It's Sew Simple

Lovely Holiday Cape

By Dolla

In this issue I present a special request project.  We will be making a cape to go with that lovely holiday dress.

The cape is created using a simple rectangle pattern. Capes hang better if cut on the bias (diagonal) of the fabric. We are using black velvet for this project.  

Remember although these fashions can be sewn by machine or by hand, we will be using a sewing machine.

Our lovely fashion model was made by Dorothy Fannin and is from my personal collection.

Supplies

Fabric remnant - velvet matching thread ribbon for tie 1/2" seam binding tiny safety pin or large eye needle hand sewing supplies or machine scissors or rotary cutter ruler or ruled cutting mat measuring tape tracing paper tracing wheel

We will create our own pattern for this cape. Use tissue paper or paper towel.  Measure and draw a rectangle of 5" wide x 10" long.  Mark one 10" side as the fold line.

Let's Make a Cape! 

1. Place the pattern on the fold of the fabric and cut.
2. Turn under the raw edges and press.
3. If desired, turn under again to conceal the raw edges.  If you use a liquid seam finisher, pinking sheers or nonfraying fabric you will not have to do this step.
4. Sew all four sides from end to end.  
5. You now have a square with finished edges. 

We will now create a casing for the tie.

1. Lay the square with the wrong side of the fabric facing up.
2. Cut a piece of seam binding to fit across the width of the cape.
3. Pin the seam binding 1" from the top edge. Figure 1
4. Zigzag close to the top edge of the binding catching the binding.
5. Repeat at the bottom edge of the binding. Figure 2
6. Guide a ribbon or tie through the casing.

An alternative to the casing.  

On the inside of the square mark a line from end to end using tracing paper and tracing wheel 1" from the top edge.

Alt. 1 - Thread the ribbon or tie through a large eye needle.  Hand sew the tie on the marked line using a gathering stitch from edge to edge.

Alt. 2 - Lay the ribbon or tie on the marked line and zigzag over it trying not to catch the tie in the stitching.

Sew on sequins or beads to match the dress for a festive look.  Braided trim around the edges in a contrasting or matching color will also add a holiday look.

Your cape is ready for your doll to wear.  Put the cape on your doll and tie the tie tightly to form a ruffled collar. Figure 3

Sewing Tip: You can eliminate pressing hems by using this small tip. This tip does require using additional thread. Therefore, you must weigh the usage of additional thread against time. You decide which is most important to you.

What I like to do is run a straight machine stitch 1/4" from the edge. Then I use that as my fold guide. Fold the fabric close to but not on that line, pin and/or sew. On straight lines I rarely pin and just fold as I sew. I also use this technique when hemming unlined full skirts. Depending upon the fabric I will pin and/or press before sewing.  

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Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Another full view

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