How to Fasten a Cloak or Cape: Ties, Clasps, Frog Closures and More

The simplest way to fasten a cloak or cape is with two fabric ties sewn to the inside corners of the neckline and tied in a loose bow at the front. For a more finished look, sew on a metal cloak clasp or a frog closure, which hooks together at the collarbone and lets the cloak hang open. For children's capes, use a hook-and-loop (Velcro) tab instead, because it pulls apart if the cape catches on something.

Below you'll find each type of closure, how to sew it on so it doesn't tear the fabric, which one suits which costume, and how to attach a cape to a shirt or dress when you don't want anything at the throat at all.

What You Need

• Your finished cloak or cape (see how to sew a cloak without a pattern)
• One closure: ribbon or cord for ties, a metal cloak clasp, a frog closure, a hook-and-loop tab, a large button or a pair of heavy-duty snaps
• A scrap of interfacing or a small square of felt to reinforce the fabric behind the closure
• A hand-sewing needle and strong thread (button or upholstery thread is ideal)
• Pins, tailor's chalk and scissors
• Optional: a lighter or fray stopper liquid for sealing ribbon ends

Which Cloak Closure Should You Choose?

Choose the closure by who will wear the cloak and how heavy the fabric is. Heavy cloaks need a strong, reinforced fastening; young children need one that comes apart easily.

Step 1: Find Where the Closure Goes

The closure goes at the two front corners of the neckline, just below where the collarbones meet. Put the cloak on, or put it on a hanger or a chair back, and check how it hangs before you sew anything.

1. Put the cloak on and bring the two front corners together at the base of the throat.
2. Let the cloak settle on the shoulders. If the front gapes or pulls backward, move the corners until it sits evenly.
3. Mark both points on the inside with chalk, about 1/2 inch (1 cm) in from the edge so the stitches won't pull through.
4. Check that there is a finger's width of space between the closed neckline and the neck. A cloak should never sit tight against the throat.

If the cloak has a hood, fasten the closure just below the hood seam so the hood can fall back freely. Our guide on how to sew a hood onto a cape shows where that seam sits.

Step 2: Reinforce the Fabric

Reinforce the fabric first, because a cloak's weight pulls on the closure every time you move. Without reinforcement, ties and clasps tend to tear small holes in thin fabrics such as satin or cotton.

1. Cut two squares of interfacing or felt, each about 1 1/2 inches (4 cm) across.
2. Fuse or tack one square to the inside of each front corner, over your chalk marks.

Step 3: Sew On Your Closure

Each closure is sewn through the cloak and the reinforcement together, with several passes of strong thread.

Fabric or ribbon ties

1. Cut two pieces of ribbon or cord, each about 14 inches (35 cm) long.
2. Seal the cut ends with fray stopper, or carefully melt polyester ribbon ends with a lighter (an adult job).
3. Fold under 1/2 inch (1 cm) at one end of each tie and sew it to the inside corner with a small box of stitches: a square with an X through it.
4. Tie the ends in a loose bow. Don't knot them tightly at the throat.

Metal cloak clasp or frog closure

1. Unhook the two halves of the clasp or frog.
2. Place one half on each front corner, on the outside of the cloak, so the halves meet at the center when hooked.
3. Sew through every hole or loop on each half, going round each one four or five times. On a frog closure, stitch along the back of the cord knots so the stitches don't show.
4. Hook the halves together and check the cloak still hangs evenly.

Hook-and-loop tab

1. Cut a 1 by 1 1/2 inch (2.5 by 4 cm) piece of sew-on hook-and-loop tape.
2. Sew the soft loop side to the inside of the right corner and the hook side to the outside of the left corner, so they overlap when closed.
3. Stitch all the way round the edge of each piece. Self-adhesive tape tends to peel off fabric, so sew it even if it says it sticks.

Button and loop

1. Sew a large shank button to one corner.
2. Make a loop of elastic or narrow cord just big enough to slip over the button, and sew both ends to the opposite corner.

How to Attach a Cape to a Shirt or Costume

To attach a cape without anything around the neck, fasten its top corners to the shoulders of a shirt, dress or bodysuit. This is how many superhero and fairy costumes are made, and it's a good choice for small children.

• Snaps: sew the ball half of a heavy-duty snap to each shoulder seam of the shirt and the socket half to each top corner of the cape.
• Hook-and-loop: sew a short strip to each shoulder and to each cape corner. The cape comes off with a gentle pull.
• Safety pins: pin from the inside of the shirt through the cape corner. This is quick for older children and adults, but pins are a sharp, small part, so skip them for toddlers.
• Elastic arm loops: sew a loop of elastic to each top corner and slip the arms through, like a backpack. This works well for capes on a costume with no shirt seams to sew to.

Troubleshooting

• The closure tears the fabric: unpick it, add a larger reinforcement square and sew it on again, spreading the stitches over a wider area.
• The cloak pulls at the throat: the corners are too far apart or the cloak is too heavy for the closure point. Move the closure down an inch, or add a second tie lower on the chest.
• The ties keep coming undone: use a cord with some grip, such as cotton, rather than slippery satin ribbon.

Safety Notes for Children's Capes

A child's cape or cloak should come away easily if it gets caught on playground equipment, a door handle or another child. Use hook-and-loop tabs, snaps to a shirt or a very loose bow, and never tie cords tightly around a child's neck. Keep the hem above the ankle so it can't be stepped on, add reflective tape to dark capes worn outdoors after sunset, and keep all costumes well away from candles and lit jack-o'-lanterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still building the cloak? Start with how to make a hood for a cloak or cape and our guide to the best fabric for a cloak, then finish the costume with a homemade witch hat or a hot glue wizard wand. You'll find more projects in our costume accessories section.