How to Make a Mermaid's Tail

A gray or pale blue silky fabric adds glamour to a mermaid tail.

Mermaids have human features on the upper part of their bodies and fish features on the lower half. These mythical creatures are often depicted in literature and children's TV programs and videos. Making a mermaid costume is uncomplicated, although adding fish scales is time-consuming. Use a fabric that drapes well, and allow the tail to drag the floor behind you for a more realistic look.

Things You'll Need

• Newspapers or an old towel
• One yard of silver, pale blue or gray fabric
• Scissors
• Jar lid
• Aluminum foil or a fabric that is sparkly or has a scale design
• Sharpened pencil
• Fabric glue
• Two large safety pins
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks (optional)
• Hand mirror and comb (optional)
• Sequin fabric (optional)

Instructions

1. Spread newspapers or an old towel on top of a table.

2. Lay the light-colored fabric on top of the work surface, and smooth out any wrinkles with your hands.

3. Measure and then cut a rectangle shape, approximately 16 by 36 inches, out of the fabric with a sharp pair of scissors. Silky fabrics, such as 100 percent polyester or jersey, work well for this project because they drape well.

4. Form the fins by cutting a large, upside-down "V" shape out of one end. Do this at the narrow end of the rectangle.

5. Use the scissors to cut the section above the fins narrower.

6. Place a jar lid on top of a large piece of aluminum foil or a fabric that has a sparkly texture or a fish scale look to it.

7. Draw around the jar lid to create circles. Make about 50 to 60 circles.

8. Cut out the circle shapes, then cut each one through the center to create half circles.

9. Add the half circles to the fabric by gluing them in place with fabric glue. Create rows with the scales all the way down the length of fabric. Allow the fabric glue to dry well.

10. Attach the mermaid's tail to the back of your costume by fastening it with two large safety pins so that it drags the ground a few inches.

Tips & Warnings

• Using a hot-melt glue gun to add the scales speeds up the process. This should be done only with an adult's supervision.

• Add a hand mirror and comb to your costume if you wish. Mermaids are often depicted sitting alongside the water, looking at themselves in a mirror and combing their long hair.

• Sequin fabric has a shimmery, wet look and is an appropriate substitute for the mermaid tail if you don't have time to add all the fish scales.

References

• Sewing Technology: Sequin Fabric