How to Make a Mermaid Tail Easily

Mermaids fascinate old and young people alike.

Mermaids, those temptresses of the sea, have been depicted throughout history in sculpture, painting, jewelry and many other mediums of art. In recent times, mermaids have become popular in photography and multimedia. You can become a mermaid, and part of a work of art, by creating your own mermaid tail. Although you may not become a real mermaid, you can definitely pretend.

Things You'll Need

• 3 yards of swimsuit material
• Cardboard or poster board
• Scissors
• Sewing pins
• Sewing machine or needle and thread
• Elastic
• 6 heavy beads
• Bubble wrap or foam
• Sequins or fabric marker
• Glitter fabric paint (optional)

Instructions

1. Purchase 3 yards of thick swimsuit material of whatever color you like from a fabric store. Thicker material will make your mermaid tail more durable and swimsuit material will make your mermaid tail waterproof.

2. Lay down on a piece of cardboard or poster board with your legs together and your toes pointed down. Ask a friend or family member to trace your outline, from waist to the tips of your toes, on the cardboard or poster board.

3. Draw a second line about 4 inches outside of the first line. Draw your tail fin how you would like it with the top of the fin line connected to the bottom of the toe line. Draw your fin slightly larger than you want the actual fin to be. Cut along the second line and the line of the fin, creating your mermaid tail pattern.

4. Fold your sheet of fabric in half so that the front of the fabric is on the inside of the fold. Place the mermaid tail pattern on top of the fabric. Pin the pattern to keep it from moving. Cut along the pattern. Remove the pins and the mermaid tail pattern.

5. Sew along the sides of the mermaid tail and along the edges of the fin. Leave the top of the mermaid tail open.

6. Fold the top 2 inches of the mermaid tail over and sew along the bottom of the fold, creating a loop that goes around the waist of the mermaid tail. Thread a piece of elastic through the loop. Sew the ends of the elastic together, creating a waistband.

7. Sew several heavy beads to the tips of the fin. The beads will allow the fin tips to droop slightly when in the water, giving the fin a realistic look.

8. Turn the mermaid tail right side out so that the front of the fabric is on the outside and the seams are on the inside.

9. Fill the fin section of the mermaid tail with a few pieces of bubble wrap or foam. The bubble wrap or foam will allow the main body of the fin to float (while the tips droop slightly). Sew a line across the join where the toe section and fin section meet to keep the bubble wrap or foam from shifting out of the fin.

10. Attach sequins to the mermaid tail (excluding the fin) or use a metallic fabric marker to draw scales on the mermaid tail. Spray the mermaid tail with glitter fabric paint, if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• You can sew a plastic zipper into the side of the fin section if you would like to be able to remove the foam or bubble wrap to making washing the mermaid tail easier.

• You will not be able to walk while wearing the mermaid tail. The mermaid tail is meant for swimming or posing.

References

• Seventeen: Style Council: Courtney's Mermaid Halloween Costume!
• Mermaid Tail: How To Make A Mermaid Tail
• Learn to Create: A Mermaid Costume DIY: Mermaid Tail