Half Circle Cape

This cape will drape from the shoulders and down the back providing little coverage for the front of the body.

To figure the amount of material needed; measure from the nape of the neck to the desired length of the cape. Draw a half circle using this number as your radius as shown here. For example if your number is 50”, your half circle will be 100” on the straight side. Add an extra 2” so you can turn the hem under two times. If you can’t find a cloth that wide, build the cloth from pie shaped segments as it is done here.
From the center of the straight edge measure about 2” towards the center and cut a hole about 7” in diameter as shown in this diagram.
Make a cut from the center of the straight edge to the circle. Fold the corners of the cut ends up to form a 45-degree angle and cut them off. Reinforce this area and add a fastener.
Try the cape on and determine if the center hole for your head is big enough. If you need the neck larger, trim in small amounts as a little trimming goes a long way!
The front of the neckline will rise to a point because of the angle of the closure, just trim to smooth the curve of the neckline.
Hem the edges of the cape if needed.
If you want a hood on your cape, follow the directions below.

Rectangle Cloak

This cloak will drape down both sides of your body, giving ample coverage for a cold day. Take the measurements listed below and cut the material as shown in this diagram.

Measure from the center of the back of the neck to your feet, this will be the measurement shown here.
Measure from the center of the neck down the front to your feet, this will be the measurement shown here.
With arm outstretched, measure from the center bone in the neck to the tip of your finger, this will be the measurement shown here.
Make a 1 ½” wide slit in the front, 3 ½´shorter than measurement #2, hem each side with a ¾” hem as shown here.
At the end of the slit, cut a 7” diameter circle for your neck as shown here.
Hem the edges of the cape if needed.
If you want a hood on your cloak follow the directions below.

Optional Hood

To determine the size of your hood, measure yourself from your eyebrows across the top of your head and down to the base of your neck, add 2-3 inches.
Draw a half circle using this number as your radius. For example if your number is 23”, your half circle will be 46” on the straight side.
The straight edge will be the portion that is framing your face, so turn it under 1" and hem.
Gather the curved edge and sew it to the neckline of your garment.