time and time again, my sewing skills are pathetic, but we just tie a torn pillow case around her for her superhero adventures. I do, however, adore the ones your guys get to wear. =)
March 2nd, 2009 at 3:34 pm
pinking shears would totally work for this.
March 2nd, 2009 at 5:53 pm
Firstly GO AQUABATS! Thank you for posting their lyrics. You are super rad too my friend. Secondly, great idea. I’m adding a few more feet and making one for Halloween next year for my adult self.
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:00 pm
what a great idea for a birthday party! i made a cape for my son for halloween – it would’ve been great to have your helpful tutorial. the enthusiasm of your model is fantastic.
March 3rd, 2009 at 7:54 pm
Kids love superhero capes and they are great for hours of imaginative play, but just have one suggestion and safety tip – to avoid a choking hazard (as little superheros tend to run too fast and get get their capes caught on all sorts of things) is to use velcro either instead of strings or to attach the felt area so it will break away or be easier to get off if the cape gets stuck on a bunk bed post, a slide or in a door they are less likely go choke or become injured.
March 31st, 2009 at 3:29 am
Thanks for providing me with a super craft idea for my superhero parties!
Im sure the kids will love it!
April 8th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
finally! something I can make for a boy! lol. great tutorial!!
May 27th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
awesome! 24 cheerleaders will be wearing these on ‘hero’ day at cheer camp!!
Thanks!
August 31st, 2009 at 5:06 pm
I went on flickr searching for a super hero party and came across yours… hooray! you are just the inspiration I needed. I love your blog and I hope you don’t mind if I borrow a couple of your party ideas — the DIY capes (I was just going to make them for all o them, but it would be fun for them to make it!) and the peg superheroes. darling! Now I need to search your blog for more party details! THANK YOU!
September 25th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
I’m going to give this a try tonight. I don’t have a serger but I will try option two, right sides together and turn when down. I will let you know how it comes out.
October 12th, 2009 at 6:41 am
thanks so much l have been looking for ages for a pattern for this to make for my grandsons, l am sure that they will love them.
November 11th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
super idea. I am looking for a simple pattern for my little superheros.
December 12th, 2009 at 1:59 am
This is PERFECT. Am making this for my friend’s son who LOVES capes – didn’t know where to start & have been putting it off. Decided to google cape tutorial and came across your fab blog. THANK YOU =)
January 9th, 2010 at 1:52 pm
Thanks for saving me time on how to make this cape.I am making capes for my superheros at work will be adjusting pattern for size. Thanks again.