Half-circle cape

A beginner-friendly drafted cape made from a half-circle of fabric, suitable for fantasy, historical, and LARP costumes.

A half-circle cape is one of the simplest garments you can draft yourself, and that makes it a great first project. The basic shape is exactly what it sounds like: a semicircle of fabric with a curved opening cut away at the centre for the neckline. When you wear it, the straight edge runs across the back from shoulder to shoulder and the curved hem sweeps down behind you. Adding a simple collar band, a clasp, or a button loop at the throat turns that plain shape into something that reads clearly as a costume piece. To draft the pattern, you need two measurements: the radius of the neckline opening and the total length you want the cape to fall from your shoulder. The neckline radius is worked out from your neck circumference, and the cape length is added on top of that to find the outer radius of the semicircle. You can draw the two curves directly onto paper, fabric, or a large sheet of pattern paper using a tape measure as a makeshift compass, anchoring one end at a fixed point. Because every body and every desired length is different, the specific numbers are yours to calculate rather than something a general guide can give you. Before you cut into your fashion fabric, making a mock-up in an inexpensive cotton or calico is strongly recommended, which is exactly what the linked entry on toiles covers. A toile lets you check that the neck opening fits comfortably, that the hem length suits your height, and that the fabric will drape the way you expect. Heavier wools and brocades hang very differently from lightweight lining fabric, so the mock-up step is worth the time even for a shape this simple. Finishing options are easy to vary. You can face the neckline with a separate curved strip of fabric, add a stand collar, or simply bind the edge. The hem can be left with a narrow rolled edge, faced to lie flat, or trimmed with ribbon or braid. A clasp, frog fastening, or pair of ties at the throat are all traditional choices that do not require buttonholes. If you plan to wear this cape at a LARP event, keep in mind that trailing fabric can catch on undergrowth, tent stakes, and the feet of people around you. Consider a length that clears the ground when you move, and check whether your particular game has any guidance on costume safety. When using an iron, work on a stable surface, keep the cord away from your path, and allow the iron to cool fully before storing it. If you are using fabric adhesive or iron-on interfacing, follow the ventilation guidance on the product's own label, as fumes vary by product.