How I Made a *Reversible* Velvet Cloak | Historically Inspired + Fantasy Dreams

Maybe I read too many fantasy books growing up. But I've always wanted a dramatic, extra, sumptuous velvet cloak, the kind the heroine runs around in the woods in, trying to find a solution to save the kingdom or running for her life. The kind she swings over her shoulders on a cold winter night to ride out for a secret meeting. Velvet. Swish. Drama. However, as always, the practical devil on my shoulder instructed me to do some historical research, so that I could ground this make in historical design and techniques and therefore make it not only decadent and fantastical, but also suitable to wear over my historical makes. In this video I give a brief historical context of cloaks (how for centuries there's been a cloak-like garment and dozens of variants), then walk you through an easy (and somewhat beginner friendly) drafting method from a late Victorian manual (1890s), and an insight into the making of the cloak - including tips for the hood, closures, and drape. STEP-BY-STEP 1. Cut cloak - keep in mind where you'll have a seam (mine was at the centre back) and any nape or direction in your fabric (disregarding this will help you cut more economically, like me, but it might make your cloak look two tone). 2. Sew each half of the cloak together, right sides together, press open. 3. Sew lining to outer fabric, right sides together, down the centre front. Press open, turn to outside, press again. Tip: for pressing velvet, lay a scrap piece of velvet on your ironing board