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Elsa's Coronation dress - cutting the cape

5/15/2014

9 Comments

 
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Now for the cape!
Elsa's cape only needs three pattern pieces. I'm going to use one of the pattern pieces right from the same pattern all the other pieces have come from, (read previous blogs on making this dress, part 1, part 2 and part 3) but two of the pieces you will have to make yourself.  But don't worry I'm going to give LOTS of guidance. 

Materials needed are: the cape fabric, a little bit of interfacing and a nice hook closure for the neck.

Below are 1" grid diagrams to make a pattern for the large main cape piece in three size ranges, the same as the pattern we've been using.

Again, I'm giving these diagrams as jpegs and as Word documents.  The adult size and the girl size are on two sheets and need to be joined. The child size fits on one sheet.


I would have just given a diagram with measurements to draw out, but that subtle up and down curve at the top of the cape is really important so it hangs correctly over the shoulder.
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child_cape_-_word.docx
File Size: 2742 kb
File Type: docx
Download File

girl_upper_cape_-_word.docx
File Size: 2719 kb
File Type: docx
Download File

girl_lower_cape_-_word.docx
File Size: 2699 kb
File Type: docx
Download File

adult_upper_cape_-_word.docx
File Size: 2826 kb
File Type: docx
Download File

adult_lower_cape_-_word.docx
File Size: 2767 kb
File Type: docx
Download File

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To make these diagrams usable, draw a 1" grid onto a large sheet of paper. I am using some sturdy gift wrapping tissue.

This pattern piece will be HUGE if the entire thing is made.  I recommend just making the upper part and using a tape measure or yard stick to get the dimensions for the lower part.
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Using the grid pattern as a guide, put dots where the pattern lines and the grid lines intersect.
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And then connect them like a dot to dot picture.
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Cut this pattern piece out.  This is just the upper part of the long main cape piece.
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For the short shoulder length outer cape, use the pilgrim collar piece #12 from the pattern.

To make the band collar that fits this, first draw on the stitching lines, 5/8" in from the cutting line.
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Measure the length of the neck stitching line.
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Check to be sure it will fit comfortably around the collar of the dress and adjust the pilgrim collar pattern if necessary.
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Draw a long rectangle the same height as the dress collar (for me 1 1/4") and the same length as the neck seam on the pilgrim collar. Add 5/8" seams all around.
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Round the front corners with something round like a spool.
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Add seam allowance to the rounded part, too.
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And cut this out. The three pattern pieces are now ready for cutting the fabric.
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I lay the fabric out on my living room floor to make it easier to measure out the length dimensions for the main piece.  The measurements can be taken off the grid pattern, but you should also measure your Elsa.  The front edge of the cape (the shorter edge on the straight grain should be the length from her neck to the floor when finished.  And add 5" or so to that measurement for a train at the back seam.
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I took the remaining fabric back to my work table to cut the upper cape and collar ... so much more comfortable.

So this is what you should have ... 2 large main cape pieces, 2 smaller upper cape pieces, 2 collar pieces and one collar piece cut from interfacing.

Tomorrow ... the sewing.
9 Comments
dinagideon link
5/15/2014 10:56:05 am

I am very closely watching and following your work. These posts are inspiring me. I have all my fabric I need for my daughter's Elsa Ice Queen dress, so I am most excited for that, but these other costumes have me inspired to try the other versions, too!

Reply
Lwilson
6/13/2014 12:13:01 am

You are amazing and inspiring. I was trying to figure out this pattern and costume for my 6 year old. You are my new HERO! Thank you I begin to follow TODAY!

Reply
Emma-louise
10/19/2014 09:36:57 pm

Hi I've been looking for a nice cape tutorial and this is the best by far, so I am planning on trying it out for my daughter and was wondering how much material you think I'd need for a four year olds cape please x

Reply
Andrea
10/20/2014 12:06:02 am

If you are using 60" wide fabric, about a yard and 3/4 should be plenty. That will allow for the two main panels with plenty on the sides for the small upper cape and collar. If the fabric is narrower add 1/4 to 1/2 more.
Andrea

Reply
emma-louise
10/28/2014 08:20:17 am

thank you for your fast reply, I have bought 2meters so should be plenty. do you have a print out for the small upper case as unfortunately I do not own the pattern that it came from. thank you and I cannot wait to start this as have all the material ready and my daughter super excited and keeps asking if its ready :) x

Andrea
10/28/2014 09:33:44 pm

I don't have the pattern in a print out, but there is a cape pattern at the Simplicity site that can be printed out at home that has a nice small upper cape. Although it needs to be cut down a bit. Here is a link to it.

http://www.simplicity.com/p-9611-childs-caped-costume.aspx

The actual cape in that pattern requires much more fabric that the one I created for Anna. So, if you get that pattern only use the upper shoulder caps.

Reply
Emma-Louise
10/28/2014 10:09:16 pm

Thank you I will try and use that upper shoulder cap pattern, was tempted to just create my own pattern but not sure if that was wishful thinking .

Reply
Becky
10/21/2015 08:08:13 am

Can I cut the pattern on the fold so it's all one piece? Also I'm using fleece, any suggestions for changes?

Reply
Andrea
10/25/2015 10:49:37 am

you can, but then the front edges won't be on the straight grain anymore. It's just a little easier to get a smooth hem on the straight grain.

Reply

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    I am a commercial pattern maker who is now "sewing over 50"!
    I love to sew and hope to encourage others to come back to sewing.
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