by Sherri Sylvester | Oct 1, 2017
Are you ready for Halloween? It’s October and I’m excited to be posting a series of 10 Halloween Costume Sewing Tips, sponsored by Janome Canada. To start the series with a “Boo!” (hee hee) I’m relaunching my popular Super Hero Cape pattern – updated with new photos and 2 new larger sizes!
The smile on your child’s face when they see their handmade costume is the best! Be your kid’s Halloween costume hero and sew it yourself! Find the first Janome Halloween Costume Tip in the instructions below and follow along on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest so you don’t miss the others. You can also find great sewing information, contests and free patterns on the Janome Life blog.
When I made the first Super Hero Capes for Christmas (2011!), they were a huge hit. My girls flew all over the house solving mysteries and doing super hero business. Usually they were saving someone, sometimes a prince in distress. (You go girl!) Sometimes they’d stop to save kittens from trees, or rescue babies from mean monsters and other things of that sort. Since then they’ve grown up a little, but the capes are still in good use during their creative plays and shows.
Many of you have asked for a cape in larger sizes and I’m excited to be able to upgrade the free pattern and tutorial below! The old post was looking pretty dated with tiny, dark photos – I hope you like the new version!
Free Cape Pattern and Tutorial
As usual, please feel free to use my patterns/tutorials for your personal projects and gifts and for charitable fundraising events. Please do not sell anything made with this pattern without a license. Thank you! (P.S. Buy a Seller’s License or a tidy printable PDF version of this Cape Pattern in the shop.)
Materials:
- 1 yard (child sizes) OR 1 1/2 yards (adult size) fabric for the cape outer
- 1 yard (child sizes) OR 1 1/2 yards (adult size) fabric for the cape lining
- optional: felt for the hero applique
- optional: fusible web (or a glue stick!) to attach the applique
- matching thread
- hook and loop tape (1″ piece each)
- sewing gear – scissors/sewing machine/pins/ruler/iron etc.
Before you begin:
- Print the pattern piece pdf on letter size (8.5″ x 11″) or A4 paper. Important: Do not select “fit to page” when printing, make sure you print at the original size. Once you have printed the pages, measure the 1″ test square to ensure the pattern is correct.
- Want to save paper?
- Size 3m-3 – Print only pages 1-7
- Size 4-8 – Print only pages 1-7
- Size 9-12 – Print only pages 1-9
- Adult size – Print all 11 pages
- Cut on each page’s outer gray lines and tape them together, matching the letters in the gray half-circles.
- Cut the pattern pieces out (with paper scissors!) along the line that corresponds to the size you would like to make.
Cut your fabric:
- Pre-wash your fabric before cutting to ensure it will not shrink in later washes.
- If you need a longer cape – here is a tutorial on how to lengthen the pattern pieces.
- Cut one cape shape per fabric colour using the pattern piece. * Be sure to place the pattern piece on the fabric fold before you cut it out!
Let’s Sew:
I recommend that you read through all instructions before sewing, so you don’t miss something important!
Step 1: Cut out the applique that will be on the back of the cape. Be creative! I used stars, hearts and letters to make each cape unique. Each logo was sized between 6″-9″ tall, depending on the size of the cape.
Halloween Sewing Tip #1:
If you are making a long-term project, make sure your layers have fusible web on the back. If you are sewing a one-night Halloween project, use a less-expensive approach! A regular school glue stick will adhere an applique while you sew around the edges.
Center the applique on the outer cape fabric piece approximately 3″-7″ down from the neck opening.
- Fusible web: Iron on the applique following the instructions on your fusible web. Use a press cloth if necessary so you do not melt the felt.
- Glue Stick: Attach the applique in place using the school glue stick, press with an iron on low heat from the back of the cape to set the glue if necessary.
Top-stitch the applique as you wish to tidy up the edges and make sure it stays on. I used the Blanket Stitch and Satin Stitch Foot F included with my on-loan Janome Skyline S9 to make the one of the appliques extra-nice!
Step 2: Lay the two cape pieces right sides together matching all of the edges. Pin. Mark a 6″ opening on the cape’s bottom edge by putting 2 pins in the same spot on each side. Leave this opening when you sew, it is where you will turn the cape right side out.
Stitch around the cape with a 1/4″ seam allowance, starting at one double-pin. Pivot around the corner on the neck opening. Finish at the other double-pin with a back-stitch.
Step 3: Clip the corners and trim around the curved edges of your neck opening to allow the cape to turn more easily. I use my pinking shears to trim tight curves.
Step 4: Press the seam allowance up on the bottom opening before turning the cape right side out. This creates an easy finished edge once the cape is turned.
Step 5: Turn the cape right side out and top-stitch. Push out your corners and edges neatly, press the cape flat and top-stitch 1/8″ or so away from the edge all the way around the edge of the cape. You can pin the opening shut before stitching or just wing it, the top-stitching will close the opening.
Step 6: Cut a 1″ piece each of hook and loop tape.
Use a zig-zag or straight stitch to sew the hook side of the tape onto the outer piece and the loop side of the tape onto the lining. This way the rough hooks are facing away from the neck when the cape is worn. Note: I like to cut off the corners of the tape when sewing for kids so they don’t get “stuck” with the pointy edges by accident. (* Don’t accidentally sew both hook and loop to the outer side of the cape, it won’t be able to close properly. Not sure why, but I have managed to do this more times than I would like to admit!)
Step 7: Sew a label or hero-worthy piece of ribbon onto the side of the cape.
Congratulations, give your cape a good press and you’re done!
I’d love to see your project! Please share your cape on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest using the hashtags #alongforthreadride and #threadridinghood. Thank you!
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You can purchase a full Super Hero Cape PDF Pattern for any donation!
The 16 page instant PDF download of this tutorial includes these extras:
- The full tutorial and pattern pieces, in a tidy and easily printed form.
- Cutting layout diagram and glossary of terms.
- Granny’s Sewing Basket – highlights Notes and Tips to make sewing this cape easier. ()
- Extra tips not included in this free tutorial.
- Check boxes, for those of you who love to get a sense of accomplishment when checking off each step!
Aside from these great features, you can choose to purchase the PDF to support this blog and help Thread Riding Hood continue in its goal to create more free content. Thank you for your support!
SUPER HERO CAPE PRINTABLE PDF PATTERN: available for any donation!
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Would you like to sew and sell the Super Hero Cape Pattern?
Please purchase a Seller’s License in my shop and receive an instant pdf download!
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P.S. Here’s the original Super Hero Cape Photo from 2013. My daughter still comments on how cool it was to look like she was really flying! #photoshopforthewin
by Sherri Sylvester | Feb 2, 2017
The Fat Quarter Skirt pattern is now available!
This skirt pattern has been a favorite at our house for years. Combine just two fat quarters of fabric (commonly stashed in many sewing rooms!) to fit a child wearing sizes 2-6. My girls love wearing them with sweaters and leggings in the winter and t-shirts in the summer time. I love that it is cost-effective and quick sew.
“The only thing that would have made this pattern better was less choice in my stash so I could decide faster!” ~ Stacey, pattern tester
This “twirl-friendly” skirt has a fun contrast band at the bottom and an easy-to-fit elastic waistband. It is a simple, beginner-friendly pattern with a few tricks to keep it easy and fun. Great for quilters who haven’t had garment sewing experience and would like a simple starter project – it even has a 1/4″ seam allowance! Or, are you teaching your kids to sew? It’s simple enough for them to understand as well.
Make your little girl happy and de-stash some fabric. (Win, Win!)
Purchase the Fat Quarter Skirt PDF Pattern – $8.50 CDN
“… love that my four-year-old could help out a little… she assisted in fabric selection, cutting and a couple of side seams. Great for learning!” ~ Gillian, pattern tester
This skirt features 5 sizes, child’s 2-6, to create a skirt that is 9-11 1/2″ (23-30cm) long. The easily adjusted elastic waistband fits your child perfectly, and it makes dressing easier too! A hidden casing is simple to sew and the hem band eliminates the need to press multiple folds, plus it adds a cute pop of colour!
Expect lots of tips and tricks throughout, a glossary of terms, recommended best practices and instructions geared towards an absolute beginner. This pattern is truly a quick sew – allow yourself just 1-3 hours to finish, including your fabric cutting time. It’s also a great stash-buster, requiring only 2 fat quarters and a length of elastic… things you probably already have in your stash.
“I like your little extras like the “seam allowance icon” and the “check boxes”. Great ideas!” ~ Kelly, pattern tester
Here is what you can expect when you purchase the instant PDF Pattern download:
- An 8 page PDF pattern e-book with clear instructions.
- No pattern pieces to print out! Use the easy-to-follow cutting chart.
- Simple, detailed instructions to help you complete each step.
- Clearly marked colour photos to illustrate the step-by-step process.
- Both metric and imperial measurements throughout.
- This e-book is viewable on your mobile device, or print to letter size or A4 paper.
- Granny’s Sewing Basket – highlights Notes and Tips to make your project faster and easier! (introduction to Granny)
- Large seam allowance icons throughout, no more searching when you forget.
- Check boxes in all lists and for each step, for those of you who love to keep track of your progress.
- This pattern includes a limited production seller’s license.
“It was a lovely, quick project that was nice to do in between other projects. And who doesn’t love a quick, cute, easy to complete project?” ~ Monique, pattern tester
Supplies needed to complete any size of Fat Quarter Skirt:
- 1 fat quarter for the main skirt
- 1 fat quarter for the contrast band and casing
- thread (for sewing and edge-stitching)
- 1 yard (metre) of 3/4″ (20 mm) elastic (non-roll recommended)
- safety pin, bodkin for threading elastic
- scissors, sewing machine, pins, ruler, iron, pressing surface etc.
More inspiration and tester photos will be posted this week. It will be a fun photo-bomb of twirly happy children!
“I love it! What a great stash buster.” ~ Liz, pattern tester
Sew a skirt (or seven) for your favorite twirl-loving child!
Purchase the Fat Quarter Skirt PDF Pattern – $8.50 CDN
If you need any more information or help throughout the pattern I am always available – please email sherri@threadridinghood.com
by Sherri Sylvester | Jul 8, 2016
We are on vacation! I’m excited to have visited Chicago early this week and now we are relaxing in Minneapolis with family. Know any good quilt stores over here?! I’m trying to get a few photos on Instagram if you want to follow along.
When Brenda contacted me to see if I wanted to make the Sweet Talk Phone Bag pattern we were in vacation planning mode, and my kids were on my mind. This bag looked like the perfect size for a kids’ purse, and I had grand plans to make one for myself as well. I got the kids’ bags done at least – they love them – and they really are the perfect size! I got to use some fabric that I had stashed “for forever” waiting for the right project – and I’m so pleased with how they came out.
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. Among Brenda’s Quilts and Bags sent me the Sweet Talk Phone Bag pattern to use in this post and this is my honest opinion about it.
This pattern makes a cross-body purse with two zipped pocket areas and one front open pocket. It is interfaced with Bosal In-R-Form or byAnnie’s Soft and Stable to create a super sturdy bag – originally intended to carry your cell phone safely – and a great way to keep a nice shape in a purse. The pattern also includes instructions to make a card holder with clear pockets. I didn’t figure the kids needed one quite yet, so I skipped that part.
The instructions are well explained and easy to follow. The pattern pieces are cut out using measurements. It is fully illustrated with photos and lots of text to help explain everything. Plus I like that it was a paper pattern, so everything was already printed out and ready to go!
The original bag has options for a front flap or bow, which I fully intended to use for one of the bags. Plans were waylaid when one girl got word that the other one was going to have ruffles on the front of her bag. So it was settled, the ruffles had to be on both – of course! It was simple to add, I shortened the pocket by 2 inches and then cut a piece of fabric 4″ x double the width of the bag front. Folded it in half, gathered the raw edges and set them into the top edge of the front pocket/pocket lining. It’s pretty cute – but I have to admit I really wanted one to have a bow! Next time… these would make super-cute Birthday gifts too!
The cross-body strap (that I shortened to a 36″ kid-size) is perfect for touristing. No complaints from the kids, who are usually not very excited to carry their own things. They filled them with sunglasses, tiny clipboards and markers to keep them entertained on our Chicago Architecture Boat Tour. My youngest also wanted to bring her mp3 player with her and the front pocket was perfect for the earbuds.
They also like having multiple zippered pockets for organizing their things – so cute! I love the back pocket. I put one the “right way” and flipped the other one to better fit beside the horse on the back of the purse. #fussycut everything!
I checked to see how the bag would fit my extra-large cell phone, and it works great! I’m really excited to use some of my hoarded Japanese fabrics to make one for myself. It would be so useful for running into the grocery store – or to carry my phone and cash on summer walks with the kids. I think I might attach the straps with rings and swivel snap hooks so I can take them off and use the bag like a wallet as well.
Brenda also has lots of other really great patterns, plus she sells kits or the notions, batting and stabilizers to go with them. I really like the Voyager bag and the Around the Block Bag too. I’d really recommend that you check out this Canadian shop!
I’m back to vacation mode for a few more days, but I have more fun things next week and I’m so excited for a special bloggy event – coming super-soon! (Hint, hint… It has something to do with this!) Plus, I’ll be speaking at Quilts at the Creek on July 23/24th in Toronto – so if you are in the area I’d love to see you there.
by Sherri Sylvester | Nov 25, 2014
Three post in one day later, I just released two new pdf patterns! The Fabric Gift Bag Pattern and a Reusable Lunch Bag Pattern. Both were made with beginners in mind, and the construction methods make them simple to stitch up with a professional finish. I am so fortunate to have worked with Daryl from Fabric Spark (one of this blog’s amazing sponsors) to create these two patterns and she is generously giving away three kits today! (PS. I dare you not to sing the title of this post for the rest of today, you’re welcome!)
I’m really excited that these kits will remain on sale at Fabric Spark – so you can get everything you need to make one of these projects quickly and easily. Daryl includes a paper version of the pattern, perfectly packed, so these kits make a great Birthday or Christmas gift or stocking stuffer for a fellow sewist! You can get the Lunch Bag Kit here and the Gift Bag Kit here.
Find out more about each pattern by clicking on the photos below…
Fabric Spark has provided three prizes for this giveaway so three different people can win! Yippee! You can enter to win one of the following prizes:
(1) Reusable Lunch Bag Pattern Kit in Tula Pink Meteor Shower (Olive colourway, as pictured above)
OR (1) Red-themed Fabric Gift Bag Pattern Kit
OR (1) Green-themed Fabric Gift Bag Pattern Kit
This giveaway is open to Canadians & US residents from today until midnight next Tuesday evening, December 2, 2014. Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter – and if you don’t have Facebook to sign in with, just use your name and email address. There’s a “click to enter”, no social media login entry too!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Of course Fabric Spark doesn’t just sell kits for my patterns. (ha!) Daryl stocks has a wonderful selection of well curated bright-and-colourful-mixed-with-happy fabrics to “spark your imagination”. Check out her shop!
by Sherri Sylvester | Nov 25, 2014
This is the second of two patterns I’ve created in partnership with Fabric Spark. They were sold as kits at the Fall Creativ Festival this year and now I am releasing the pdf version to be sold in my pattern shop as well!
PURCHASE the Reusable Lunch Bag PDF Pattern – $6.00
This Reusable Lunch Bag Pattern was created as a beginner-friendly pattern. It’s paper-sack shape is reminiscent of school days and skipping ropes. Sturdier than a paper sack however, this lunch bag is made from laminated cotton. Fully lined, fully wipe-able and easy to clean. The pattern includes lots of Tips and Tricks for sewing laminated cotton in case you need them. Each instruction is well written, with minimal cutting and simple construction. This lunch bag is just the right size to fit a lunch bag, drink and side dish or dessert. It would make a great stocking stuffer or party give-away goodie bag. Fill it with snacks for a road trip or walk to the park.
Here is what you can expect when you purchase the instant PDF Pattern download:
- A 6 page PDF pattern e-book with instructions and lots of photos to help you through each step.
- Simple, detailed instructions and a glossary to help with sewing terms.
- Over 21 full colour photos to illustrate the step-by-step process.
- Granny’s Sewing Basket – highlights Notes and Tips to make sewing this lunch bag faster and easier! (introduction to Granny)
- Large seam allowance icons throughout, no more searching when you forget.
- Check boxes in all lists and for each step, for those of you who love to keep track of your progress!
- This pattern includes a limited production seller’s license.
Supplies needed to complete the Reusable Lunch Bag:
- 1/2 yard/metre or 1 piece exactly 14″ x 41″
- 3″ length of hook and loop tape
- matching thread
- paperclips (to hold fabric in lieu of pins)
Ready to make sew up a lunch bag?
PURCHASE the Reusable Lunch Bag Instant Download PDF – $6.00
If you would like to purchase a kit to compete your project,
please visit Fabric Spark to see available laminate options.
If you need any more information or help throughout the pattern I am always available – please email sherri@threadridinghood.com
by Sherri Sylvester | Nov 25, 2014
I’ve been busy behind the scenes getting a couple of patterns ready in partnership with Fabric Spark. They were sold as kits at the Fall Creativ Festival this year and now I am releasing the pdf version to be sold in my pattern shop as well!
PURCHASE the Fabric Gift Bag PDF Pattern – $7.00
This Gift Bag Pattern was created as a beginner-friendly pattern that only uses 1 yard of fabric! Each instruction is well written, with minimal cutting and simple construction. It is a great way to use your stashed fabrics to wrap your gifts. Use a one yard piece, or cut each bag individually from different fabrics. The fabric bag becomes a permanent gift for the receiver as well! Here is a little bit about each of the four bags.
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Bottle/Sock Bag: Perfect for hostess gifts, or as a stand-in for Christmas stockings, this bag ties it all up with a bow. Fill it with your favourite wine, homemade jelly, socks or a few small toys. The more the merrier.
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Santa Sack: The minimal yardage and simple construction of this Santa Sack make it a quick favourite. Sew up one, or twenty and have a paper-free gift giving season!
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Envelope: An envelope can hold so many things. Use this pretty fabric envelope to uniquely wrap your favourite flat gift. This envelope is perfect for mailing because it fits inside flat packaging!
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Tote Bag: A tote bag is a useful gift and so much more when it arrives as the gift wrapping! This bag is the perfect size to hold books and other small objects. Use it as is or tie the top with ribbon before gifting. |
Here is what you can expect when you purchase the instant PDF Pattern download:
- A 10 page PDF pattern e-book with instructions and lots of photos to help you through each step.
- Simple, detailed instructions and a glossary to help with sewing terms.
- Over 50 full colour photos to illustrate the step-by-step process.
- Granny’s Sewing Basket – highlights Notes and Tips to make sewing these gift bags faster and easier! (introduction to Granny)
- Large seam allowance icons throughout, no more searching when you forget.
- Check boxes in all lists and for each step, for those of you who love to keep track of your progress!
- This pattern includes a limited production seller’s license.
Supplies needed to complete the Fabric Gift Bags:
- 1 yard/metre of quilting cotton
- 45″ of 3/8″ wide ribbon
- matching thread
- large safety pin
Ready to make them?
PURCHASE the Fabric Gift Bag Instant Download PDF – $7.00
If you would like to purchase a kit to compete your project,
please visit Fabric Spark to see available colour options.
If you need any more information or help throughout the pattern I am always available – please email sherri@threadridinghood.com
