Cloaks are a versatile piece of fabric used widely around the world. If you ever need one, this article will teach you how to make a cloak out of a blanket in just 5 easy steps!
What Materials Do You Need?
Making a cloak out of a blanket is a relatively simple affair. You will need only a few things.
- A blanket – It should be big enough to cover you and your head.
- A pattern – You can find many designs for cloaks online. However, if you need it ASAP, you can use a hoodie as a template.
- Tailor’s chalk – You need something to help you mark certain areas of the fabric you’ll be using. You can use anything, but tailor’s chalk is the most recommended because it is easy to wash off.
- Measuring tape – Use this to ensure that the cloak will fit nicely on you or the person who will wear it.
- Pins and needles – You will use the pins to hold the fabric in place while you sew the material with your hand
The needle should be large or small enough for you to sew through the fabric comfortably.
- Thread – Preferably, the thread you will use should be the same color as the blanket.
Once you’ve gathered all these items, you can proceed to make your cloak.
How To Make A Cloak Out Of A Blanket?
Step #1. Prepare your back pattern
You can deconstruct a hoodie and use it as your template. You can also keep it as is, but you should note that pattern will have allowances for seams already.
To make a pattern from the hoodie, place it on a large piece of paper. Trace either the whole hoodie or the parts of the hoodie. You can tuck in the hood.
You don’t have to trace the bottom because a cloak is much longer than a hoodie. Just trace around the shoulders, and you’re good to go!
You can then cut these out once you’ve traced them out.
Step #2. Ready your front pattern
The front pattern is easier to make than the back. You have to take the back pattern you created earlier and place it on a large sheet of paper. Trace around it, leaving a few inches of allowance for seams.
The only thing that sets this section apart from the back is the neck. It should be deeper than the back.
Once you’re done and satisfied with how your template looks, you can cut it out.
Step #3. Prepare your hood pattern
The hood is an optional section of a cloak, but cloaks do look a lot cooler with it.
There are a lot of opportunities to go crazy with the hood. But, you do need to follow a few general guidelines.
First, you will still have to base your hood on the hood of the hoodie. Do this by tracing the hood on a piece of paper.
You can change the shape of the hoodie in whatever way you like once you finish tracing it. However, keep in mind that the shape of the neckline should stay the same no matter what.
Please do not alter the neckline so that it can fit the neckline of the cloak.
Once you’re satisfied with your hood, you can go ahead and cut it out.
Step #4. Cut out your cloak
Once you have your pattern ready, you can cut out the cloak parts from the blanket you chose.
Do this by folding your blanket lengthwise and laying the back pattern on the fabric’s straight edge.
When cutting, don’t cut in a straight line because this will ruin the cloak’s silhouette. Instead, opt for a curved line.
For the front section, you can use the back section as a guide, so the parts are nearly equal in size. Just remember to trace the neckline of the front section.
You should yield two equally sized front sections.
Finally, for the hood, follow the template you made beforehand.
Step #5. Assemble your cloak
Take the two front sections and put them over the back part, right sides facing each other. Sew down.
Fold in about half an inch of the fabric on the open part and sew.
To attach the hood to your cloak, align the necklines and sew along the seam.
Attach the closure using any kind of fastener that you like. A hook and eye closure is one of the simplest and most convenient ones.
What Are Uses Of Cloaks?
Cloaks are practical outerwear. It helps protect the wearer from harsh weather, such as rain, cold, or wind. On top of this, they also make a bold fashion statement.
Though they have been out of fashion since the end of the 19th century, they are making a comeback.
Conclusion
Cloaks are the perfect article of clothing that is not only fashionable but also practical. Making them is simple but requires some patience.
This article teaches you how to make a cloak out of a blanket, from the materials you need to the steps you need to follow.