DIY Cloak: Under 30 Dollars and 30 Minutes

In this video, I walk you all through a super simple and easy way to make your own adventuring cloak. Leave a like, subscribe, and let me know what you think!
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[@Mike_from_Canmore]

Wore a wool cloak to work and everyone thought it was cool Wore leather arm bracers to work and everyone thought it was cool Wore a mithril chainmail undershirt to work and everyone thought it was cool Wore a sword to work and got arrested.

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

It's truly an unfair world that we live in...

[@Blackadder75]

How could you afford the mithril shirt, were you born with a golden spoon in your mouth?

[@Kitsunegami]

you see you forgot to also bring a scabbard so they got scared

[@theamazingjay161]

Made my day! :D :D :D :D :D

[@Brownsheep1]

Was the sword worn underneath the cloak? That's what gets you. Those "concealed" versus "open" carry laws.

[@sethdarby708]

I wanna bring back wearing cloaks i think it would be great to wear over your jacket on a cold winter day. It would give you and extra layer to stay warm with and if you make it waterproof you could use it for rain protection also.

[@hellomate639]

It actually irritates the shit out of me that its relegated to "cosplay and historical wear." It's literally one of the most versatile pieces of clothing you could wear, both able to keep you warm when it's cold and cool when it's hot. Jackets can't do that. You can't just take a jacket off your arms while you're still wearing it either. It has an excellent profile and it gives you so much flexibility in terms of what you can actually do with it.

[@hellomate639]

@@victoriadolbeare3147 I think one way to start is to make some out of breathable and waterproof materials, and design them for hiking, hunting, backpacking and fishing.

[@timbackman5915]

@@hellomate639 I already always use a cloak while hiking and hunting, it’s amazing for those cold early mornings and windy or rainy days. I made mine out of a tightly woven linen fabric and waterproofed it and lined it with a finer cotton fabric. I also added a bunch of buttons on the inside to fasten a reindeer pelt to keep me warm even during winter.

[@Asthmos]

lok tar ogar brother

[@hartzogLovesScience]

They are called panchos

[@timm1139]

"Once I stopped letting what I thought other people would think about what I was wearing govern the things I wore, I got a lot happier & started looking a lot cooler." So true, thank you, Jess.

[@agoogolofgeese]

It's true! I've adopted that mindset as I've gotten older and I feel so much more comfortable and confident and I realized that instead of people thinking me silly for wearing this or that, people actually respect me for following my own sense of style and fashion. I started wearing a kind of light, muslin cloak (as a guy) sometime last year and got nothing but compliments and omg-i-want-one's from friends and strangers out and about and at the bar I tend. Her quote stood out to me, too, and yeah.. my quote now 😂

[@Flashahol]

I say What others think about me is none of my business. Only once did I get some weird look for looking like a scout master (in suburbia) and I looked back at the guy "owning it". He quickly went about his business.

[@roxies1615]

Omg I love what she said..... sometimes I get up and just want to live in a different time so I dress the part and go out without a worry in the world....of course I get looks but mostly I think people just wish they were brave enough to do the same

[@michaelbaker7499]

Es qui es, et dice quod sentis

[@cackleberry6317]

That’s what happened with me and hats. I like wearing hats and don’t care what others think about that.

[@VictorianGentleman]

I had been wanting to make a cloak but wool fabric is so expensive. I never thought about using a wool blanket, that's such a clever way to get it at a more affordable price! Thanks for the tip!

[@andreajim1000]

And I just thought-if you make the cloak a wee bitty shorter, you can use the leftover to make a witch hat!!!!!

[@maeve615]

Tip for anyone thinking of making one from a wool blanket. From experience traveling by motorcycle with just a blanket + minimalist hiking, you'll really want at least 60%wool in the blanket if you're going to wear it cool wet weather and snowy condition.

[@Violet_Lotus_]

that's for the natural wicking properties of wool.

[@hardyharharv]

What drove you to traveling by motorcycle with a blanket and minimalist hiking? And did you learn what you needed to experience that as you went, or did you research everything beforehand?

[@mhkuntug]

@@hardyharharv Important thing is you should research the are a little bit about it's wild animals then it's all about experience. Otherwise you won't get the chance and time to gain any xp.

[@SpruceHealingInitiative]

100% wool makes aaaaaaall the difference.

[@Checkmate1138]

What is "hiking"?

[@PlayaSinNombre]

For those with limited, or non-existent sewing skills, you can make a very primitive cloak by pulling the blanket around yourself and affixing it in place with a blanket pin or a large safety pin.

[@jwolfe1209]

Welsh Viking has a very good video on various ways to functionally fasten such a blanket cloak in place. Historically tested as well! Edit: just checked its called 'how to wear a midieval cloak '

[@Nargon46]

Update: I tried it! It was literally so easy. I make costumes and props but sewing has always been a big struggle. Turns out blanket stiching is very satisfying! Thanks for the tutorial! This is great! Definitely trying this

[@drigondii]

Also, you can pick up a fire resistant woolen blanket at just about any army navy surplus store, which makes for great cloak material if you're the outdoorsy type who spends a lot of time around camp fires or burning buildings.

[@johnmeyers5523]

I'm working on one of the army surplus blankets. Planning on dissolving some silicone in naphtha to make the cloak waterproof too

[@TheCorty]

Cloaks can be worn over your wearable bags, too. Backpacks, messenger bags, purses... all are protected from the rain and snow with a simple cloak

[@VintageDoggoDude]

I've been going around charity shops for months looking for a pre-made cloak but the more I watch this video and see you say how beginner friendly this method is... Yeah, I think it's time for me to put some ultra rusty sewing skills into practice and make both a childhood and adult dream come true; Own a cloak.

[@SagasInStitches]

"I also had my phone taped to the ceiling" Subbed right there. It is something I thought only I did.. Happy to know I am not alone :D

[@Kendrone]

I’m going to a renaissance faire in two weeks, this was much needed as I forgot about it.

[@GreenCherryBlossom]

My boyfriend and I are going to be hobbits for Halloween and I just finished our first cloak, thank you so much for the video! Although I've been sewing for a long time I didn't want to pay a lot of money for a cloak pattern since I knew they were very simple to make in general. I love how customizable your version is, because after attaching the hood to the body I realized the hood was a bit too long for my liking and I also sewed a curve into the hood so it looked more hobbity and less elvish, and those changes were easy to make. I also had the issue where the hood was too short for the neck hole, so I'm going to more carefully focus on the geometry next time I cut it out to make sure the hole is the exact length of the hood. I used a soft anti-pill fleece because it was the closest matching green fabric at the store, and I think it looks and feels really good for a hobbit cloak. I'm going to put a finishing edge around so the edges look more professional and add a closing button at the neck, but I'm so excited at how it turned out so far!

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

Oh I'm so glad this was able to help you! As for the neckline, it may also help if you throw a quick straight stay-stitch around the circular neck cut-out. It may help keep things from stretching around the bias. Your cloaks sound delightful, I hope your costumes turn out well!

[@danielvuoristo5489]

The message at the end was so much warmer and more profound than I would have expected from a DIY tutorial, (I usually expect none at all). Thank you for those kind words of wisdom :), they really do make an impact on people

[@Autism_Forever]

I am Autistic don't give a damn what people think about my looks and used to walk around wrapped in fuzzy blanket. Yay I now can make a cloak out of blankets! :) Thank you so much for this tutorial ♥ Can probably make really fancy kind of Snow Queen cloak out of one of my white furry blankets :)

[@454k30]

Thanks for this video. I had an old Navy wool blanket from my time in the service. I repurposed it for this project and it’s given that blanket a new lease on life. I live in Los Angeles, and this cloak is great for chilly days on the beach when most would wear a poncho or hoodie.

[@DeniseSkidmore]

I absolutely wear my cloak for winter driving. It's a little impractical for barn chores because it opens while using hands, but it's a great option for a long walk.

[@nemootash]

I’ve been SEARCHING for exactly what you’re giving me! Everyone else makes things so so complicated when I knew it wouldn’t have to be! Thank you!

[@zakkmiller8242]

Great video and the sewing tutorial was spot on. Making cloaks for my whole family so ill probably watch this 20 more times in the future lmao

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

Well I'm honored you chose my tutorial! Feel free to reach out with any questions or problems

[@notreallymyname3736]

For anyone not looking to sew, there are a ton of old Soviet Plash Palatkas on the market yet. Its a canvas tarp/tent half that converts into a rain cloak. I keep one in my vehicle emergency kit, and it's kept me warm and dry in pretty bad weather.

[@MrMiscit]

Definitely coming back to this video as soon as I get the appropriate fabric to follow your tutoriel! thanks

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

That's great! Thanks for watching!

[@TheRealTMar]

I think my first cloak was made of curtains which were original at the student place I've lived in. But they were very old and partially discoloured (and very dirty!) and I had been given new ones. So I washed the curtains and cut them up to make my first cloak for a LARP! Heavy dark green curtains, YAY! 😄

[@agoogolofgeese]

It's true! I've adopted your mindset as I've gotten older and I feel so much more comfortable and confident and I realized that instead of people thinking me silly for wearing this or that, most people actually respect me for following my own sense of style and fashion. Make it your own and people love it. I started wearing a kind of light, muslin cloak (as a guy) sometime last year and get nothing but compliments and omg-i-want-one's from friends and strangers out and about and at the bar I tend. Your quote about the governance of others' thoughts stood out to me, and yeah... my quote now 😂

[@EmelieWaldken]

Totally agreeing on cloaks and daring to wear what we actually want in general !! And relating to the feeling much better once doing it ! Also I can't stop looking at your eyebrow slit and be a bit in awe at how healthy your hair looks (I'm a bit of a long hair nerd).

[@Rustyrc83]

❤ The last comment about not worrying about what other people think about what you wear golden! I learned this in my mid 30s and my life changed!

[@Leightr]

Three wool army blankets died for the cloak I made for SCA wear in the 90s. Two green and one brown. Green cloak with separate brown cowl and double thick hood. Random brown patches all over the cloak, some of which were pockets. It could practically double as a sleeping bag. If you get a small oil or kerosene lantern you can tuck it inside the cloak when sitting or standing in the cold and you now have your own personal heated tent. Bonus benefit of wool: won't melt if you get too close to the campfire.

[@ChrisRovers0]

Followed your instructions and made my son an emergency cloak for a larp Scout camp. Everyone has cloak emergencies, right? Thanks for clear instructions, they worked great!

[@_chococat_]

Omg, thank you so much for this tutorial!! The coat looks absolutely amazing. You saved my hide for the Ren Faire

[@theamazingjay161]

I like your humor. I love your passion and commitment to your interests. And I admire your stand to be a non-conformist, doing what you like, whenever you like. Also, making stuff on your own! Awesome. Going to make one for my 10-year old (right now he's a full time hobbit). Thanks a lot.

[@queenwrites2760]

Just finished!! You have no idea how happy this makes me, I’ve wanted a cloak for ages and I finally have one 🫶 I went a little extra and made it lined (I didn’t have a wool blanket, so I improvised with a thick sheet and some curtains) and reversible. There were a few bumps but it’s done and I love it!!

[@Cheryl-Miller]

In colder weather I wear cloaks almost on a daily basis. I love them for their warmth and comfort and I get compliments on them all the time. I got mine years ago and at the Cracker Barrel store on sale and they do not come all the way down like yours does. I am so excited to find this so I can make a full length one for this winter. I might doll mine up a bit with some embroidery on the edges as well.

[@user-vy4nf7wu4h]

this would be great for the renaissance festival!

[@howtogetoutofbabylon8978]

Wool Cloaks / Ponchos / Great Kilts!!!. You for it. Wool week keep you alive in many conditions; cold, wet, rain snow... It can be wearable shelter!!!

[@ElisaMBrito]

That cloak is super easy, and the fabric easy to find as well. You look like a Merlin movie princess. I saw a few way to make it but this is the best.

[@azrani2023]

Thanks so much for this. This is clear and easily understandable, the cloak you made turned out beautiful, just as you are funny, encouraging and beautiful :) great editing, too. I'm totally going to be trying this for a hobbit themed larp con I'm attending this summer!

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

Thank you for the kind comment! I hope your cloak turns out well!

[@yvetterose8389]

I’ve been wanting to make some cloaks for a long time. I am no longer intimidated by the project. Thank you for your video! ❤

[@artfulcoyote]

yes, agreed. love the look of a good cloak. you look great in yours and not a difficult project. thanks for sharing

[@wadekothmann431]

‘Phone taped to the ceiling,’ this is the KZbin I need 😂. Going to try making this for my daughter’s Halloween costume, might need a matching one for myself…

[@VioletFlame-g9j]

Hi! Thanks for showing me how to make a cloak! I needed it for a costume for my son so had to change the measurements a little but it works wonderfully and looks good! Love the simple design. 😊

[@waylandcommunitychurch8551]

This was EXACTLY what I needed for my daughter's costume in a Shakespeare play. Thanks! And the music and your voice were so soothing. Huzzah!

[@esinohio]

What a fun and practical project. I resolved this year to learn some basic clothes creating skills and I'm having an absolute blast with all these videos covering the basics. Thanks for the content!

[@aedoria]

Easiest blanket stitch tutorial I've ever seen, thank you for making it look so easy and approachable, I think I'll be giving it a try!

[@Gilleban]

Certainly beats where I learned it...a hospital, after getting a good-sized gash on my forehead...

[@Leo-ig88]

Thank you! I work as a support coach for autistic people and I’ve been teaching my client how to sew, we knocked this project out in an afternoon! It was really fun and now I have a warm thing!

[@Lexiebear230]

I’m sweating but I did it. I made a cloak! Thank you so much for this easy to follow tutorial!!!

[@S.A.S.H.]

A thumbs-up just isn't sufficient to express how much I'm enjoying your work.

[@Rich-can-do]

I like the ideas for sure. I am looking to make a long tunic with or without arms or hood. My first project was years ago when I had to make a green magic robe, and I did it first time, and I dint even have internet then, and it was all hand sewn with a lined hood. The magic robe is no more and its time to make another magic robe/tunic things as its darn cold here and I am limited to what I can wear. Going to try fleece. Ty for sharing some inspiration.

[@sab1130]

This is amazing. You seem like such a calming person. I'll be definitely making this cloak soon as my first real project.

[@jonathangauthier3549]

Thank you for being so fun and entertaining, as well as educational. I often find that costume design videos are a little dry, disingenuous, and frankly made half-heartedly for views (or perhaps by people afraid of getting attacked in the comment section by faceless trolls). I appreciate your genuine interest and love for the cloak you made and giggled along to your jokes as I re-watched segments that I couldn't hear over my laughter. Thank you

[@thedarkdane7]

I am inspired! And I so appreciate you encouraging people to take advantage of existing resources, rather than always buying new.

[@catsmeow5566]

Thank you! This is very cool and I like the idea of using the blanket stitch.

[@ariverdreaming]

Wow!!! This looks so beautiful for being so easy I can’t wait to try

[@Sunshine-zm1fx]

Simple and easy tutorial! I have been sewing for decades, and it has gotten so complicated as my skill level has gone up. I love something that is simple and classic. Most things don't need to be fancy at all. Simplicity is awesome.

[@saberg1082]

This is probably the most accessible sewing tutorial with the best beginner friendly options I have seen. ❤

[@lobstersocks9151]

This was such a complete and thorough tutorial! It is very accessible but still makes for a beautiful garment. Thank you!!!

[@raktoda707]

Truly enjoyed your philosophy, your work skills, teaching method(I taped my phone to the ceiling do you all could have full view of what we're doing).You make this seem very doable,even for the simplest of us.Thank you.

[@creatureris]

This is a fantastic simple and beautiful cloak!

[@musikSkool]

Very simple. Very nice. May your path lead around every trouble and your journey be under shade.

[@theMermaidRhonda]

I think we should definitely bring cloaks back! Another place to look for a wool blanket is army surplus stores.

[@MarcelaLindsey]

This is the first video that Iam able to understand the process of folding and cutting the circle and the hood. Thank you so much! God Bless You! ✨✨

[@ItsHailey2468]

I just followed this video and my cloak turned out wonderfully! I made mine from a smaller, thrifted blanket but it still looks so whimsical and flowy! I'll be wearing it all spooky season long! 🎃 Thank you for the lovely tutorial!!

[@XLORDPROPL]

Cloak era incoming! I was always wearing a hoodie in this way! :D

[@dman9987]

Definitely one of the better cloak tutorials I’ve seen. I’m totally going to try this. Good stuff

[@MoonSplash7]

The video was amazing and so helpful! Thank you! I just finished mine and love it!

[@loliukas70]

I'm so making this for the eras tour! Thank you!!!

[@samdelpeux9805]

I'm going to make it for me and 4 other peoples for my proposal this summer. I'll let you know how it went ! And thank you for the wool blanket tip ! I would never have been able to afford that much fabric. Turns out a lot of people want to get rid of their grandma wool blanket ! I'm so happy to get to make it out of a nice material and getting to upcycle while doing so is just the cherry on top. Wish me good luck ! (if not for the work ahead at least for the fact that we'll be wearing them in august lmao)

[@justjacques4282]

i have no clue what to comment but i want to cause i just started but the vibes of this videos are so cool and the background is amazing

[@astreeid2469]

Thank you for this really simple tutorial ! I want to sew a cloak for a cosplay and I had no idea what to do...Now everything is clear to me !

[@jacobleaney]

Just finished a cloak today from your video and I couldn’t be happier. First time sewing or making any kind of clothing, and it felt quite simple and fun. Thanks for such a great video!!!

[@jefferyneedham1581]

Young lady You are a breath of fresh air and a blessing. God bless you and thank you for sharing..

[@kfsrmn]

Interesting and useful. I am not into fantasy and fairs but see a definite use for this type of garment. Very functional and practical. I believe much better than a poncho. It is a shame we got away from them. There is a new very expensive high tech cloak on the market designed for military and preppers. Meant to replace the poncho. My wife and I are too old to play the survival game but this would be ideal for preppers and survivalists.

[@the.true.mjdavis]

I appreciate the quick sewing tutorial. I came to learn how to make a cloak, I left a better tailor. Thanks!

[@thomasmatherly3419]

Just finished! thanks so much for the design and easy to follow instructions. It came out really nice, have been wanting a cloak fur Eva and it was really fun to make.

[@blitzwolf4052]

made this as a complete beginner the night before the ren fair. it took me about two hours, but oh my god does it work. thank you for this tutorial, i now have an amazing flex that doubles as cozy wear

[@75Bigsistr]

OMG I am so glad I found your video! My son wants to make a wizard cloak with a woolen fabric but I have been reluctant to buy such expensive fabric! I hadn't even thought of a blanket. We will be hitting some thrift stores soon. Thanks so much!

[@irebun1326]

Thank you so much for this tutorial!!

[@jassinfrederik7269]

the last speech about cloaks was just genius!

[@whuwatwinwear6786]

I love your message at the end of the video.

[@moniashek2137]

100% wisdom. You can customise your character as much as you want

[@benjaminbrand3714]

Great tutorial! Also loved the fashion/life advice at the end :)

[@ShortArtGuy]

Thank you SO much this was the only good cloak video I could find that didn’t require $100 in supplies

[@catcave2137]

This is such a genius idea! Welp, my weekend plans are set. Thank you so much for sharing!!! :D

[@kimruic4634]

Love it, thanks for the tutorial!

[@HoneebunnySapphire]

Your point near the end about wearing what you want is something I've been trying to tell people for ages. Life's too short to be afraid of wearing fun clothes.

[@davidvaughn7752]

Thank you for this! All I needed was a general pattern to attach a hood to my Ruana! This is exactly what I needed!

[@TheLaensman]

Thank you so much for this, very easy to follow and informative. 10/10 would recommend!

[@elbajeroT2]

Thank you :D I've lost and outgrew a "cloak" i had before, and it was very practical so I wore it all the time.

[@chasechaney3055]

You madam are inspiring! When I'm done with my cloak I infact will be wearing it in public and to work

[@bluenovacorgi8230]

Love this, cant wait too try it

[@3VLN]

Thank you for helping me fulfill my medieval monk dreams come true. Will def be subbing.

[@TwoPlusPlus]

Informative and fashionable; well done.

[@ZSchrink]

This is my intro video to your channel!; excellent tutorial! Hoping to make a cape for a performance I'm in at the end of the month, so the quick turnaround for amazing looks is a perfect combo :D

[@CarmenLuxx]

You are the cutest! Thanks for the good video and the good energy :) I will be trying this for music festival season 😊

[@Boom-Town]

Love this... Been meaning to make a Jedi Cloak for soooo long...

[@thatfluffyhairguy]

I Feel This Is The Push I Need To Start Making And Wearing Cloaks! Thank You For That

[@martymcfly4038]

Thank you this tutorial was amazing, I'm making an Ashoka cloak for my daughter and this gives me a base to start from.

[@seriouslee4119]

Ooooh I just stumbled upon your channel, and I'm only 1.5 minutes into this video and I already love this!

[@Nyctophora]

Thank you for an enjoyable and useful video!

[@AppalachianTemplar]

Why does this channel not have more views or subscribers? It's fantastic.

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

Thanks so much!!

[@impatientpatient8270]

i am going to sew myself one for this winter thanks for the tutorial

[@MrHangman56]

thank you for this. been needing to make a cape for an animation puppet and this is perfect