inside: Sew a hooded wool cape with this sewing tutorial and free hood pattern. Beautiful large hood is one size fits all and sews well onto a simple cape shape.
**post updated 12/2021**
I’m so excited to share this hooded wool cape sewing tutorial. It’s such an easy project to sew AND looks fabulous. Plus, it’s perfect for those more moderate winter days. When we moved to Colorado last summer I was expecting a cold, snowy winter.. it’s been SO mild.. 40’s and 50’s most day and only a couple of snow days back in Oct and Nov.. So this wool cape is actually perfect for the weather we have been having.
Wool Cape Sewing Tutorial with Oversized Hood.
I’m sharing two versions of this cape sewing tutorial and hood pattern here. The original wool cape is the first one I made and then recently I sewed another version {the red sherpa version} and here are photos of both of them.
I love the oversized hood and it looks great both up and down as a cowl. The hood is a printable pdf pattern that’s one size fits all. The cape you will create from your measurements, and I’ve got instructions for the whole thing below.
The back is almost my favorite part!
The hood crosses over in front to create a fun look even if the hood is off and hanging to the back. I was limited on the sleeve length of the cape by the width of my fabric.
Already, let’s get started on this wool cape sewing tutorial. First, go download the hood pattern… Again this is a a one size fits all pattern and tutorial.
Free hood pattern
The link has been updated to no go to my shop here on my site. Craftsy/bluprint has closed down.
How to sew a wool cape
Supplies:
Need TWO yards of fabric of 60″ wide.
- Wool or wool like fabric {blue version}
- sherpa fabric {red version}
- Flannel would work too
- Free pattern from above
Print and assemble your hood as shown here. The hood takes about 1 yard of fabric and the cape takes almost 2. I suggest buying 3 yards of wool fabric to complete this project. Cut out 4 hoods.. 2 left and 2 right. If making from double sided fabric {like the sherpa} cut only two hood pieces.
With the remaining fabric you will cut the cape body. Measure wrist to wrist and front to back. My fabric was only 45″ wide, so even though I wanted it 55″ to go wrist to wrist I decided I would rather have it shorter on my arms than on the front and back. I would suggest trying to find 60″ wide wool if possible. Cut your fabric in the size rectangle you want.
I did not finish the edges on the wool version {it doesn’t fray much} the sherpa fabric I had to serge the edges as it was a full snowstorm of frayed fabric. You can finish the edges with a zig-zag stitch or serger.
Fold in half, then half again so you have a double fold corner.
On the double folded corner you will cut the neck opening. Measure from the corner point and mark at 3.75″ in several places. I cut my red version at about 3″ and it’s a smaller neck, but I like it.
Cut out this semi-circle. {you can make a Barbie circle skirt from this cut out – haha}
How to sew an oversized hood –
Now sew 1 left and 1 right hood together, sewing on the curved outside edge. Repeat with the other hood.
With right sides together sew the front edges of each hood together. For the sherpa version I just finished the edge and folded it back to see the sherpa.
Turn right side out and then top stitch along that edge of the hood to finish the front.
Find the center back of the cape and center back of the hood {seam line}. Start pinning here. Pin all three layers of fabric {2 hood and 1 cape} Pin from back center to front, then back center to front with the other side. The front edges of the hood will overlap. This will completely finish the neckline as well.
Sew with a serger or overlock stitch on a sewing machine to finish this neckline. Fold the hood up and enjoy your new wool cape… the oversized hood makes a fun cowl neck or hood to keep your head warm.
Finished! I can’t wait to wear this all the time! It’s an easy on and off too as the neck line is easy to fit over my head. Share your finished photos in my pattern group on facebook.
Other fun wintery wool projects to make:
creativejewishmom/sara says
Really fantastic, and a great piece to have on hand for winter chills…..I’m wearing fleece jackets indoors this time of year, so this would be perfect too. Thanks so much for sharing the pattern and for linking up on craft schooling Sunday!
Emily says
yes! You could also wear this around the house.. it’s SO cozy!
Sylvia D. says
Emily, I love the plaid you selected for this project. Goes really nicely with jeans. Thanks for sharing. Sylvia D.
Emily says
Yes it does! I had this wool for awhile and am so pleased with how it turned out!
Jane Murguia says
Oh, it looks so pretty. Makes me want to make one for myself.
Lynn@Happier Than A Pig In Mud says
Your cape is beautiful and looks great with jeans! I used the idea and turned it into a cape for Barbie, thank you for the inspiration:@)
Jann Olson says
I love plaid and this is darling! Thanks for sharing it with Share Your Cup. I’m sure it’s not intentional, but I’m not seeing a link back to the party.
hugs,
Jann
Sherry says
Such a cute project! Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!
Melissa Perron says
Sewwww… im much more able to grasp the tutorial when its a video… therefore id like a bit more instructions..
I want to make this for my borlyfriend for Christmas. I found 60 in wide wool so just to make sure i get it right… the 60 inches would be from one arm to the other (it would most likely be a bit short…) and lets say i measured a sweater and from neck to hips its 26 inches. I would double that and maybe add a few inches so its below his butt?
Emily says
yes, that sounds right
Kathryn Hood says
Pattern is only partially visible and some instructions are not visible???? Do you have a pattern printed that can be ordered and paid for?
Emily says
Pattern is printable 4 pages and instructions are on the tutorial page.
Floriann Gulik says
Hi Emily thank you for showing the cape. Where did you get the fabric with the Sherpa? I have been looking everywhere for it. I find Sherpa but not with the plaid. Thank you
Vicki Perfetti says
Hi–thanks for this–been looking for an easy pattern. Can fleece be used instead of the wool or sherpa??
Anna says
Do you have a version for kids? I’d like to make this for my daughter’s Rey costume from Star Wars. Thanks!
Emily says
You could easily size the hood down. I would use a kid hood as a size guide. The make the cape her size. I made one for my daughter years ago.
Anna says
I made this poncho for my daughter’s Rey costume and she loves it! Let me know if you want a photo!
Irene says
If I wanted longer fabric at the arms, could I sew 2 pieces of fabric together lengthwise and proceed as the rest of the directions say? Thanks!
tiktok says
This tutorial is fantastic! I love the cozy vibe of a hooded wool cape, and your step-by-step instructions make it seem so achievable. Can’t wait to try this out for fall! Thank you for sharing!