If you dream of being a mermaid, you can make your own tail with some easy-to-find sewing skills and materials. You can look like a mermaid whenever you want, whether it's swimming at the beach or a local pool or at your next costume party.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Create the Monofin
Step 1. Trace the outline of a pair of water shoes on a sheet of construction paper
Place the shoes on the cardboard with the heels touching the edge. Make sure the inner edges of the shoes are in contact, then trace the outline with a pen.
- Make sure the shoes fit well, as you will be using them to secure the fin to your feet.
- If you already have a monofin that you would like to use, you can trace it onto a sheet of cardstock, cut out the template, and then click here to continue.
Step 2. Fold the paper in half and then draw half a fin shape
Fold the paper in half widthwise so that you only see one of the traced shoes. Start at the bottom edge of the shoe to trace a half-fin shape. The bottom edge of the fin should be 1 to 3 inches (2 to 8 cm) from the top of the shoe.
Step 3. Cut out the template and then transfer it to a thin rubber sheet
First cut out the template and then unfold it. Lay the stencil on the rubber sheet, then trace the outline with a pen. Use a white, silver, or light pen on dark rubber and a black pen on light rubber.
Choose a thin piece of flexible rubber. A thin, flexible sheet of rubber might work especially well for this project
Step 4. Use scissors to cut the rubber
The base of your fin is now complete. However, you should save the template, as you will need it later.
Step 5. Glue the water shoes to the fin
Place the shoes on the fin and trace the outline. Cover the bottom of the shoes and the inside of the insole with a waterproof glue. Wait for the glue to get tacky, then press the shoes into place.
- Choose a strong, flexible glue formulated to seal items underwater. Glues used for navigation would work well for this project.
- You must work in a well ventilated area. Most glues of this type can produce fumes.
Step 6. Wait for the glue to dry
Depending on the type of glue you are using, this could take 2-3 days. Read the glue label for specific drying and curing times. It would be a good idea if you also put something heavy on the shoes.
Part 2 of 3: Create the body of the queue
Step 1. Take your measurements
Measure from the waist to the ankles. Then measure around the waist and both ankles. Write down each of your measurements.
If the tail is for an adult woman, you should also measure the hips and take into account the distance between the navel and the hips
Step 2. Buy a stretch fabric similar to a mermaid
You can find this type of fabric in the dancewear section of a fabric store. Make sure it's smooth, shiny, and preferably with a flaky pattern.
You can also purchase "superhero" spandex from the cosplay section of a fabric store
Step 3. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise and then transfer your measurements
Divide your waist measurement by 4 and then make a mark at that distance from the crease. Measure down along the crease based on your waist-to-ankle measurement. Divide the ankle measurement by 4 and then make another mark at that distance from the crease. You should leave enough room under the ankles for the fins.
- Make sure to fold the fabric with the right sides facing in.
- If the fabric has flakes, make sure they all point down.
- If the tail is for a grown woman, you should also include the hip measurement. Remember to divide this measurement by 4.
Step 4. Connect the marks with a straight line
If you have included the hip measurement, you should connect the waist mark with the hip mark. Then the hip mark with the ankle mark. This will complete the body of the tail.
Step 5. Add the fin template and trace the outline
Fold the fin template in half, then place it on the fabric. Make sure the folded edges match up and the top edge of the stencil touches the bottom edge of the tail. Trace around the template and then peel it off.
To make a more elegant tail, you should add a fringed, jagged edge to the bottom of the fin
Step 6. Cut the fabric, including the seam allowances
Add 1 inch (2.5 cm) to all edges, including the top. When you are done, you should cut a second piece of fabric like the first. Use the already cut piece as a guide.
If you added a ragged fringe to the bottom edge of the tail, you only need to add seam allowances on the outer edges of the fringe
Part 3 of 3: Assembling the tail
Step 1. Pin the fabric, right sides facing in
Make sure all the edges match. You only need to hold the sides and bottom of the tail, and not the top edge.
Step 2. Sew the tail with a 1 inch (2 cm) seam allowance
Use a pen, thread of the same color, and a stretch stitch. Begin sewing at a top edge around the body of the tail and fin. Then finish sewing on the other top side. Topstitch at the beginning and end of the seam and remove the pins as you sew.
- For added security, you should sew around the tail three times.
- If you've made a fancy tail, don't sew the fringe.
Step 3. Place the tail on the right side
Make sure to press the corner of the tail fin outward as well. At this point, you can test the tail and make any necessary adjustments.
If you've made a fancy tail, you should stitch along the top edge of the fringe. Make sure the stitching follows the design of your mini vane
Step 4. Tuck the monofin into the tail
You need to bend it to fit past the ankles and into the fin. Pinch the corners of the monofin into the corners of the fin itself.
Step 5. Hem the top edge of the tail
Fold the top edge inward twice 1 to 2 cm (½ to 1 inch). Sew along the bottom folded edge with a stretch stitch.
Advice
- Cut out additional fin shapes for the side fins. Pin them to the edge of the tail before sewing.
- Cut a fancier edge along the top of the tail. You can even make it come down in a V shape at the front.
- If you want to make a tail for a costume, you can omit the monofin and add a fin shape to the bottom edge of your hair.
- If the tail is too loose at the top, you should add a thick elastic band at the waist.
- You can use the leftover fabric to make a strapless top or matching bra.
- You can glue large seashells to a bikini top to make a mermaid bra.
- You can make a mermaid skirt instead if you want to walk with the tail.
- Consider adding silicon to make a silicone glue.
- If you make a fabric glue, it must be 100% spandex or it will disintegrate.
- You can ask an adult to help you queue.