https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/jcrew-inspired-cape • Posted by Ms. Nikell
I saw this cape on Net-a-Porter and choked when I saw the $400 price tag. So, I decided to try making it myself. I used a tartan fleece type of fabric and some recycled jeans for the bias. What do you think? I've turned this how-to into a video. You can check it out here: http://womantoanother.com/2012/01/28/mod-s-t-fashions-diy-of-the-week-j-crew-inspired-cape/
I saw this cape on Net-a-Porter and choked when I saw the $400 price tag. So, I decided to try making it myself. I used a tartan fleece type of fabric and some recycled jeans for the bias. What do you think? I've turned this how-to into a video. You can check it out here: http://womantoanother.com/2012/01/28/mod-s-t-fashions-diy-of-the-week-j-crew-inspired-cape/
**All seam allowance 1/2" unless noted otherwise. Seam allowance is already added into pattern pieces** Let's make the pattern... You can make a seperate pattern for keeps or just draw right on your fabric. With the piece folded in half draw a line that is 9 1/2" long. Measure down 31 1/2" and draw a line that is 20" Draw a diagonal line to connect these two lines.
Round yur top corners off so you get a rounded trapezoid type shape. Trace around your pattern and/or cut out your cape pieces. With your fabirc still folded, cut out the neck line.
Place the pieces right sides together, pin and sew. Determine what will be the front and cut it straight up the middle from bottom to top.
Arm holes... Measure 10" from the shoulder seam and 9" from the front opening and make a 9" slit. Repeat on the other side. These are your arm holes.
Bias... Cut 4 pieces of fabric that are 3" by 11 1/2" Fold and press the sides in toward the middle. Next, fold and press the entire piece in half. Do this with all four pieces
Take two of the pieces, open them up and pin them right sides together with the short ends aligned. Draw a 1 1⁄4" long line centered on each end. Sew 1⁄16 inch around the line through both layers to form one end of the armhole, and cut along the mark as shown to the left. Repeat with the other two strips
Turn the binding right-side out, as shown at the left. Turn under the short end’s raw edges 1⁄2 inch, and press. Repeats these step on both ends. Carefully sandwich the raw edge of your armhole between the bias and pin. Sew one side at a time using a 1/8" seam allowance.
Buttons and buttonholes... Hem the raw edges of the front opening by them under. Mark where your buttons will be. I spaced my buttons about 5" apart with the top button about 1 1/2" from the top of the cape. Add your buttons now or wait until the end to add them.
Cut a strip of fabric that is 31 1/2" by at least 4 1/4". If you are using large buttons, you may need to make the strip wider. Fold This piece in half (wrong sides together) so it is now 2 1/4" and press. Lay the strip next to your cape and mark where your buttonholes will go. Make sure they corespond to your button marks. Make your buttonholes.
Fold the raw edge of the strip under 1/4" and press. Place the strip on the inside of the cape (wrong sides together). Pin and stitch in place.
Let's work on the neckline... Measure around the neck of the cape and cut a piece of bias fabric 3" by this measurement plus 1/2". Fold the edges in 1/2" and then fold the entire piece in half. Sandwich the raw edges of the neckline between your bias. Carefully pin and stitch in place using 1/8" seam allowance.
Be sure to fold the ends under so you get clean edges as shown to the left
Hem the bottom by turning it under 1/4" twice and add your buttons (if necessary)
You're all done!! From there you can add pockets or whatever else you'd like to add. Don't forget to post your version below. If you have any questions please feel free to message me and I'll get back to you ASAP. Any suggestions on how I could make this better or even for future projects, send em' my way too. Now go make that cape!! ^_^