Cut a square of fabric the same length as the full width of the fabric (2 meters).
Fold the square in half twice to create a smaller square.
Measure and mark out a quarter circle for the hem and neckline using pins and tailor’s chalk.
For example, if you want your cape to be 30 inches long, mark the radius for the hem quarter circle at 15 inches plus seam allowance. For the neckline, calculate the radius based on your desired circumference, e.g., 43cm (17 inches), and divide by 6.28 (pi x 2) to get the radius (6.8cm).
Drawing and Cutting Out Your Circle Cape:
Cut along the marked lines to create the hem and neckline of the cape.
Cut through one folded edge to create the cape opening.
Adjust the shoulders by removing a wedge from the shoulder lines. For example, draw a line sloping from the neck edge to the bottom, making it 1cm (3⁄8 inch) wide at the top and 6cm (2½ inches) wide at the hem.
Sewing:
Stitching the Cape Together:
Sew along the cut edges to join the cape together using a 5mm (¼ inch) seam allowance. Adjust as needed for fit and drape.
Creating a Facing:
Draft facing patterns by tracing the neckline curves, shoulder lines, and open edge on tracing paper.
Cut facing pieces from the remainder of your cape fabric.
Interface the facing pieces with fusible interfacing.
Join the facing pieces at the shoulder seams and finish the outside raw edges.
Attaching the Facing:
Pin the facing, right sides together, to the cape neckline and opening.
Stitch together and clip the curves.
Press the facing away from the garment and understitch for a neater edge.
Turn the facing to the inside of the cape and press.
Hemming:
Use bias binding to hem the cape’s curved edge.
Stitch the bias binding in place by hand, overlapping the short edges.
Finishing Touches:
Stitch the buckle into place.
Additional Notes:
Wool-weight fabric with good drape is recommended.
