Oct 05, 2025

How to Sew a Quick Costume Cloak - Step-by-Step Guide

Learning how to sew a kid's costume cloak is easier than you think and it’s a project that creates something truly special for your kids. Not only will you feel proud that you made it yourself, but your child will love wearing their new cloak for every adventure!

Weather it’s a witch or vampire cloak for Halloween, a wizard cloak for Book Week, or an easy kid's costume for a birthday party. This beginner friendly sewing project is perfect for any occasion. Using just one piece of fabric and minimal materials, you can make these kids cloak costumes in any size — toddler, teen, or adult — with just a couple of rows of stitching.

These cloaks are perfect for so many occasions. Sew one in black or dark fabric for quick DIY Halloween kids' costumes or create colourful versions as birthday party favors for all the kids to take home. Once the party or event is over, pop it into the dress-up box where it will spark hours of imaginative play.

If you love DIY Halloween kids costumes, this cloak is a must-try! It’s fast, fun, and reusable - perfect for when you want something unique that your child (or you!) will wear again long after Halloween has passed.

Cloak Costume Ideas

This simple sewing project can easily be used for all kinds of kid's costume cloaks (and adult ones too!). If you’re wondering how to make a cloak that can be used for different characters or events, here are some fun ideas to get you inspired.

Wizard, Witch or Vampire Cloak – Sew your cloak in black or deep purple for a quick Halloween Vampire, or Harry Potter Book Week costume.
Magician Cloak – Try black or navy fabric with stars or metallic patterns for a touch of magic.
Royal Cloak – Create a regal look for a King, Queen, Prince or Princess using red, blue or gold fabric and a faux fur trim.
Fantasy or Medieval Cloak – Use rich, earthy tones for elves, druids, jedi, rangers or adventurers.
Adult Cloak – Make a larger version for themed parties, cosplay, or to match your child’s DIY Halloween costume.

How To Make The Cloak

This cloak pattern is made from 1 piece of knit (stretchy) fabric and just 2 rows of stitching. The measurements given in this tutorial were used to make a child (3-4 years) and an adult (women's size 10) cloak. Use the measuring section below to adjust the fit as needed.

You Will Need

Knit fabric - MUST be a stretch fabric – it will not fit with a woven- non stretchy fabric.
- Child Size (approx. 3-4yr) -115cm wide and 125cm long (with the stretch across the width)
- Adult Size (approx. size 10) - 150cm wide and 210cm long (with the stretch across the width)
Sewing machine and ball point (stretch) needle
Matching thread
Pins
Measuring tape

Measuring the Size

Our cloaks were made floor length with a full sleeve (to the wrist) to fit a 3-4 year old and a size 10 female adult. You can easily adjust the size and length of the cloak to your needs. The fit will vary depending on how much stretch your chosen fabric has.

To adjust the size of the cloak sewing pattern, measure:

Wrist to wrist
Top of shoulder to ankle / floor

This pattern is versatile and works beautifully for both kids and adults, so you can sew matching cloaks for family costumes or themed parties!

Making The Kids Cloak Costume

Cut the fabric 115cm wide and 125cm long, making sure the stretch goes across the width. Adjust these measurements to your child’s size as shown below.

Lay the fabric out flat with the right side down (and pattern placement top to bottom if your fabric has directional prints like the unicorns in this fabric).
Fold the fabric over 25cm from the top edge (the print will be upside down in the folded section).

Pin along the edge of your folded piece 35cm in from each edge.
Setup your sewing machine with a ball point (stretch) needle, and a narrow zig zag stitch or lightning bolt stitch.
Sew along the pinned edge (35cm on each side) with a 1cm seam allowance, making sure not to pull or stretch the fabric as you sew. Backstitch (reverse a few stitches at the beginning and end of each row of stitching.

You’re done!

Making an Adult Cloak

To make the cloak in adult size:

Cut the fabric 150cm wide and 210cm long, making sure the stretch goes across the width. Adjust these measurements to size needed as shown below.

Lay the fabric out flat with the right side down (and pattern placement top to bottom if your fabric has directional prints like the unicorns in this fabric).
Fold the fabric over 40cm from the top edge.

Pin along the edge of your folded piece 50cm in from each edge.
Setup your sewing machine with a ball point (stretch) needle, and a narrow zig zag stitch or lightning bolt stitch.
Sew along the pinned edge (50cm on each side) with a 1cm seam allowance, making sure not to pull or stretch the fabric as you sew. Backstitch (reverse a few stitches at the beginning and end of each row of stitching.

Optional Extras

Finish Edges/Hemming – Finish around the edges of the sleeves and bottom of the cloak with a zig-zag stitch to reduce fraying ( most knit fabrics will not fray at the edges), or turn up each edge and stitch in place as a hem.
Trim & Embellishments – Add faux fur, beading, or decorative trim around the sleeves or hem for a glamorous royal or fantasy look.

In just a few steps, you’ve sewn a handmade cloak that your kids (and you) will love wearing again and again. Not only is it a simple sewing win, but it’s also a keepsake that brings joy to their playtime and pride to your sewing journey.

I’d love to see your creations tag me @schooza.makes on Instagram or email hello@schooza.com.au

If you enjoyed making a cloak with this tutorial, you’ll love my other beginner-friendly sewing patterns designed for kids’ dress-ups and DIY Halloween kids costumes — from animal ears to wands and crowns, there’s something fun for every little adventurer.

Explore the patterns here » http://www.schooza.com.au/collections/sewing-patterns