A cape is truly what separates the supermen from the boy wonders. This one requires just one easy seam -- we didn't even hem the edges.

If your kids can use scissors, they can help make costumes. When shopping for materials, explore your local hardware store: Most carry duct tape, painters' tape, and foil tape in a range of colors.

Tools and Materials

Alphabet Templates
Lightning Bolt Template
Planet Template
Star Template
Felt or sparkly paper, holographic metallic-effect film, 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches, in Silver-Shine; texascraft.com
Small sharp scissors
36-by-36-inch piece of polyester satin (or T-shirt), joann.com
24 inches of 1/2-inch chromspun grosgrain ribbon, 5/8 inch, in Neon Orange and Gray; mjtrim.com
Fabric glue, such as Magna-Tac
Safety pin

Superhero Cape and T-Shirt How-To

1. Make letter or symbol: Print a template of your choice. Cut out. Trace onto felt or paper, and cut out.
2. Make cape: Fold over 1 side of the fabric by 1 inch, and press with a cool iron. Sew down flap, creating a 3/4-inch channel. Attach safety pin to 1 end of ribbon, and thread through. (No-sew option: Snip holes along 1 edge and run ribbon through.)
3. Attach letter or symbol: Lay cape or T-shirt flat. Squeeze glue all over the back of the letter or symbol, and position on cape or shirt. Let dry.

Learn How to Make the Superhero Belt and Cuffs
Learn How to Make the Superhero Mask and Head Band

Sources
Assorted 3M Scotchlite reflective fabrics, 12 inches, and tape, 2 inches, in Orange and Yellow, by Iron Horse Safety; reflectivefabric.com. Wool felt, 18 inches square, in Flame, Leaf, and Peach; magiccabin.com. Blue Harlequin Masquerade mask and Black Sophisticate Domino mask, partycity.com.