It doesn’t take much to make a cute Halloween outfit or costume for your American Girl or other 18” doll! All you need is a good cape and a bit of creativity. Read on for a free sewing pattern you can use to sew a simple fleece doll cape, with options for 2 lengths.
Have you noticed how many Halloween costumes start with a cape? A witch, a wizard, a princess, a superhero, just to name a few. Just vary the color and details on the cape and it will work for any number costumes.
This simple fleece cape is a fun Halloween accessory for a doll. It’s quick and easy to sew using my free pattern.
The pattern includes options for two lengths – a full length cape, and another that comes just below the doll’s knees.
The hooded cape has a frog closure at the neck and is fully lined so it looks as nice on the inside as it does on the outside.
I used a quilting cotton for my lining but this would be also nice out of a costume satin lining– especially if you’re making a more dramatic costume like a princess or a wizard. And if you’re wanting a dressier cape, substitute a crushed velvet (or other dressy fabric) for the fleece. So many options!
If you’re loving that cute little Halloween outfit that my doll is wearing underneath her cape, I sewed those pieces up quickly using my Crop Tee and Skirt free pattern. This pattern is super fast and easy to sew and uses very little fabric. Just change up the fabrics or add fun details to change up the look of the little outfit.
Supplies
Outer Cape – ½ yard fleece
Lining – ½ yard lining fabric (quilting cotton or costume satin)
1 small frog closure
Free Pattern – Fleece Doll Cape
All seam allowances ¼”. Seam allowances ARE included in the pattern. RST = Right Sides Together.
Sew the Outer Cape
Place fleece Hood pieces RST. Sew together along the curved top and side. (Leave bottom and flat side open.)
Place fleece Cape Back and Cape Front pieces RST. Sew along shoulder and angled side. (Leave bottom and straight side open.)
Find the center of the Cape Neck and mark it with a pin or small notch.
Pin the bottom edge of the Hood along the Cape Neck, RST and matching at seams and center of Cape Neck. Sew the Hood to the Cape Neck along this edge.
It’s easy to get the Hood bottom and Hood front mixed up. The bottom of the Hood has a curved edge, while the front has a straight edge. Make sure you’re pinning the bottom edge.
Sew the Cape Lining
Place lining Hood pieces RST. Sew together along the curved top and side. (Leave bottom and flat side open.)
Place lining Cape Back and Cape Front pieces RST. Sew along shoulder and angled side, leaving 3” open along one of the seams. (Leave bottom and straight side open.)
Find the center of the Cape Neck and mark it with a pin or small notch.
Pin the bottom edge of the Hood along the Cape Neck, RST and matching at seams and center of Cape Neck. Sew the Hood to the Cape Neck along this edge.
Assemble the Cape
Place the Outer Cape and the Lining RST, matching corners and seams.
Sew around all 4 edges.
Fleece sometimes likes to stretch, especially on long and curved seams. If you’ve got a walking foot, it’s a good idea to use it for this step to keep the fleece from stretching.
Clip corners and curves, then turn right side out. Press.
Top stitch around all 4 edges.
Now to close that turning hole. At the turning hole on the Lining, press the seam allowances to the inside so they’re even with the sewn edge. Use a ladder stitch to sew the opening closed.
Hand sew the frog closure to the Neck of the Cape.
Your Fleece Doll Cape is finished!
If you love this fleece doll cape pattern, you will love these doll sewing tutorials as well:
Doll DIY Sweater Made From Socks
Summertime Doll Romper Pattern
Doll Sleeping Bag and Pillow Set
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I am confused, the pattern piece for the doll cape says to cut the front piece on a fold but no fold arrows on the pattern piece. If you cut one on the fold, you have one from fleece and one from lining. The instructions show you sewing two front pieces to the back. Which is it? Should it be two fronts from lining and fleece?
You are correct. It should be two fronts from lining and fleece. That was a mistake on my part when labeling my pattern pieces. So sorry for the confusion that caused! I’m updating the pattern now so the labeling will be correct. –Anne
Was this ever updated? I think it’s why I’m confused. ONLY the back is cut on the fold?
So sorry! When I updated the pattern, it somehow didn’t get uploaded correctly so the old one was still there. I’ve got it uploaded and verified that the correct version is out there. You are correct that ONLY the back is cut on the fold. The front cape is cut as 2 pieces because there’s an opening up the front. Sorry for the confusion that my mislabeling caused. –Anne
I also had some confusion about the “cut 1 on fold” instruction for the front pieces but I’ve just finished this project and it looks great! Thanks so much.
I can’t seem to find link for free pattern for doll cape
Go to the post, scroll down to the supply list, and click on “free pattern.” You will find it there. Happy sewing! 🙂
This is really confusing. Do you have a video?
Thanks for letting me know! I’m sorry the pattern was confusing. I don’t have a video, unfortunately, but I appreciate you taking the time to let me know. —Anne