Child's Blanket Capote Pattern

About Your Child’s Capote Pattern

Called “Capote”, after the French word for “A Long Hooded Cloak or Overcoat”, Blanket Coats, like this, originated in Central Canada & were probably made as early as 1675. This popular style of coat was standard issue during the French & Indian War and the American Revolution...and many times, were made by the soldiers from issue blankets.

By the mid 19th century, the popularity of the capote had spread westward with the fur trade and was commonly seen in use by the Indians of the Northern Plains, Rocky Mountains and Columbia Plateau. There were many commercially made capotes available: for instance, in 1824, a St. Louis newspaper carried an advertisement from an outfitter listing “red blanket coats for sale.”

Since many capotes were “homemade,” they varied greatly in cut, style and decoration...with the Indian models being decorated with beadwork, sequins, hawk bells, binding of a contrasting color, etc. Some capotes even contained a cotton lining of calico or similar print fabric (as shown here); however, most examples were hardly decorated other than having fringe at the shoulders and hood.

This practical coat is as popular with today’s Buckskinners and Indian enthusiasts as it was in previous times. No doubt this is due to the great versatility of the garment as well as its colorful style.

When made from a heavy wool blanket, it will shed light rain or snow, can be worn over several layers of clothing in extreme cold weather and can double as an extra blanket, if needed. This warm and comfortable capote (complete with hood), is a pleasure to own and use!

Notions & Tools

Heavy thread, Simulated sinew, Needle or sewing machine

OPTIONAL ITEMS: 3-4 buttons, ribbon or cloth binding and miscellaneous beads, beaded medallion, hawk bells, etc.

Suggested Materials

The classic material of choice is a wool or Trade Blanket. Many other types of blankets (both striped and plain) and heavy wool Tradecloths (such as Strouding and Broadcloth) were also used to make capotes.

If this option proves too expensive, you can even use less expensive trade blankets...such as the Swiss Army blanket used for the Capote shown on this cover.

Since the pattern allows for any adjustments necessary, we are sure that any of these blankets (or one of your own choosing) will render a very nice Capote.

---

Blanket Capote History

The capote, or long greatcoat, has long been closely associated with the fur trade in North America. It is not surprising that the wide-scale harvesting of furs for European markets coincided with the development of this uniquely Canadian garment. Indeed the capotes, or more specifically the wool blankets from which they were sewn, became one of the most sought after trade items, replacing furs as the typical winter clothing for both the native and European trappers and traders alike.
Go to Article >>

Point Blankets

Throughout the period of the “Indian trade” in America, there were a number of both manufacturers and distributors of point blankets over the years. Many of the firms offering English made blankets were Canadian trading companies or department stores, and most of the blankets were actually made in England. . .
Go to Article >>

Care of Wool Blankets & Products

To clean quality wool blankets, such as the popular Pendleton Native American style design blankets, we recommend dry cleaning. This method best maintains blanket size, hand and appearance. Tests show that when washed, wool blankets experienced significant shrinkage, even with the mildest care methods.
Go to Article >>