{DIY} Superhero Capes and Mask Template

 

My son wanted a Superhero theme for his 6th party. As part of the "transformation" into Superhero's I made each of the kids a superhero cape. They were a HUGE hit. Then again, who doesn't love wearing a cape?! After putting so much effort into the capes it was nice to see the kids faces light up and ask "Do I get to keep this?!?" After the party my Facebook feed blew up with pictures some of the parents posted of their kids running around and jumping off of furniture - really getting into character! 

You can make the cape for a Halloween costume, just for fun, or for a birthday party! The best part is they are so easy to make. It took me about 40 minutes to do each cape. It would take even less time if you opt for the less-sew method.

A few features:
- You can make them in ANY color combination. 
- Boys and girls alike love wearing capes! 
- They can be customized with a superhero logo, simple shapes as shown (pattern included below), or personalized with a name or initial.
- There is no pattern to print out.
- There is also a less-sew option for those who avoid the sewing machine. 

For the mask template, click here. 
Simply trace onto some felt or card stock, cut out, and attach the string and stars using tape or felt glue.

Let's get started!

Superhero Capes (see less-sew method below)

Makes: 1

How long it will take: 40 minutes

Little Helpers: Yes

What you will need:

- 1 yard of red, yellow, or blue satin fabric (can use two colors)

- small amount each of black, red, and yellow felt (if making the shape patch)

- Velcro circles

- measuring tape

- sewing machine

- needle

- thread

- scissors

- iron / ironing board

- fabric chalk (NOTE: a marker was used in the above image tutorial for demonstrational purposes only)

- eight-inch round paper plate

- 8 ½“ x 11” card stock

- hot glue gun

- felt or fabric glue

Step 1: Cut fabric so that you have two 24” x 32” pieces. Tip: Place a large cutting board or something firm underneath the fabric while cutting to avoid damaging floors.

Step 2: Lay the two pieces on top of each other so that both fabric pieces are facing shiny side in (if applicable).

Step 3: Fold in half lengthwise. Measuring from the open seam, mark at seven inches.

Step 4: Using fabric chalk and measuring tape draw a straight line that connects the mark made in Step 3 to the corner on the opposite side. You should now have a diagonal line.

Step 5: Cut the fabric about one inch away from the chalk line (not shown in picture).

Step 6: Lay the plate on the shorter / top edge of the fabric so that it is over the folded edge. It should be 5 ½” from the cut edge but covering the folded edge. Trace around the plate. Cut the fabric along the line but about one inch away from it. NOTE: If you are making more than one cape at a time keep these two pieces together to ensure they will match up when sewing.

Step 7: Sew the Velcro to fabric that will be on the outside of the capes. You will add one to each opposite side.

Step 8: Sew two pieces of fabric together. Place both pieces on top of each other (shiny sides still facing in). Pin together leaving about a three-inch opening so that you can later reach your hand in and turn it “right side out.” Starting (and later ending) at the edge where the opening will be, sew shut using sewing machine. Turn cape right side out by reaching your hand into opening and carefully pulling out. Next, sew the opening shut that was left by first tucking and pinning fabric.

Step 9: Print “Cape Shapes” on card stock. Use scissors to cut the shape out. These will be your templates for the felt patches.

Step 10: Using templates made in Step 9 trace onto felt. Circle will go on black felt, large star on yellow felt, and small star on red felt. Cut out.

Step 11: Use felt or fabric glue to attach the felt shape together. Start with one circle, and then add large star on top, and finally small star on top of that.

Step 12: Use hot glue gun to attach patch to the middle of the back of the cape. (The patch may come off when washed. You can opt for the slightly more time-consuming method and sew the patch.)

 Rather than hand cut the stars, which can be difficult, you purchase the AccuQuilt GO! Baby Fabric Cutter.

For a less-sew method replace satin with felt and skip Steps 2 and 8.