Do you dream of being a mermaid? With a little sewing skill and readily available materials, you can create your own mermaid tail. You can look like a mermaid whenever you want, whether it's for a swim in the nearby beach, in the pool, or to hang out at the next Halloween party. Read below how to make tails that work well both in the water and on land.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Method 1: Tail for swimming
Step 1. Buy or build fins
Swimming fins are similar to diving fins, but are designed to perfect and allow for the dolphin style. These fins offer greater resistance and therefore more exercise, making them an excellent way to train. Monofins are for swimming with a single blade, which holds your feet together and helps you swim properly.
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It will be easier to buy a monofin, although you can build one by tying two swimming fins together with duct tape, or by building a monofin from scratch. The latter two methods are not recommended but are certainly feasible if a monofin is not available.
Make a Mermaid Tail Step 1Bullet1 - Monofins or other swimming fins can be purchased either at swimming or sporting goods stores or online. Make sure you buy a reputable brand, as cheap fins can fall apart, be uncomfortable, or simply not be suitable for swimming.
- Try them. The liner is available in two styles: single liner with built-in heel and open liner without heel with lace with buckle to fasten the fin to the foot. You should feel both models still as you move your legs, but they should neither squeeze nor rub. Your feet should feel comfortable and flexible.
Step 2. Create your model
Wearing the monofin, you can simply trace the shape of your legs and fins onto cardboard or card, or you can take your own measurements and create the model from them. If you decide to follow suit, get help from a friend. Drawing the model from measurements will require more calculations, but it will also be more accurate.
- In order to create a model that suits you, measure the circumference of your waist, hips to mid-thighs, knees, upper calves, ankles and also take the size of the monofin. Then measure the distance between each section (from the knees to the upper calves, from these to the ankles, etc.). Divide the circumference value by two and then draw your pattern, checking that the width of each section is half of the measurements taken and that the distance between each section is the same as the length you measured. The monofin can probably be traced directly to the panel separately from the legs, once you know where the feet will be placed.
- You may decide to take measurements at multiple points along your body to ensure a more precise shape; however, usually the swim fabric used to create the tail is stretchy and will adapt to your shape, so it doesn't need to be perfect.
- As for the pattern, you can draw it with or without a seam allowance. If you are drawing it without sewing, make sure you leave enough room to make it as you cut out. Normally, it is best not to create a pattern with the seam allowance, as you can use the edges as a trace when sewing.
- There are various ways to create the fin. The easiest way is to leave a couple of inches of fabric at the bottom edge, along the bottom of the fins, and leave it open. This will allow you to tuck the tail like a skirt and slip on after the fins, spreading the fabric over them after wearing them. Excess tissue can be trimmed to resemble the jagged edge of the fish fin. Another method is to have a zipper along the final edge of the fin and a straight line. With the last method there would be a single seam all around, but this would make it more difficult to put on the tail and insert the monofin inside the fabric. It would only work with a two-section fin. Decide which solution is best suited to your needs, making sure you make the pattern based on your chosen method.
Step 3. Cut out the fabric
First you need to buy some fabric. Try a local haberdashery, craft store, or search for fabrics online. Use the elastic fabric that is good for going in the water, i.e. nylon spandex (or elastane). Look for fabrics labeled as swimwear fabrics. Don't choose it too thin, being thicker will make it look more skin-like.
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Fold the fabric in half so that the sides that should be visible are in contact, then trace the pattern onto the fabric using tailor's chalk. You can also use a marker or pen if you don't have chalk, but be careful as this type of line may be visible on the obverse. Pin the fabric along the marked line so that the two edges of the fabric are firmly joined.
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Now cut out the fabric. As mentioned above, make sure there is a seam allowance when you cut out the fabric. A generous 2.5 cm margin is optimal for this type of fabric. Cut using sharp scissors, preferably a tailor's, or any other tool designed for cutting fabric.
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Make sure you leave an extra 2.5 - 5 cm at the top, where the waist is, in order to create an edge for the belt. You should also be sure to cut out the fabric to suit the method chosen for closing the fin.
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Step 4. Sew the tail
Leaving the fabric open at the waist, sew one side down and then the other, following the line drawn on the model. Pay attention to the pins and remove them when you no longer need them. If you are about to completely close the monofin, simply start from the waist and continue all the way around, until you reach the other side. If you're going to leave it open or add a zipper, don't sew the bottom.
- Since the fabric is stretchy, you need to take this into account in the way you sew. Use a ball-tipped needle for your sewing machine and set it for the stretch stitch if possible. If your machine does not have a stretch stitch, use the zigzag stitch. Do not use the straight stitch, as it will break when the fabric is stretched. Make sure that the tension on the feet is a little slower than normal.
- When you're done with the sides, insert the zipper if you're using one. Sew the edge of the waist and finally turn the fabric on the right side. Now you are done!
Method 2 of 4: Method 2: Queue for Walking
Step 1. Create your model
Create a pattern for a long pencil skirt out of a thick piece of cardboard. This skirt can be fitted or a normal looser sheath dress. This only depends on your needs and how many measures you want to take. The final part should come just above the ankles and the waist can be at any height you want.
- Measure the circumference of your hips. Leave the waist the same measurement as the hips. An elastic belt will be used to get the right size for your waist. If you want a tighter skirt, you can also take measurements at various points. The thighs, knees, and upper and lower calves are also good points to measure. Keep in mind that the longer you keep your legs closed when measuring, the tighter the skirt will be and the more difficult walking will be. Some cuts may only be possible if you are using a very stretchy fabric. Also measure the distance between the various sections (waist-hips, hips-thighs, thighs-knees, etc.).
- Draw a center line on the pattern, equal to the distance between the waist and the ankles. Using the measurements you took earlier between the sections, mark this distance along the center line. Then, take the measurements of the circumferences and divide them by two. Mark the half measures for each section mark. Now draw the pattern of the skirt.
Step 2. Cut out your fabric
Cut out the fabric using the pattern you created. Use a technique and tools similar to those described above for the swim tail. It will be best to leave some extra fabric at the top, near the waist, to create the belt and, as above, when you cut out you will need to leave extra room for the seam allowance.
Step 3. Sew the skirt
Using the pattern, sew the skirt similar to the techniques described above for the swim skirt. Leave the bottom and waist open the same way, but also leave the last 2.5cm of the sides and top as well. On the bottom, cut out from the center of the pattern to the point on the side where the seam stops. This cut should be at an angle that forms an inverted triangle at the bottom of the skirt.
Step 4. Create the fins
This flared part of the skirt should be made of a different and contrasting fabric to resemble fins. You will have to use the same fabric for the belt. It is advisable to use a lighter colored fabric, but you can still choose any color combination you prefer.
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Take a long, rectangular piece of fabric, the length of which should be roughly 1.5-2 times the distance from a point on the front of the skirt to a point on the back of the skirt, but it can also be greater. The longer it is, the richer the lower part of the skirt will look. This fabric will make up a fin. Another similarly cut piece will be needed to create the other part, so you will need two flaps in total.
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Sew the two flaps on the front of the skirt, first on one side and then on the other, in order to create a pleated or jagged effect. This will make the skirt look rich and hide imperfections.
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Cut out the corners of the fin fabric so that they are rounded when they meet in the middle. Depending on the fabric you use, you can give your fins different looks. If you are using organza, you can cut out a wavy edge on the fabric and finish it with a product to prevent fraying. If you are using a stronger fabric, you may need a hem along the edges.
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Step 5. Create the belt
As mentioned above, you will use an elastic to create a snug waistband. Get a piece of elastic and cut it to your waist size where the band will be. Then cut it in half. You may prefer a slightly looser skirt, although it's not absolutely necessary. The elastic should not be stretched when measuring and cutting it.
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On the wrong side of the skirt, turn up the top of the fabric about 2.5-5 cm to create the waistband. How much you will have to turn up depends on how much fabric you left when you cut it and your personal preferences on the appearance of the skirt. The 2.5 cm left open on the sides of the skirt should allow you to form two tubes. Secure the fabric with pins and sew to form the two tubes.
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Now, insert the rubber bands through the tubes, pinning them on each end. Close the tubes by sewing them together. At this point you should have a closed, elastic waistband.
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Use the contrasting fabric you have left to sew a long, loose-fitting sheath dress. It should have the same circumference as the uncollected belt. Close the tube and then attach it to your belt. Press and collect the fabric, attach it by sewing a couple of stitches and a decoration in the center, such as a pearl or shell button, and another on the back of the skirt. Finally, the fabric can be collected and inserted into the belt or left to hang like a drapery. Now the skirt is finished!
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Method 3 of 4: Method 3: The Top
Step 1. The bikini top
You can use any top piece of a bikini with your new mermaid tail. It can be a bikini you already own or one you can buy just for the occasion. Stores like Calzedonia or Tezenis sell the above pieces separately. You should choose a color that matches or enriches the color of the tail that you have created, to give a natural look.
Step 2. Clamshell top
You can buy or make a clamshell top. Make it by gluing handmade seashells to a piece above the bikini top. The shells can be painted or left natural. If you plan to swim with this top, you should use water-resistant glue. You could make a top using only shells and thread, drilling holes in the shells, but it would be uncomfortable and fragile.
Step 3. Custom top
You can use leftover fabric from the tail processing to make a top that matches perfectly. Several models and procedures are available free online. Style depends on your needs, personal tastes and skill level.
Method 4 of 4: Method 4: Details and Additions
Step 1. Add extra fins
You can add all sorts of extra details to both the swim line and the walking line. Extra fins can be added on both, using the same fabric or contrasting fabrics. They can be applied along the sides or on the back. Decide from the beginning if you want to apply extra fins, as they will have to be taken into account while sewing. Check out these fish images for inspiration.
Step 2. Add the scales
You may decide to paint scales on your mermaid tail. If the tail is for swimming, be sure to use a water-resistant paint. You can paint the scales using brushes or by spraying a spray paint on a stencil. Keep in mind that this can take time and a certain amount of skill to look realistic. It may be easier to buy some fabric that has a scale pattern painted on it previously.
Step 3. Pearls and starfish
You can sew a row of pearls around the waist of the tail or apply some handmade stars anywhere you see fit. The latter can be difficult to attach, depending on the materials, but they can really be useful in completing your look. You can add both pearls and starfish on top and hair.
