cape help needed

[seekermage]

I would like to make a cape for my nephew, let me know if you think that this would work. I was thinking of just taking a large square (two layers) sewing the two of them together, making about a two inch seam(ruffle) at the top under which I would sew some elastic, add a ribbon at either end of the fabric where the elastic is sewn to tie on.

In other words it would be a big square that has elastic to gather it together at one end and then ties to hold it on. would this work? Should I do something more like a drawstring instead because it would be tighter? Not add the "ruffle" at the top, make a larger ruffle? Any other suggestions? Im also going to make a crown that Im just going to use some stiffening fabric stuff, I can think what its called, and then add velcro so he can adjust the width as he grows.

Any other suggestions for dress up clothes ideas? Thanks!

[Kari_mom]

I think your cape idea sounds great! I would make the ribbon ties long enough so that your nephew can wrap and tie them around his chest rather than his neck for comfort and safety.

I've made crowns from satin fabric fused to interfacing, cotton woven lining so it doesn't slip, and velcro. At least one is still in use around here.

[Ellien C]

cape/cloak expert here: Depending on the size, I think there might be an awful lot of fabric at the neck to get the fullness at the hem. Unless you're thinking of a cape like superman, rather than Robin Hood, in which case it might work.

For the Robin Hood kind of cape: You could also take a rectangle and cut it into triangles. Then sew all of the triangles with pointy ends together ( you only need like 3-4 triangles). You don't need to be too picky on getting all of the points to line up, because you then cut out the first 2-3 inches of the where they all come together. You make a little half-circle neck - cutting out the "bad part"

For crowns - supple leather also works great and you can hot glue some shiny fabric to it. You might also check out belts at thrift stores that could be cut into crowns. Some come with the jewels already sewn on.

[Gypsy Girl]

Cape

I would make the bottom of the cape a little wider than the top. This will naturally ruffle a little at the bottom when it is worn.

I bought a very cheap cowboy set last year. The chaps and vest were cheap c*ap material. I took the pieces and traced them out on felt. Made him a whole outfit. He wears his felt chaps and vest all the time. I cut a little slit where the sheriffs badge could go if he wanted. Did very little sewing on the thing. Took me about an hour total to make the outfit. I probably spent about 10 dollars for the cheap junk and the felt material. He had a hat, gun, holster and everything else because it came with the cheap stuff. He loves it. Was so easy. Felt is nice for this type of project because raw edges dont need to be sewn. Flip the top of the chaps over and sew em, like you would the top of curtains, so that it will slide over a belt.

This time of year a lot of people sell old Halloween costumes. These are great for dress up. A cheap eye patch and plastic sword found at a retail sword with a pair of pants and loose shirt and you have a pirate. (dont forget the bandanna) A eye patch is easy to find at a pharmacy.

Hope these ideas help. With a three year old here to keep entertained, I have to come up with a lot of ideas. lol.