A true superhero needs a true cape, as well as a magician can’t live without his cloak .There are different types of capes and cloaks. Making a cloak is easy. You can make something as simple as cut a rectangle and tie it around your neck, but probably it will not be the best looking thing you could have done. That is why I’m going to show you how to make the best types of capes and cloaks.
Types of capes and cloaks
Although there are many options and possibilities, I chose to show you the easiest patterns to make cloaks. These are my favourite picks and they are all beginner friendly.
- Rectangle: This is the easiest cloak to make but the least expectacular. It may work for some superheroes, specially if you slightly gather the fabric at the back. In general it may look a bit poor and will have very little flare but works great for kids and it is very inexpensive.
- Quarter of a circle: This shape is good for an amateur superhero, not too small nor too big. The cloak will stay behind your back and you will get a little bit of flare on it. You will save some money on fabric.
- Half a circle: Versatile and easy, this pattern is the one you will use the most. It can be either a cape or almost a cloak. It tends to slide to your back but it will cover your shoulders and yourself easily.
- Half a circle fitted: Similar shape as before but built in three pieces to accomodate your shoulders, it makes sure the cloak will cover your front as much as your back. It looks good without using a lot of fabric but it probably won’t hide you completely.
- Full circle: This is a trully royal cloak fit for a king. It will cover you completely, there is a lot of fabric in here and it is going to be heavy, but it will be totally worth it.
More possibilities
Of course there are many other things to take into account, for example, the cloak of my Lady Sif is padded in order to give it extra volume and keep it open. Wonder Woman above has openings on the sides. You can add a hood or a capelet to it. You have endless possibilities.
The one secret about capes and cloaks I will give you is this: more curves equals more flare. If you want something big add more circles. And remember, it will take about 3 meters of fabric to make a half circle cloak. On average, the full circle cloak could take more than 5 meters of fabric! Make sure you get it right and choose the best cloak for your costume.
Finally, make sure the fabric you choose drapes well and falls with style, avoid crispy fabrics and go for heavy looking ones. Just hold the fabric on your hands and see how it falls. That is usually the best way to know.
Is making your owntoo much trouble? Don’t worry, I have you covered. You can directly download my fitted cloak or my circle cloak. I already did all the Maths for you. They come with patterns and detailed instructions on how to make them and you can print them as many times as you need. My multilenght cloak comes in different lengths as well! And you can choose between two different hoods. They print on A4/Letter Size and are printer friendly and you can get them here.
And what about you? Have you made many cosplay characters who wear capes and cloaks? What is your favourite costume with a cape you have ever made?
I hope you found this tutorial useful. Feel free to support me on Ko-fi, there are no subscriptions and you will help me create more cosplays and more tutorials to share with you! Also, if you are looking for patterns and cosplay related downloadables make sure to check my collection!
Photos by: Mike, Chris Baugh, Javier Sandoval, Stephen Johnson and Ian Moore.
