In my recent experience, I have found that capes make a perfect gift for girls and boys, whatever the age.   You are never too old for superhero fantasy play!  At least that’s what my husband would have me believe.  He even made up his own hero called “The Nap-Master”, whose powers become stronger when he gets a few minutes of sleep.  Nice, right?

Anyway, this project allows for the youngest in the family to become a caped crusader in his own right.   And just in time for Halloween!  As I whipped up this bad-boy (2 hours before it was due to be gifted!), I tried to take enough photos to pull it into a little tutorial for ya.  Hopefully, there not too many gaps in the process!

First, gather your materials-  a plain onesie (or tee-shirt), a 12 x 15 rectangle of cape fabric, and scraps for your applique design. and thread to match!

Fold, press, and pin 3 of the cape’s edges.  Or, save time on this simple project by serging your edges and leaving them that way.

Finish your 3 sides with a 1/8″ edge stitch.

Next, machine gather the unfinished edge by sewing a straight stitch (do not back-stitch at the start or finish) set to the highest stitch length.

The fabric will gather when you pull on the top threads at each end.  Gather until the length of your gathered edge measures the length of the back collar of your onesie.

At this point, I was running late and decided to quickly secure my gathered edge by folding it over and running a zigzag stitch along the edge.  Then, I pinned the cape from shoulder seam to shoulder seam.

Secure the cape to the onesie with a zigzag stitch.

I snuck in a little ribbon tag for a signature look.

Now, on to the applique.  I always use Steam-a-Seam 2, a double-sided fusible interfacing, to attach my designs.  Iron paper to the wrong side of your fabric.  Draw your design on the paper, but be careful if you are drawing a letter- you will need to draw it backwards, or draw it on the right side of the fabric!  I had my husband draw me a superhero-y lightening bolt.  My own version just did not look cool.

Cut out your design, remove paper, and iron to your onesie.

Finish the applique by using a small, tight zigzag stitch around the edge of your design.  Practice your zigzagging on scrap fabric to get it just right.  I thought this gold contrasting thread would really make it pop!   And, that’s it!  Super baby to the rescue!

*Disclaimer*

I am not responsible for atempted flying off furniture by caped babies or toddlers!  However, if instead your child transforms into a fearless “Nap-Master”, I will gladly accept credit!  Good luck with that one.

~ Caroline