Creating A Wedding Cloak: A Guide To Sewing Yours

A wedding cloak is a romantic and elegant addition to a bridal outfit. You can make a wedding cloak from a variety of fabrics, including satin, cotton, tulle, lace, velvet, and faux fur. The amount of fabric you will need depends on the style and length of the cloak, but generally, you will need around 4-6 yards of fabric for an adult-sized cloak. You can find wedding cloak patterns online or in craft stores, and some patterns are more suitable for beginners. In addition to the fabric, you will also need a closure, such as a hook and eye, a button, or ties. Once you have your pattern and materials, you can cut out the fabric pieces and sew them together, following the instructions provided with your pattern. Finally, attach the chosen closure, and your wedding cloak is complete!

Choosing the fabric

The fabric you choose for your wedding cloak will depend on the look you want to achieve. Here are some tips to help you choose the right fabric:

Durability and Weight

If you want your cloak to be durable and able to withstand outdoor conditions, consider choosing a sturdy and durable fabric for the outer layer. Cotton, broadcloth, and wool are good options for lightweight cloaks, while linen and vinyl fabric can provide a heavier option. If you're looking for something waterproof, go for nylon or vinyl. Keep in mind that the fabric should also be easy to move and flow, so avoid stiff materials.

Fabric Movement and Flow

When choosing the fabric for your wedding cloak, it's important to consider how well it moves and flows. Hold a piece of the fabric in your hand and try waving it around. If it's stiff and doesn't move easily, it probably won't work well for a cloak. You want a fabric that drapes gracefully and allows for fluid movement.

Smoothness and Comfort

For the inner layer of your wedding cloak, consider using a smooth fabric such as satin or silk. This will make it easier to put on and take off the cloak over your clothes. These fabrics also add a touch of luxury and elegance to your garment. However, if you're on a budget, cotton or broadcloth can be more affordable alternatives.

Colour and Contrast

When it comes to colour, you have the option to match or contrast the inner and outer fabrics of your wedding cloak. If you want a subtle look, choose matching colours for both layers. For a pop of colour and a surprise element, go for a contrasting colour on the inside. For example, a black exterior with a bold red or purple interior will make a statement.

Sewability and Ease of Use

Consider your sewing skills and the ease of working with the fabric. Some fabrics, like velvet and satin, can be more challenging to sew, especially if you're a beginner. Cotton twill, on the other hand, is a great option if you're looking for something that's easy to sew and works well for both the inner and outer layers.

Fabric Amount and Measurements

Don't forget to calculate the amount of fabric you'll need based on your desired cloak length and style. Measure from your collarbone to just above the floor, or however long you want the cloak to be. Then, add extra fabric for the seam allowance and neckline. The amount of fabric needed is usually calculated by multiplying the total length by three.

Cutting the fabric

The first step in making a cloak is to cut the fabric according to the pattern. This will require a sturdy, durable fabric such as cotton or wool for the outside, and a lighter, smoother fabric like satin or silk for the inside. The amount of fabric needed will depend on the desired length of the cloak, usually measured from the collarbone to just above the floor, or the desired style and size. It is recommended to have at least three times the total length of the cloak in fabric to ensure there is enough to cut out all the necessary pieces.

For a semi-circular cloak, fold the fabric in half width-wise and then diagonally so that the selvage edge meets the fold. Measure out the total length of the cloak, marking the fabric with a fabric marker or chalk, and then move the end of the measuring tape inwards to create a curved neckline. Cut the fabric along these lines, and when unfolded, there should be a semi-circle. Repeat this process for the lining fabric.

If the desired length of the cloak is longer than the width of the fabric, a different cutting method is required. Start by folding the fabric in half lengthwise and measuring the total length on the fold line, creating a curve from the mark. Mark a second piece next to the first, with the tip of the second piece starting where the curve of the first piece ends, and add a radius for the neckline. Cut out these pieces, and repeat the process for the lining fabric.

Once all the fabric pieces have been cut out, they can be pinned and sewn together to create the desired shape of the cloak.

Sewing the fabric

Now that you have your fabric, it's time to start sewing!

Pin the Fabric

First, pin together matching fabric pieces as instructed by your pattern. You will need to pin the edges of the interior and exterior fabric pieces so that the right sides of the fabric are facing each other. Make sure to line up any notches that you cut in the fabric and ensure that the edges of the pieces are even all the way around.

Sew the Fabric

Sew a straight stitch about 0.5 inches from the raw edges of the pinned areas of your fabric. This will be the seam allowance for your cloak and will make the seam more secure. Leave an opening of about 8 to 10 inches. This will allow you to invert the cloak so that the seams will be hidden inside.

Invert the Fabric

After sewing the pieces together, pull the fabric through the opening to invert the cloak. The right sides of the lining and exterior should now be visible. Press your fingers into the corners of the cloak to ensure that the edges are well-defined. You may also want to iron over the seams at this point to help them lay flat.

Finish the Edges

Find the open area, and fold about 0.5 inches of the fabric into the cloak so that the raw edges are hidden. Place a few pins to hold the fabric in place, and then sew over the pinned area. This will secure the opening and finish the edges of your cloak.

Sew the Hood

If your cloak has a hood, you will need to sew it to the neckline of the cloak. Line up the seam on the hood with the seam on the back of the cloak, and place a pin to join the two pieces at the seam. Make sure that the right sides of the exterior fabric are facing each other and that the raw edges of the hood line up with the top edge of the cloak. Then, pin the rest of the hood onto the neckline of the cloak, placing a pin every 2 to 3 inches so that they are perpendicular to the fabric. Sew a straight stitch about 0.5 inches from the hood and neck edges to secure the hood to the neckline of the cloak.

Adding a hood

Step 1: Measurements

First, you need to determine how loose you want the hood to be. Wrap a measuring tape over your head to get an idea of the desired circumference. For example, if you want a fairly loose hood, you might opt for a circumference of 38 inches. Divide this number by half to get the hood height.

Next, measure the neckline of the cloak now that the pieces are sewn together. Add an inch for seam allowance, and then divide this measurement by half to get the bottom width of the hood.

Step 2: Design

The shape of the hood is entirely up to you. It can be as simple as a rectangle, which will give a small point at the back, or you can go for something more curved and dramatic. Keep in mind that you will need to add a seam allowance of approximately half an inch when cutting and sewing.

Step 3: Cutting the Fabric

Fold a piece of your outer fabric in half. Position the fold at the top so that you won't need to sew a seam. Mark the height and bottom (neckline) of the hood on the fabric. Draw the shape of the back of the hood according to your design preferences.

Cut out the hood, and use this as a template to cut out a piece of lining fabric. If your cloak has a lining, you will want to use the same fabric for the hood lining to ensure a cohesive look.

Step 4: Sewing the Hood

Pin and sew the back of the outer fabric with right sides facing. Do the same for the hood lining. You will now have two hood pieces: one from the outer fabric and one from the lining.

Step 5: Attaching the Hood to the Cloak

Pin the front edges of the outer hood and hood lining together with right sides facing. Sew along this edge, then turn the hood right side out and iron it flat.

Pin the outer fabric of the cloak's neckline to the outer hood neckline with right sides facing. Sew along this edge, attaching the hood to the cloak.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Fold in the edges of the cloak and hood linings, and pin them together. Sew this together with a hidden stitch for a neat finish.

Your wedding cloak with a hood is now complete! You can add further embellishments or choose to attach a closure, such as a hook and eye, button, or ties, at the front of the cloak.

Attaching a closure

Now that your cloak is sewn together, you will need to attach a closure to the front. You could use a hook and eye closure, a frog closure, a button, or ties.

First, try on the cloak and use a mirror to determine the ideal placement for the closure piece. This should be right at the front of your neck over your collarbone. Once you have found the correct placement, insert a straight pin into the fabric on each side of the cloak where you want the clasp to be.

Next, remove the cloak and use your thumb to mark the clasp placement as you remove each pin. Place one side of the clasp on the cloak and reinsert the pin through the clasp to hold it in place until you are ready to sew. Repeat this step for the other side of the clasp.

Finally, sew the closure onto the cloak. Use a straight stitch to sew about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) from the edges of the closure. Sew all the way around the edges of the closure base to secure it, then do the same for the other side. Depending on the type of closure you are using, you may need to use a heavy-duty needle. For example, if the closure has leather or another thick material as its base, you will need to change your sewing machine needle.

Frequently asked questions