fall/winter trend report: capes

Capes are hot this fall. Why not sew your own? The Woodland Stroll Cape would be a great starting point for any of these inspirational styles.

I love these classic camel-colored capes with a single closure at the top. Sew your cape in a beautiful wool coating or a brushed cotton twill. Lengthen the pattern for a dramatic, sweeping hem. Add a statement clasp or leather/faux leather trim (or both!) to elevate the look. Or what about a lush brown velvet ribbon? Sew your own cape and customize it to your style. There are so many possibilities with this simple, classic pattern!

Ready-to-wear inspiration to sew your own cape.
Celine runway show, Ralph Lauren, Burberry

While the solid tan wool would be chic for everyday outwear, the Woodland Stroll pattern is also a perfect canvas for a statement print, such as leopard, or a silk taffeta floral that would make a great topper for a holiday party dress. I’m slightly obsessed with the idea of a leopard print cape, which I think would be fabulous with jeans and boots as well as over a dress.

Printed cape sewing inspiration .
leopard print cape | Erdem

And while we’re on the topic of dressy capes, what about basic black … with a twist? Sew up the cape in a luxe velvet like the Gucci below. The pattern only calls for 1 1/2 yards of outer fabric in the largest size, so it’s a good candidate for splurging a little on a special textile. Or use a classic black coating as a canvas for standout embroidery.

Inspiration for sewing your own cape.
Gucci velvet cape | Romeo Gigli

The Woodland Stroll is a quick sew too. With only three pattern pieces and minimal fitting required, you could make it a weekend sewing project and still have time to go out for brunch. How’s that for instant gratification?

Do any of these styles strike your fancy? Which cape would you like to sew?



 

3 Comments

  1. Natalie Fritsche

    I love all three of these ideas. I’ve made the Woodland Stroll cape so I hate to admit that I never thought of lengthening the pattern or dressing it up with fancy fabric! Thanks for the inspiration!

    1. If you end up sewing another one, please be sure to share it with us!

  2. Susan Terrill

    I made Little Red Riding hood Capes for my granddaughters several years ago using the pattern in LITTLE THINGS TO SEW. I used some wonderful Japanese fabric with little red riding hood on it. They were not as easy as I had hoped but turned out delightful nonetheless. I am looking for a romantic hood.

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