Lyla Dejesus
A bridal cape is an elegant addition to any wedding gown and is especially useful for weddings in cooler months. Making your own bridal cape is a great way to save money and is not as difficult as one might think. Basic sewing skills are required for some cape designs, but there are also no-sew options available. To make a bridal cape, you will need to measure your wedding gown and cut your fabric accordingly, adding a few inches for seams. You can then sew the fabric together, add a liner, and hem the outer edges. Finally, you can add any desired embellishments, such as lace, beads, or trim, to match the cloak to your dress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sewing skills required | Basic sewing skills are required, but some patterns require no previous experience with sewing |
| Materials | Satin, lace, tulle, silk rope, brooch, needle and thread, fabric, scissors, measuring tape |
| Length | Should reach the bottom of the neck or be long enough to drape |
| Edges | Can be rounded or left raw |
| Attachment | Attached to the shoulders or secured with pins |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right length
Wedding Dress Silhouette
The style of your wedding dress will play a crucial role in determining the length of your cape. Consider the details of your dress, such as the length, train, and any intricate back designs. You want to ensure that your cape complements your dress without overwhelming it or getting in the way as you walk down the aisle. If your dress has a unique back design, you may opt for a shorter cape or one with an open back. Similarly, if your dress has a long train, you might want to avoid a floor-length cape that may get entangled.
Personal Preference and Proportion
The length of your cape should ultimately align with your personal style and the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve. Consider whether you want a dramatic, sweeping cape that creates a statement or a more subtle, elegant look. Additionally, take your body proportions into account. If you're petite, a floor-length cape may overwhelm your frame, while a shorter cape may get lost in a voluminous skirt. Conversely, if you're tall, a shorter cape may look disproportionately small.
Venue and Season
Think about the season and venue of your wedding. If you're having an outdoor wedding in the summer, a lightweight, shorter cape will be more comfortable and practical. You may also want to consider a cape with sleeves to provide a little extra coverage without adding too much warmth. For a winter wedding, a longer, heavier cape can serve as a stylish alternative to a coat, ensuring you stay warm throughout the day.
Versatility
Another factor to consider is whether you want the option to remove your cape during the reception. A shorter cape or capelet can easily be taken off, providing you with a second look. This is a great way to transition your style from the ceremony to the reception, especially if your dress has beautiful details that you want to showcase later in the day.
Hair and Jewellery
Finally, think about your hairstyle and jewellery. A shorter cape or capelet can showcase an intricate updo or a statement necklace. If you're wearing your hair down, a longer cape can provide a beautiful frame for your face and create a romantic, ethereal look.
Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing the length of your wedding cape. Consider the above factors, but ultimately, select a length that makes you feel confident and beautiful on your special day.
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Selecting the fabric
When selecting the fabric for your wedding cape, you should consider drape, feel, and workability. The drape is the way the fabric falls. For example, silk tulle and silk chiffon are not stiff and have good drape. Both fabrics are also soft to the touch, which is an important consideration if you will be wearing the cape for several hours.
You should also think about colour, lace, and other details. Capes in a colour other than white are a fantastic way to add a touch of colour to your wedding ensemble without committing to a coloured dress. If you are unsure, go to a fabric store and look at several different types of fabric.
- Lace: Typical for its femininity and charm, lace is often used as the topmost layer of the dress, extending to the cape.
- Chiffon: This fabric is light and gentle on sensitive skin. However, it cannot support heavy embellishments. Chiffon dresses typically feature lace trimmings or sequins instead of heavy beads and stones.
- Velvet: A fabric often chosen by royals, velvet is exquisite but not easy to handle. It can support heavy embellishments and is best suited for winter weddings.
- Silk: Silk offers a lot of variety in colours and textures. It can be heavily embellished but may not be suitable for warm weather.
- Net: Net is suitable for stone embellishments and can be used for the cape as well. Look for good-quality net that does not easily fray or lose its shape.
- Organza: This fabric is similar to chiffon but adds more volume to your gown. It is lightweight and comfortable while adding texture to your ensemble.
- Taffeta: Usually made from silk and synthetic fibres, taffeta makes a beautiful rustling sound and has a crisp look. It can support heavy embroidery or embellishments.
- Georgette: A soft and flowy fabric, Georgette is not suitable for heavy embroidery and is mostly preferred by summer brides.
- Tulle: Tulle is the material used by ballet dancers in their tutu skirts. Stiff tulle is often used as a veil, while softer tulle can be used for flowy wedding gowns.
- Brocade: Brocade requires a base fabric and is suitable for winter weddings. It features raised jacquard designs, giving your wedding gown a royal look.
- Charmeuse: Charmeuse is a soft fabric that feels like satin and has a glossy look. It is perfect for wedding gowns embellished with rhinestones and is used to create flowy dresses.
- Crepe: Another light and flowy fabric, crepe is suitable for summer weddings. It has a beautiful crinkled finish that adds texture to your dress. Crepe wedding gowns can be paired with capes of the same material or with lace capes.
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Cutting the fabric
Firstly, you will need to take measurements. Measure the length of your wedding gown and the widest portion of the skirt. For a floor-length cape, you can cut the fabric to match the length of the gown, adding a few extra inches for seams. If you prefer a shorter cape, measure the desired length from the nape of your neck or the middle of your back, depending on your preferred style.
Next, fold the fabric in half and divide the width measurement of your gown by half. Cut the fabric to match the width of the widest part of the gown, again adding a couple of extra inches for seams. This will ensure your cape drapes beautifully over your shoulders and allows for ease of movement.
If you are creating a hooded cape, you will need to measure the height of your head from the base of your spine to the top of your head. Take into account any headpiece or veil you plan to wear. This measurement will be used later to create the hood.
When cutting the fabric, use sharp fabric scissors to ensure clean, precise cuts. Carefully cut along the measurements you have marked, taking your time to ensure accuracy. It is always better to cut a little less than needed and then trim as necessary, rather than cutting too much and ruining your fabric.
If you want a rounded edge for your cape, use a fabric pencil or chalk to mark a smooth curve before cutting. Alternatively, for a more unique and free-flowing shape, you can simply cut the fabric freehand, as suggested by a DIY bride who shared her experience online. She mentioned that she "laid [the fabric] all the way flat and just freehand cut the edges" to create a shape she was happy with.
Remember to consider the type of fabric you are using. If it is a delicate material like lace or tulle, be extra careful to avoid any snags or tears while cutting.
Once you have cut your fabric to size, you can move on to the next steps of constructing your wedding cape, such as sewing and adding any decorative elements.
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Sewing the fabric
Firstly, select your fabric. Tulle is a popular choice for wedding capes, but you can also opt for satin or lace, depending on the style and season of your wedding. If you're getting married during cooler months, consider using a warmer fabric or adding a liner, like satin, to your main fabric for extra warmth.
Next, measure your fabric. Measure the length of your wedding gown and add an extra 4 inches to allow for seams. For the width, fold your fabric in half and divide the width measurement of your gown by two. Again, add a couple of extra inches for seams. Cut your fabric to these measurements. If you want a hood, fold the fabric and create a small seam, following the same process as creating a liner.
Now, it's time to sew! Hem the outer edges of your fabric using a 1/2 to 1-inch seam. If you've added a liner, sew it to the main fabric, creating a neat finish. You can also add a drawstring at the neckline, using silk rope and a clasp, brooch, or slider to hold it in place. This will allow you to adjust the cape for a comfortable fit.
Finally, consider adding embellishments. You can attach lace, beads, or trim to enhance the elegance of your cape and match it to your wedding dress. If you want a raw edge for a more minimal look, skip this step.
Remember to take your time and enjoy the process of creating your own wedding cape. It's a unique and special addition to your wedding ensemble!
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Adding decorative elements
Lace
Lace is a classic choice for adding a decorative touch to your wedding cape. You can opt for a simple trim or go for an all-over lace fabric. If you want something truly unique, consider using lace from your grandmother's wedding dress. You can attach the lace by hand-sewing it, using glue, or applying spray adhesive, depending on the weight and size of the lace.
Pearls
Pearls are another elegant option to embellish your wedding cape. You can choose from pearl beads, pearl appliques, or even rows of cascading pearls for a statement look. They can be combined with other decorative elements like lace or tulle for a more intricate design.
Rhinestones or Sequins
For a touch of sparkle, consider adding rhinestones or sequins to your wedding cape. You can glue on rhinestones randomly or in a specific pattern to create a sparkling design. Sequins can also be used to create a magical, whimsical finish, especially when paired with floral lace.
Colour
Adding a hint of colour to your wedding cape can be a unique way to make a statement. Consider a coloured fabric for your cape, such as blue or blush pink lace, to add a subtle pop of colour to your wedding ensemble. This is a great option if you want to incorporate colour into your outfit without committing to a coloured dress.
Edging
The edging of your wedding cape can be a decorative element in itself. You can choose to round the edges for a soft, elegant finish, or cut them in a specific shape that complements the style of your cape and dress. Adding lace or other trim to the edges can also enhance the overall look.
Fastenings
The way you fasten your wedding cape can also be a decorative feature. You can choose from various options like vintage cardigan clasps, sweater clips, shawl chains, or hook attachments. These functional yet decorative elements can add a touch of whimsy or drama to your overall bridal aesthetic.
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Frequently asked questions
You can make a bridal cape without any sewing experience or a sewing machine. All you need is 110'' of Tulle or other fabric that is 108’’ in width, 2 decorative brooches, invisible nylon sewing thread, sewing scissors, a measuring tape or ruler, and hand sewing needles.
Measure your wedding gown length and the widest portion of the skirt. Then, measure the height of your head from the base of your spine to the top of your head, taking into account the measurement for any headpiece or veil you will wear. Cut your fabric to match the length of the wedding gown, with an additional 4 inches for seams.
The length of your cape depends on your personal preference and the style of your wedding gown. A cape can be draped to show off a low back or cut straight across to complement an open-backed dress.
