How to Make a Medieval Cape

Unfortunately, there is not one type of measurement that fits every person wearing a cloak, especially when taking into account different heights, weights and cloak lengths. The easiest way to estimate the number of yards of fabric you'll need is to measure out what you want on an old sheet, then measure the sheet and buy the corresponding amount of fabric.

Spread the fabric out onto a floor. It is helpful to have friends hold the ends of the fabric and help you to measure.

Measure from the tip of your nose, all the way down to the floor. Because of seam allowance, your cape will not drag the floor. Measure the circumference of your head. Make a circle with the chalk using this measurement in the center of the fabric. From the very center of the fabric, measure out from the center to one of the sides of the fabric, using the length measurement you got earlier. Do this from all four directions, and mark the ends with the chalk.

Connect the marks by making a large circle on the fabric. Now you will have what looks like a large target, with a smaller hole for the head, and the large hole for the rest of the cape. Cut out both shapes for the cape. Cut along one of the vertical chalk lines, and use the rest to cut out the large circular shape.

Decide whether you want to hem the cloak so that it lasts a little longer for repeated use, or if you are content with an unhemmed cape. If so, secure with a cloak pin or frog clasp. If not, continue to the next step.

Hem the cloak in small steps. You have several spots to hem: the neckline, the circular end, and the open part. Hem by folding over the frayed fabric and pinning with enough of a seam to hold a strong hem stitch on your machine. Use the same hem for the entire cloak; a half inch should be plenty. Once you have hemmed around all three parts of the cape, you can secure it with a cloak broach or frog clasp.