Priest Narrow Cope Vestment Pattern 

 Full Size Features

The cope traces its roots to the “cappa” of ancient Rome, a cloak worn for shelter during processions. 

By the 12th century, it had become a ceremonial vestment, richly adorned and steeped in tradition, used in Benedictions, weddings, and solemn liturgies across the Western Church.

Style 3520 and 3521 carries that legacy forward. This sewing pattern helps experienced makers craft a narrow orphrey cope with hood elegant, structured, and grounded in sacred tradition. 

Clear markings guide the placement of trim, morse, and orphreys. Each size includes tailored length options to ensure a graceful drape for every height.

Construction is thoughtful and satisfying from seaming the cope’s body panels to hand-finishing the lined hood and morse. 

The pattern includes full lining, canvas reinforcement, and trim layout guidance that allows the finished cope to look and feel professionally tailored.

Whether you’re sewing for a church guild, a personal commission, or a quiet act of devotion, this printed pattern offers a meaningful project. One that honors your care, your craft, and your time at the sewing table.

If your hands are ready, this pattern knows the way.

Sizes:

Fabric Yardage: 

• 6 1/2  to 7 1/2 yards for cope and shield.                                            

• Orphreys: Orphrey fabric 3 yards.

• Orphrey trim11 yards of 3/4 inch wide trim.

• Fringe: 1 yard

• Snaps or Hook and Eyes: 3 sets

• Additional fabric may be needed to match pattern repeat or one-way layouts.

Suggested fabrics:

• Silk dupioni,
• Brocades
• Silk damasks,
• Metallic brocades
• Tapestry fabrics
• Carlisle Fabrics
  
• Portsmouth Poplin
• Wool gaberdines.

Interfacing fabrics:

• 100% cotton canvas, Medium weight, or horsehair tailoring canvas

Lining Fabric:

• Satin, Cotton Sateen,  Silk Dupioni (60” wide)

Cope Measurement Chart 

Fabric Yardage Recommendation

What You’ll Receive

• Full-size printed pattern pieces for cope body, orphrey, hood, and morse
  

• Guideline markings for orphrey band, morse, and trim placement
  

• Lining and canvas reinforcement instructions
  

• Step-by-step construction guide with sewing illustrations

Important Note 

Sewing patterns are not returnable per the Return policy. Please read all product details carefully to understand that this is a sewing pattern and not a completed garment.    

The Cope pattern is sold with limited instructions and assumes the user knows construction techniques and is able to sew without detailed written instructions.

For private use only. Not intended for commercial use.

Please visit our YouTube Channel to see this short video of Custom Holy Week Priest Cope Vestment

Pattern FAQ's

What is the sewing level for this project?

This is a project for advanced intermediate to professional-level seamstresses. This project is NOT for beginners. 

What is the pattern printed on?

The pattern is printed on white paper.  For those who wish to use something a bit less stiff, you may prefer to trace the pattern onto a lighter-weight Pellon pattern interfacing paper.

Why is the pattern printed on white paper?

There are limited paper options available for small pattern companies to keep production minimums low and costs affordable for clients. The patterns are printed locally in small quantities as needed. The available paper that is large enough for use with our full-size patterns for use while still allowing for small print runs is white blueprint paper.

Can the wrinkles be pressed out of the pattern by ironing?

It is NOT recommended to use anything hot to press the pattern paper. The patterns are printed with toner ink and they will smudge and leave black marks on other surfaces if the pattern is ironed. Simple smooth the pattern out by hand prior to cutting. If you prefer, the pattern may also be traced off on Pellon Pattern interfacing to preserve the original.

Is the pattern available as a digital download file?

The patterns are NOT available as a digital download file. They are a physical product that requires shipping.

Are the patterns sold to clients the same patterns used by Ecclesiastical Sewing?

Yes. We use the very same patterns that are available online in our workrooms for creating beautiful vestments.

May I make a copy of the pattern in my plotter or save a digital copy of this pattern?

The pattern is copyrighted and is offered as a courtesy for use in the church to the Glory of God. The pattern may NOT be copied or saved in any digital format, resold, modified, and sold as an original work, etc.

For private use only. Not intended for commercial use.

Vestment and Stole Care Guide

Explore our vintage ecclesiastical book collection.

Looking for more sewing patterns? Use the quick links to explore our full Church Vestment Sewing Pattern Catalog

For additional information, sewing tips, and inspiration, visit blog.ecclesiasticalsewing.com