ED-209 Posted May 9, 2015 Many people have made custom minifig capes before, so this is by no means a new method. But I made a little Viking-themed model and wanted to spruce up the accompanying minifig. (It's basically a modified version of the Ninjago 70752 Jungle Trap set, and can bee seen here if interested: http://www.eurobrick...howtopic=109087 ) I wanted to create the look of a woollen cloak, with a fur draped around the shoulders for extra warmth. Maybe something like a wolf pelt. My tough little Norseman is trekking through some cold, mountainous terrain! I've seen other people use actual fur fabric for this kind of thing, but to me that doesn't seem to be the way TLG would go about it. For instance, they already have a full-length "fur" cape: http://www.bricklink...Pic.asp?P=12857 I'm aiming to produce something in keeping with that style, just shorter and worn over a normal cape. So, I began my quest. I went to the local fabric shop and bought a couple of scraps of cotton from the offcuts bin. It only cost me a few dollars and I've got enough fabric to make dozens of capes! Lucky minifigs are so small! I then ironed the fabric, and cut off a 10cm square and lay it down in a disposable plastic plate. To prevent the fibres of the fabric from fraying I diluted PVA glue with water in a plastic cup, brushed it liberally onto the fabric, then pegged it up with a couple of little bulldog clips to dry. I traced the outline of an official cape onto the fabric, used a hole punch for the neck holes, and just cut out the shape freehand. The end result is a little stiffer than the official capes (and I'm talking about the older style fabric capes here). I used equal parts water and PVA, so I might try a little more water next time to see if it's an improvement. Still, I'm very pleased with how it turned out and will definitely be making some more to keep the rest of my Vikings warm! As always any questions, comments or feedback is most welcom! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mutant Orc Posted May 9, 2015 Great! Clever and looks good! I'll have to try this next time I need something similar if I may... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wardancer Posted May 9, 2015 Perfect. It looks like an official product. I would buy these immediately. Well done! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ED-209 Posted May 10, 2015 Thank you for the kind words everyone! And Mutant Orc, of course I'd encourage you to make your own. In fact I was most surprised by just how easy it is to do! I'd recommend leaving one edge of the fabric glue free to make it easier to hang up. Just a 1cm strip along the edge should do it. When I picked out the fabric I also found a piece made with different coloured threads, which creates a bit more texture than one flat colour. This I just turned into a standard shaped cape, but the colours make look a little more rustic perhaps? Either way, I felt its owner would be a bit poorer, so the rest of his clothes are duller colours to suggest a lack of brighter, more expensive dyes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Krikkit Posted May 10, 2015 Awesome. You could try one of the three hole cloaks, check firestartoys for example, they fold round the arms. I want one for a batman fig. Also, it might be the best way to replace these new capes we get in the superheroes line... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wardancer Posted May 10, 2015 I also thought a good way to make these would be to use capemadness mid capes or over capes as a basis and then cut them out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ED-209 Posted May 13, 2015 Awesome. You could try one of the three hole cloaks, check firestartoys for example, they fold round the arms. I want one for a batman fig. Also, it might be the best way to replace these new capes we get in the superheroes line... Do you have a link to the three holed cloaks you're talking about? I haven't got any of the new softer capes - are they no good? I also thought a good way to make these would be to use capemadness mid capes or over capes as a basis and then cut them out. I wanted the fur to be wider across the shoulder area, so I wouldn't have been able to cut an existing cape down. But yes, you could certainly do it for different designs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
agrosskurth8191 Posted May 27, 2015 thats awesome you guys always think of things that I never wouldve come up with Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
