super easy, super fast, super hero capes

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 ! ! !

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28 Responses to super easy, super fast, super hero capes

  1. Emily says:

    I love this cape. I’m going to make two for my boys this weekend!!!

  2. Tell your Mom, tell your Dad, this is super RAD! This idea is awesome. 🙂

  3. Lenna Green says:

    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.

  4. Ellen says:

    Another great idea! Too bad I don’t have a serger, but I suppose I could try one without? Pinking shears?

  5. Green Mamma says:

    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. =)

  6. pinking shears would totally work for this.

  7. Lauren Fereto says:

    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.

  8. shisomama says:

    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.

  9. Kathryn says:

    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.

  10. Katie says:

    Thanks for providing me with a super craft idea for my superhero parties!

    Im sure the kids will love it!

  11. Joyce says:

    finally! something I can make for a boy! lol. great tutorial!!

  12. Anonymous says:

    awesome! 24 cheerleaders will be wearing these on ‘hero’ day at cheer camp!!
    Thanks!

  13. likely says:

    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!

  14. CFMama says:

    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.

  15. Lynda says:

    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.

  16. Trish says:

    super idea. I am looking for a simple pattern for my little superheros.

  17. Maribel says:

    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 =)

  18. Kathy says:

    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.

  19. Kelly says:

    LOVE! I’m looking forward to making these no-sew for my sons’ upcoming birthday party…complete with masks! 🙂

  20. Megan says:

    Love this! I just made one for my son and he’s “flying” around the living room. Thanks!

  21. Chrissy says:

    Just wanted to send a quick note thanking you for this tutorial! I made a bunch of these capes for my 4-year-old’s dress-up party and the kids had a blast! Thanks!

  22. Erica says:

    Thanks so much for these excellent instructions! I just made a gorgeous hot pink grosgrain satin superhero cape for my goddaughter’s 4th birthday. I used another piece of felt to do a big letter M on the back (her initial). It came out so much better than if I’d had to wing it. Thanks again!

  23. Judy says:

    What’s the “fancy contraption?” The link doesn’t work.

    Thanks

  24. Anonymous says:

    After trying sooo many different shapes, this is definitely the best! Thank for making this so much easier, not to mention my life 🙂

  25. Lia says:

    I just spotted you over at The Crafty Crow. Awesome tutorial.

  26. Paula says:

    Super fun! I just made 8 for my grandson’s Super Hero birthday party! Thanks so much for the easy tutorial!

  27. Misty says:

    Made two of these tonight. One for my little boy and one for his best friend’s birthday this Saturday! Thanks for the great tutorial!

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