Minifig capes

[Ludzik]

For starters, I hope I"m in the correct forum. Anyways, I'm wondering if anyone found someplace in US a store that carries the type of fabric that is used in the minifig capes? I went to JoAnn yesterday and I came up empty handed.... Any ideas as to what to use and where to get it?

Thanks

[Gorelaxx]

I think has been asked in the minfig customisation thread before. The cloth is apparently Broadcloth, but as to whether or not it's cotton, polyester, or polycotton i'm not too sure.

As to where to get it? Who knows, i'm not even in your country.

[LuxorV]

Indeed, this fits better in the MCW. I'm moving the topic.

[Spider-Man]

I've been able to get broadcloth at Hobby Lobby I don't know where you are in the US but I think Hobby Lobby is a national brand.

[Ludzik]

Thanks for the move... somehow I had a feeling I would be in the wrong forum :) I'll have to hit Hobby Lobby as there is one around the corner from me :)

[Str0ngbad]

You'll be happy to find it's pretty cheap too. Be sure to get some anti-fraying solution while you're there.

[Ludzik]

You'll be happy to find it's pretty cheap too. Be sure to get some anti-fraying solution while you're there.

what's "anti fraying solution" ?

[Str0ngbad]

It is a treatment that you apply to cloth to keep it from fraying (getting ragged and tattered at the edges). As far as I know, all of LEGO's cloth is treated. You can get a bottle at any hobby store for pretty cheap. It will make the cloth a bit thicker and more stiff the more you apply so keep that in mind if you are making something that will need to have a lot of flexibility.

Hope this help

-SB

[Jareth]

The other day I saw a scrap of 1 inch thick ribbon and realized that it would make a good start for a minifig cape, especially the "Vampire" style ones that stick up.

[Ludzik]

Hmmm this might be answer to some of my problems... I visited Hobby Lobby, JoAnn's and similar stores and their broadcloth was somewhat "flimsy" and wrinkle prone (like I was going to be ironing my minifig capes!). But it seems that the anti-fraying solution might be the factor that takes away the flimsiness and stiffening up the capes as well as answering the issue of wrinkles. Thanks!

[Str0ngbad]

Hmmm this might be answer to some of my problems... I visited Hobby Lobby, JoAnn's and similar stores and their broadcloth was somewhat "flimsy" and wrinkle prone (like I was going to be ironing my minifig capes!). But it seems that the anti-fraying solution might be the factor that takes away the flimsiness and stiffening up the capes as well as answering the issue of wrinkles. Thanks!

You're welcome! I look forward to seeing the finished product.

[Ludzik]

4 months ... wow.... took me a while :) Anyways, here's the finished product

I took broadcloth, ironed it to get the kinks out, applied (lots) of the anti fraying liquid, then cut out with scissors using the stencil and punched holes using my harbor freight hole punch. Afterwards I applied another layer of the anti fraying liquid and... voila :)

I think I'm happy with the results... considering I can make couple dozen of them: bought 1 foot of the cloth and a two pack of the liquid and used a 50% off coupon (@ JoAnn's Fabrics) on each item :D

Edited July 17, 2013 by Ludzik

[Super Goblin]

That looks great! Can we get some pictures from the front and with the cape by itself?

[Ludzik]

That looks great! Can we get some pictures from the front and with the cape by itself?

picture is click able and it leads to more pics

[Super Goblin]

Sweet, looks great. I'm going to have to try this.

[CommoScout]

Nice work!

To be honest, I bet if you put yours next to an official one I'd be hard pressed to tell the difference.

[Ludzik]

Actually version 2 (which I'll post pics off after vacation) is a hybrid of anti fraying liquid (first applied present cut) and second layer clear nail polish looks and feels like Lego original .