Embossed Velvet Cape

Materials:

Vogue cape pattern
rayon-acetate velvet (nylon velvet will not emboss properly )
synthetic fabric lining
rubber stamps (foam stamps will melt)
mister bottle with water
iron
scissors
pins
needle
thread
walker foot
velvet pressing board
hook and eye closure
pattern weights

Steps:

1. To emboss velvet, position the stamp right side up and place the velvet fabric right side down against the stamp. Mist the back of the fabric lightly with water. Place the hot iron squarely on the velvet, covering the entire image, and do not rock it. Allow to set for about 20 seconds (figure A).

Tip: Try to position the iron so that the steam holes are not on the image, as this could create a different impression on the fabric. Set the iron just below the cotton setting on dry heat (do not use steam). For a random effect, stamp designs upside down or sideways. Random stamping makes it easier to piece the garment together. Stamp the image on more fabric than you think you'll need, so that when you cut the fabric, some of the images will run off the edges of the material. Create a design in rows, in one area or randomly, as desired.

2. With right sides of velvet together and using fabric weights (figure B), cut velvet pattern pieces. Cut the center front (slit) on the grain line for the cape front opening (figure C).

3. Stay-stitch the neck opening on the velvet for added stability (figure D) . Feed it through gently.

4. Split the lining panel up the center back into two pieces and add a seam allowance. Doing this gives a concealed seam to use for turning this lined cape. Run a row of stitches on this center seam, leaving an 8- to 10-inch opening for turning the cape inside out.

5. Pin the velvet and lining together. Hand-baste the velvet and lining and stitch together.

Tip: Hand basting gives more control in stitching the fabrics together than pinning or adjusting the presser foot. You can pin in the seam allowance area without creating unwanted marks in the velvet fabric.

6. Clip the corners on both layers (figure E) for easier turning.

7. Turn the piece at the opening in the center back seam. Work the layers around the edges (where you'll be topstitching) with your fingers and smooth out the seams. Pin and hand-baste to control the layers. Finish the cape by topstitching around the perimeter of the cape (figure F) and remove the basting stitches.

9. Slipstitch the opening closed and attach hook and eye closure.