Creating a Rounded Cape: Complimentary Pattern Available
A stylish and versatile cold-weather garment is the circle cape (alternatively known as a capelet in America), which is perfect for temperatures too warm for a winter coat yet too cold for a jacket. Designer Portia Lawrie has released a free circle cape pattern to help individuals sew their own version.
In an interview, Lawrie explained, "Capes, ponchos, blanket coats, and wraps have always been on-trend and easy to craft. The circle cape is the perfect add-on for any wardrobe." She added, "Red leather buckles give a modern touch while preventing the cape from looking overly Sherlock Holmes-like."
To craft this appealing garment, sewers will need wool-weight fabric, iron-on interfacing, bias binding, tailor's chalk, and a basic sewing kit. For best results, select a wool-weight fabric with good drape, such as Edinburgh large check tweed from Minerva Crafts. Red leather buckles can be easily found online, like those purchased from eBay.
A step-by-step guide accompanies the free pattern, including measuring, drawing, cutting, and sewing instructions. To begin, use a rotary cutter to make a square fabric piece equal to the full width of the material. Fold the square in half twice to create a smaller square, with one corner where all the folded edges meet.
Place a pin in this corner to anchor a tape measure. Next, decide on the desired cape length and add 2.5cm (1in) for hemming. Measure down one of the straight edges to the cut length and mark with a pin. Use the anchored tape measure to create a quasi-circular arc by pivoting the measure around the corner and marking out a quarter circle using pins until reaching the other straight edge.
Stopping at the anchored corner, repeat this process for the neck hole. To determine the correct measurement for the neck opening, measure around your neck to ascertain the ideal size. For instance, if a 43cm (17in) neck hole is desired, the radius of the circle should be calculated using Pi, 43 ÷ 6.28 (pi * 2) = 6.8cm. Depending on user preference, this cape pattern can be customized by altering the fabric, adding sleeve options, or incorporating hoods.
For more cosy sewing patterns and guides, visit our round-up of the best coat sewing patterns. Craft a warm and fashionable circle cape today and upgrade your winter wardrobe!
- Embroidery could be used to personalize or embellish the circle cape, adding a unique touch to this cold-weather fashion-and-beauty accessory.
- The circle cape pattern, perfect for home-and-garden DIY enthusiasts, complements other crafts like knitting or crocheting for a versatile lifestyle wardrobe.
- Seamstresses and hobbyists alike will find that this circle cape project, with its combination of sewing, quilting, and crafts, makes a delightful addition to the home-and-garden realm.
