What is a cloak?
A cloak is a type of loose garment that can be worn as indoor clothing or an overcoat. Cloaks not only protect the wearer from the cold, rain, or wind but form part of a fashionable outfit or uniform.
The term “cloak” derives from the Old North French word “cloque” which means "traveling cloak". According to Medieval Latin, cloak means clocca or "travelers' cape with bell shape.
In the past, cloaks were used by myriad historical societies. Cloaks with full-body style were favored in many climates because they allowed them to be removed easily and did not constrain the wearer with sleeves.
Nowadays, cloaks have been changed in terms of designs to match fashion and available textiles. In general, cloaks fasten at the neck or over the shoulder and vary in length. The hood can be added or not, based on a specific style or customers’ requirements. Cloaks can have sleeves or no sleeves.
A cloak is seen as an essential in many cosplay and Halloween costumes, whether you’re a wizard, elf, or any of a wide array of period characters, even in everyday life, you can wear it if you want. In this article, Printerval shares your tactics to make a cloak by yourself, fast, economically, and uniquely.
( Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloak)
What do I need to make a cloak?
Before making a cloak, some essential things you need are:
Cloak patterns can be the frame for your cloak’s design.
Fabric for the exterior and fabric for the lining is about 4 yards (3.7 m) for an adult-sized cloak.
Clasps, scissors, and pins.
Sewing machine which is indispensable, along with thread.
With regard to materials, you can make cloaks from many different fabrics depending on the look you want. Some of the common types of fabrics you can use include cotton twill which is heavy and easy to sew, satin which has a lining, etc.
How do you make a homemade cloak?
Step 1: Measure and cut the fabric
No matter what size is for kids or adults, the first and foremost step is measuring how long you want the cloak. And then cut the fabric along the lines you draw during the measuring process.
Step 2: Sew the fabric together
In this step, you may need some skills and practice. If you have never used a sew before, do it slowly and carefully.
You can start with pinning and sewing all the outer fabric pieces together with half of the seam allowance and then iron the seams open.
Put the outer and lining pieces together with right sides facing and pin around the bottom and sides.
Step 3: Cut and sew the hood
There are many different shapes and sizes you can make the hood, as a result, you can start by wrapping the measuring tape over the top of your head to see how to lose you want it.
Step 4: Sew the cloak and hood together
In this step, you only pin the front edges of the outer hood and hood lining together with the right sides facing.
Step 5: Attach a closure
This is the final step and you can use a frog closure, a button, or ties for eye closure. You sew on a hook and eye closure at the top of the front. Remember to sew the hook part onto the back of one of the edges. Well, now your cloak is finished.
What materials can be used to make cloaks?
Wool
Wool can be woven but can not be knitted or crocheted. Wool is thick and warm, delicate and light which was the most available and popular fabric in the Middle Age.
Linen
Linen wrinkles easily which is used for undergarments, as well as household items like tablecloths and napkins. Linen was seen as the second most popular textile fiber in the past.
Silk
Silk is made from a long process involving a fiber made by silkworms which are associated with the wealthy, royals, and the Church. In the past, silk was not affordable to the lower classes.
Velvet
Velvet is made on separate looms using a special technique that loops raised tufts together and then cuts them apart after weaving. As a result, it’s expensive and has a long association with royalty.
Cotton
Cotton was used as an alternative to linen from time to time and is extremely popular today. Cotton is affordable, breathable, and suitable for many types of clothing. It is also wrinkle-resistant and water-resistant.
Leather
In addition to its strength and flexibility, leather could also be dyed, painted, or tooled for ornamentation which has been used since the stone age to make many everyday things. Leather is the most luxurious material of all time.
If you feel that making a cloak yourself is too complicated and time-consuming, you can purchase a custom cloak at Printerval where there are many unique and trendy cloaks available for everyone. While the designs of cloaks are exclusive, the price for them is not really expensive and the quality is good and durable.
You can shop for cloaks on Printerval.com!
