This is a very simple cloak. I even used the selvedge of the material to save hemming the front (of course, you could easily hem this for a better finish:-)

Measure the child’s height, from shoulder to floor. You will need this measurement (and allow for seam allowance and a big hem—depending on the child’s age) plus 30 centimetres. I used drill (112 cms wide), but really, any cotton fabric that suits you is fine.

For a five year old you will need:

140 cms drill (112 cms wide)

thread to match

2 metres decorative ribbon or braid (this will depend on where you intend to place it)

1 large button

Straighten the ends of the fabric. Cut 30 centimetres off. This will be the hood. For a five year old I didn’t use the full width of the fabric, so I ended up with a pieces 30 x 84. Fold this in half (30 x 42), right sides together. Sew down one of the longer edges and finish the seam (zig zag or overlock). Hem the opposite edge.

With the other piece (for the five year old, who was 90 cms, I used a piece 112 x110), sew a gathering stitch across one end. It will be easier if you do each half separately (as in, sew from one edge to the middle, then from the middle to the opposite edge). Gather each of these to 27 cms (to match the bottom of your hood). Pin each half to the bottom edge of the hood (right sides together) and sew. Finish this seam the same way you did the other.

Hem the bottom edge with a small hem.

With your decorative ribbon or braid, make a loop large enough to go easily around the button. sew this to your cloak at the point where the hood joins.

Use the remainder of the ribbon or braid to decorate the cloak. (If you are going to use it near the bottom edge, you will need to do your final hem first. I chose not to, so that when the large hem was let down, it shouldn’t be too obvious.)

Sew on the button.

Hem to the correct length. I did this by hand, but remembered later that my sewing machine has a blind hem—I’ll try this for the next one. This was a very popular gift, truly a success:-) I’m already making another, and I suspect there will be a few more in the next few years:-)

(If you try making a cloak using these instructions, feel free to ask questions in the comments if anything doesn’t make sense! I’d like them to be useable so that next time I’m making it, I can follow them too:-) )