How-to: Insanely easy rectangular cloak
(Only 3 seams unless you're doubling the width!)
By: Melissa (based on directions seen elsewhere, but lost)

I like to use "double backed flannel" - really thick flannel - or lightweight wool. If it's too thin, it won't flow right. I usually make it the width of the material so I don't have to sew the sides - just use the selvage for side hems. If you want it wider, you can get 2 pieces and sew them down the center. The regular width works well for kids and average-size adults. If you're bigger (like me) or just want it voluminous, then sew 2 pieces together.

All measurements for this are guesstimates - just add a few inches to be on the safe side, and hem the bottom last.

Materials: For a floor-lenth cape, measure from your neck to the floor, going over the shoulders, and add 2-3 inches for hem and flow (more if you have big hips, etc.). Then decide how high you want your collar to be and double that amount. For a 3" high collar, add 6". I'm about 5' 3" and a yard and a half is plenty long enough. If you want to make it double-width, buy twice this amount. You also need a yard or so of cord (ribbon is too light-weight).

To sew (If making double width, sew the 2 pieces together, then treat as one):

  1. Fold the desired height of the collar down and either pin or iron into place.

  2. About 1/2" from the bottom of the fold, sew 2 seams, about 1" apart.

  3. Run cord through the channel you created and gather until the top fits comfortably around your neck.
  4. Tie knot in cord at one end, and then sew, using needle & thread, just a few stitches at the edge to make channel too narrow for knot to pass through. Repeat for other end.
  5. Hem to desired length. I leave this for the very last in case I miscalculated the length in either direction (if I made it too short, I make the hem as small as possible; if too long, hem to desired length and cut off excess). For kids, make sure it doesn't drag the floor or they can trip while trick-or-treating. An inch or two above the floor is good for kid-length.

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