Free calculator · capes
Enter the neckline, the length and the cape type. Get the neckline and hem radius, the front edges, the cutting layout, the yardage and a 1:1 quarter pattern.
Tiled PDF, … pages: print at 100%, check the 2 in / 5 cm squares and tape the pages. One printed quarter makes every panel.
How it works
Measure around the base of the neck, then decide on the length from neck to hem.
Choose a full, 3/4 or half circle. The calculator lays the panels out on your fabric.
Print the quarter pattern at 100%, tape it together and cut each panel from it.
Worked example
Worked example
Result
The front allowances make the neck arc 18", so the cape still closes at 16" once they are folded under. In metric, a 60.0 cm cape takes 0.8 m (7/8 yd).
The math
A circle cape is a circle skirt worn at the neck. k is 1 for a full circle, 0.75 for 3/4 and 0.5 for a half circle. The hem radius is r plus the length.
Neck arc: 16" + 2 × 1" = 18". Stitch radius: 18" ÷ (2π × 0.5) = 5 3⁄4". Cut neckline: 5 3⁄4" − 1⁄2" = 5 1⁄4". Cut hem: 5 3⁄4" + 24" + 1⁄2" = 30 1⁄4".
Tips
The neckline is a curve on the bias. Staystitch it before you clip or face it.
Hang the cape for a day before hemming. Bias sections drop, so even the hem afterwards.
A half circle sits close, a full circle swings. Heavy wool works best as a half or 3/4 circle.
Want a matching skirt? The circle skirt calculator uses the same radius formula.
A half circle sits on the shoulders with soft folds and uses less fabric. A full circle has much more swing and needs more fabric or more panels.
Around the base of the neck, where a crew neckline would sit. Add a little if the cape goes over a coat collar.
The cape opens at the centre front. Each front edge is folded under by this much, so it is added to the neck arc. Use 0 if you bind the edges.
A big circle rarely fits across the fabric. The calculator splits it into panels with seams at the back or shoulders, and picks the layout that uses the least fabric.
Yes. Print at 100% or Actual size and measure the test square before you tape the pages.
Free, private and printable. Your numbers never leave this page.
