Introducing the Dracula Junior Vampire Cape sewing pattern! 🦇
This one came about because:
- I am fairly lazy and love a quick, efficient make.
- As a working mum, I don’t have much spare time to be putting together an elaborate Halloween costume for kids.
- This seemed like something my toddler (under 2 at the time) might actually tolerate wearing for more than five minutes without trying to rip it off.
- It pairs easily with regular clothes, like a white button-up shirt and black pants, so I didn’t have to source too many other bits to complete the look.
Honestly, it ticked all the boxes: fast, comfy, and low effort. Perfect for a last-minute DIY kids Halloween costume!
DIY Kids Vampire Cape: A Last-Minute Halloween Costume
This sewing project is simple enough for beginners and makes the perfect homemade Dracula costume for kids. It’s comfy, quick to sew, and works for toddlers through to older kids.
What You’ll Need to Make This Cape
Here’s the full list of fabrics and materials you’ll need for this DIY vampire cape sewing pattern:
- Black fabric – for the cape body and exterior of the collar. Choose a woven, light-mid weight fabric with a nice drape. I used a satin polyester, but you could go luxe with velvet or stick with cotton (just note cotton won’t drape as dramatically as satin).
- Red fabric – for the inside of the collar. I matched my black satin with a red satin polyester for a classic Dracula look.
- Interfacing – black fusible interfacing (it must be black to blend in with the cape as it will be exposed) for strengthening the collar and lining the cape hem.
- Ribbon – a pre-made red ribbon about 1.5–2 cm (¾ in.) wide to tie at the neckline.
Tips for Sewing a Toddler-Friendly Cape
This Vampire cape pattern is best for kids who are already comfortably upright (walking) and can safely remove a bow tied around their neck.
👉 For younger tots, I recommend swapping the ribbon tie for a velcro closure with a faux bow. That’s what I did for my 21-month-old – I didn’t want it to be a choking hazard.
When choosing a size, take your child’s height into account and pick a length that won’t drag on the ground. If you’re unsure, size down to be safe.
Kids Vampire Cape Sizing Guide
Finished product measurements (cape length, not including collar):
- Extra Small (1.5–3 years): 48 cm (19 in.)
- Small (3–5 years): 58 cm (23 in.)
- Medium (5–7 years): 68 cm (27 in.)
- Large (7–9 years): 78 cm (31 in.)
One thing I couldn’t figure out at first was how to finish the shaped hemline neatly. After a bit of trial and error, I found that lining it with interfacing worked best – it prevents fraying and gives the bottom edge a little structure.
Optional: you can also paint a thin line of fabric glue along the raw edge to further stop fraying.
The Finished Cape: Toddler Tested, Parent Approved
I was honestly worried my toddler would flat-out refuse to wear the cape. But to my surprise, he loved it! The second I tied it on, he ran in circles around the room, absolutely delighted with how the cape flapped behind him in the wind.
Of course, the extra attention from me snapping photos of his adorable little toddler Halloween costume probably didn’t hurt either 😉.
I had planned to add some Dracula-style face paint – a drop of fake blood, a pale base, maybe even some toddler-sized vampire fangs – but he refused to stay still long enough for me to attempt it. If your little one is more cooperative, face paint would take this cape from cute to spooky in about 2 minutes flat.
Either way, this is such an easy, fun DIY Halloween costume for kids that comes together quickly, looks great, and is actually comfy enough for toddlers to wear. A total Halloween win!
Get the Dracula Junior Cape Sewing Pattern
Ready to make your own little Dracula? The Dracula Junior Vampire Cape sewing pattern is now available in my Etsy Shop!
🧵 Quick + easy to sew
🧛 Perfect for toddlers and kids up to 9 years old
🎃 A comfy Halloween costume they’ll actually want to wear
Make this cape in an evening and have your little one all set for Halloween night.
FAQ: DIY Kids Vampire Cape
How do you make a simple vampire cape for kids?
This sewing pattern is designed to be quick and beginner-friendly. You’ll just need black and red fabric, black interfacing, and ribbon. It comes together in a few hours with simple sewing techniques.
What fabric is best for a DIY kids Dracula cape?
Satin polyester is a great choice for that classic shiny Dracula look. Velvet works for a luxe finish, while cotton makes for a simple, washable option.
How long does it take to sew this kids vampire cape?
This is a quick project! Even beginner sewists should be able to make the cape in a few hours.
Is this kids Dracula costume safe for toddlers?
Yes – just make sure to use a velcro closure instead of a ribbon tie for younger children to avoid any choking hazards.
Little Lion Patterns 
Leave a comment