Help little ones imagine superhero greatness with a homemade cape.

How to Make a Cape for a Toddler

by Kathryn Hatter

A super-hero toddler will need a cape to complete his super-duper hero ensemble. These play accessories need not break the bank. With just a few basic sewing supplies and a few minutes of your time, you can quickly create a cape for your toddler. A few stitches later, he’ll be all set for high-flying super antics, outfitted in a special cape made with love.

1 Cut your cotton fabric into a 12-inch by 24-inch rectangle. Press the raw edges of the fabric under 1/4-inch with the iron.

2 Whip out the sewing machine and stitch a quick zigzag stitch around the folded edges to finish them neatly.

3 Apply the hook side of the hook-and-loop adhesive circles to each corner at the underside of one of the short sides of the rectangle.

4 Choose a T-shirt that your little one will use whenever he wants to wear his cape. Have him slip the shirt on and stick the loop side of a hook-and-loop adhesive circle to the top of each shoulder — right where you want to attach the cape.

5 Attach the hook side of the adhesive circles on the cape to the loop side of the adhesive circles on the shirt. And presto — an instantly safe, yet totally amazing, super-hero cape!

Items you will need

  • 3/8-yard cotton fabric (any color)
  • Tape measure
  • Scissors
  • Iron
  • Sewing machine
  • Self-adhesive hook-and-loop circles
  • T-shirt

Tips

  • Tying anything around your toddler's neck can be dangerous. Even using safety pins to attach the cape can be dangerous. Avoid strangulation and poking hazards by using the hook-and-loop adhesive circles.
  • Even without a sewing machine, you can still whip together a neat cape for your little one. Stitch around the raw edges of the fabric by hand. In a pinch, you could even skip hemming the raw edges. Your little one won’t care if the edges fray a smidgen.
  • Add super embellishments to the cape if you want to really wow your toddler. A big felt “S” at the center of the cape or even the first letter of your little one’s name might be the perfect finishing touch.

References

  • The Everything Toddler Book; Linda Sonna
  • 365 Games Smart Toddlers Play: Creative Time to Imagine, Grow And Learn; Sheila Ellison

About the Author

Kathryn Hatter is a veteran home-school educator, as well as an accomplished gardener, quilter, crocheter, cook, decorator and digital graphics creator. As a regular contributor to Natural News, many of Hatter's Internet publications focus on natural health and parenting. Hatter has also had publication on home improvement websites such as Redbeacon.

Photo Credits

  • Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images