Need advice: making a cape

**ardchoille** · 13th August 08, 03:51 PM

Lately I've been learning quite a lot about kilt construction and I'll be making a few kilts this month. All of this has prompted me to start designing some things; particularly a cape.

I was thinking of just making a front and back panel (shoulder to knee) and adding a smaller set on top of that to cover the shoulders and upper arms. I'd like to make this out of black wool and have a bottle green lining. But, I could be all wrong because I have never seen a cape with my own eyes.

Does anyone know of any downloadable cape patterns or instructions?

**Nick the DSM** · 13th August 08, 04:17 PM

What, like Batman or Superman?

**AtagahiKC** · 14th August 08, 04:17 AM

Free general pattern-making instructions are available here for several types of capes, but not an Inverness cape.

You might contact Kevin Kinney here on XMTS as he used to have an Inverness Cape pattern he used in his business and was sharing with XMTS DIYers.

Finally, check your local library for costume pattern books and see if you can find one in one of the books.

**ardchoille** · 14th August 08, 06:30 AM

Originally Posted by AtagahiKC

Free general pattern-making instructions are available here for several types of capes, but not an Inverness cape.

You might contact Kevin Kinney here on XMTS as he used to have an Inverness Cape pattern he used in his business and was sharing with XMTS DIYers.

Finally, check your local library for costume pattern books and see if you can find one in one of the books.

Thank you for this info

**JS Sanders** · 14th August 08, 06:59 AM

Here's a .pdf pattern for a cape-cloak that I sewed a coupla years ago. It keeps me from going numb with cold while piping at gravesides and hoping the minister finishes soon.

It's not an Inverness cape, but sure helps me stay warm. I sewed mine from black fabric with a dark green lining.

Slainte,
steve

www.amtgard-wl.com/library/howtos/how2clok.pdf

**ardchoille** · 14th August 08, 07:15 AM

Originally Posted by JS Sanders

I sewed mine from black fabric with a dark green lining.[/url]

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That's exactly what I was planning for. It seems a cape/cloak is easier than I thought. I was planning to put a couple box pleats on each side (front and back), but it looks like that is harder than it has to be.

Thank you for the PDF.

**JS Sanders** · 14th August 08, 07:22 AM

Rev,
It's a simple affair to sew. I did create mine from a fabric blend, so it could be washed as needed. It extends less than a foot below my kilt.

If I could do it all over, an additional middle layer would be added for a little more warmth.

steve

**ardchoille** · 14th August 08, 07:26 AM

Originally Posted by JS Sanders

Rev,
It's a simple affair to sew. I did create mine from a fabric blend, so it could be washed as needed. It extends less than a foot below my kilt.

If I could do it all over, an additional middle layer would be added for a little more warmth.

steve

Yes, I thought I would add some padding (quilt padding?) for warmth. I also want to add four buttons on the front and a mantle for aesthetic value.

I just realized that a sewing machine will open up a whole new world