Sewing a Superhero Cape That Fits a Grown-Up

Put on a cape and let everyone see what a hero you really are.

Kids' superhero capes are everywhere -- the dress-up section of just about any toy store carries them. Adults who want one, though, often have a harder time tracking one down. Basic sewing know-how is all it takes to create a superhero cape sized for a grown-up. Maybe you need it for a Halloween outfit, or perhaps you want to give someone a tangible reminder that they are a hero in your life; either way, the project is straightforward. An afternoon is enough time to finish one, and once you do, you may find yourself wanting to sew more for the other adults around you.

Step 1

Take a measurement across the adult's shoulders and label it A. Then measure the distance from the shoulder down to the ankle and label it B.

Step 2

From the fleece fabric, cut a rectangle whose length equals B inches and whose width equals twice A inches. Because fleece does not fray, there is no need to hem it.

Step 3

Turn the fabric's top edge over by 1.5 inches. Run a straight stitch along the fabric edge, forming a channel that runs the width of the cape's top. Then stitch a second straight line positioned 1/2 inch in from the fold.

Step 4

Attach a safety pin to one end of a two-yard piece of one-inch-wide grosgrain ribbon. Use the pin to guide the ribbon through the channel at the cape's top. Draw the ribbon ends so the ribbon sits centered within the cape, which causes the cape fabric to gather along it. Close off the channel by sewing a small seam at each side, which also holds the ribbon in place.

Step 5

Using felt fabrics, cut out a large superhero emblem. You could frame the person's name inside a big golden star, or use another decorative design. Stitch the emblem to the middle of the cape, then tie the cape on.