Classic capelet

Simple to pop on and comfortable to wear, Amanda Walker’s capelet will add a touch of class to any outfit. The flattering double-breasted design is made in an on-trend check, along with a contrast collar and button detail. Although the garment is one size and will fit most frames, the pattern can always be lengthened to sit better on a larger figure.

Essentials

Fabric, 1m x 1.5m
Lining fabric, 1m x 1.5m
Contrast fabric, 30cm
Medium weight fusible interfacing, 50cm
Buttons, four 2.5cm black and one small flat button

Dimensions List

One size
Note: lengthen cape pattern if desired
Cutting guide:
Front and back cape: cut one on the fold, both in main fabric and lining fabric
Collar: cut one each on the fold in main fabric, lining fabric and fusible interfacing
Front facing: cut two in fusible interfacing
Use a 1cm seam allowance throughout.

sew a classic cape

1 Download and print the pattern. Cut out the pattern pieces as indicated in the cutting guide. Attach interfacing to the wrong side of the two front facing panels. Iron interfacing to the back of the fabric collar and with the right side of the fabric and the lining facing, pin and stitch around the outer edges with a 1cm seam allowance. Trim away the bulk from the corners and turn the collar out to the right side. Tease out the corners and press. If you are using faux fur for the collar, press the edges from the lining side instead as the iron may mark the main fabric.

2 Find the centre of the collar and the back neck edge, and match these points together. Pin the collar around the neckline, matching the front edges of the collar to the notches marked on the front neckline of the cape, then stitch to the cape with a 1cm seam allowance. Position the cape lining to the main cape fabric, right sides together, matching the necklines, front edges and curved hems. Note that because the cape is almost a circle, the pieces will have a different grain throughout, so will stretch in some places but not in others. Lay each fabric and lining piece out on a surface and pin the edges together, so the lining follows the cape exactly.

3 With a 1cm seam allowance, stitch around the neckline, down the front and around the curved hem, leaving a gap for turning out on one of the straight front edges. Trim away the bulk from the corners and clip around the neckline. Turn the cape out to the right side through the gap in the front edge, then tease out the corners and seams. Press, then slipstitch the gap closed by hand.

4 Make two buttonholes as marked on the pattern on the right-hand side of the cape, and then one buttonhole on the top left-hand side. The angle of the buttonholes is important as they are parallel with the neckline and base of the cape, not the front edges. Stitch two buttons in the corresponding place on the opposite side, then another two buttons to mirror these and complete the double-breasted effect. Stitch a small flat button to the inside of the left-hand side, to hold the left side of the cape in place.