Yesterday I shared a pattern and sewing tutorial for a no-choke superhero cape, and today I’m back with a tutorial for adding a skirt. I love this type of superhero cape because the cape velcros to a front piece which is secured around the waist. This means if anyone pulls on the cape, it will just detach from the front piece without choking the wearer. The front piece also allows you to add a fun superhero logo. I created this cape and skirt in colors that match Wonder Woman’s outfit.
My daughter loves her princess costumes – maybe a little too much – so it was fun for me to see her pretending to be a superhero:
The front of the cape stays away from her neck when she plays.
Again, I used broadcloth for this costume. Broadcloth is inexpensive, comes in most any color you’d want, and doesn’t wrinkle (unlike it’s more expensive cousin, quilting cotton). You’ll want to read through the no-choke super hero cape tutorial from yesterday, as today I’m only going to cover adding the skirt.
These are the pieces you’ll want to cut out. Remember, I’m giving you dimensions for a 3t/4t size and a 6/7 size – this should be a good starting point for you to adjust for other sizes. Dimensions are in inches.
Step 1: Sew together the cape as directed in the first tutorial. Hem all four sides of the front piece as directed, as well.
Step 2: Fold the strap in half lengthwise, and sew as shown below, backstitching at the beginning and end of each seam. Hem 3 sides of the skirt piece. Sew two rows of basting stitches along the remaining side of the skirt piece, as shown below.
Step 3: Turn the strap piece inside out and press, being sure to tuck the raw edges under. Pull on the lower thread of the basting stitches to gather the skirt until it fits in the strap. Tuck it in, pin well, and stitch together. (This is almost exactly the same way we made the cape in the first tutorial.)
Step 4: Place the skirt on top of the front piece, and sew together (as you see below). Sew on pieces of velcro in the same places as the original tutorial (scratchy sides on the cape and end of the skirt, fuzzy sides on the front piece).
The cape velcros to the front piece, then goes over the head. The skirt wraps around the waist and velcros to itself.
This little sister and big brother love their matching superhero outfits!
Tracy King says
Her hair is getting so long and she looks so grown up. Great design, thanks for the tutorial 🙂
katee says
how did you do the WW logo? I think this would be so fun for my niece.
CTY says
Very nice!
Christie Hurst says
You always have such awesome projects to share!!! So I have to tell you–the first time I met you last year in July or August at the dinner we had for a blog thing that liZ and Elizabeth put together, I was an idiot and second-guessed myself when I heard the blog name and then proceeded to be a blubbering fool. I got home and looked up your blog and thought, “Oh my gosh, of course I know who she is because I always see her stuff popping up!” So anyways, I’m sorry that I was a big dork and I think you are amazing. 🙂
Pauline Perry says
Had to take time out to write and tell you that I love your blog – the Wonder WOman outfit is fantastic – the childs pillow bed is fantastic – and I love the felt garland which I shall now be making with my grandchildren over Christmas they will love it because it is fantastic!!
Wishing you a great Christmas
Pauline