How to Make a Mermaid Costume for Children

Mermaids have always fascinated little girls all over the world. Because of this, many children want to dress up as a mermaid for Halloween or a costume party. Buying a mermaid costume from the store can be expensive, but you can save a lot of money by making your own mermaid costume. Plus, if you make your own costume, you can add your own personal flair to it.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Green or blue shimmery fabric
• Green or blue tulle (same color as sparkly fabric)
• A skin colored t-shirt
• Fabric for the seashell "bra" (in any color you'd like)
• Elastic

1. Cut out two seashell shapes out of the "bra" fabric. Each seashell should be about 4 inches wide and 5 inches long. Hem all around the edges of the seashells and sew or hot glue them onto the chest of the skin colored t-shirt (to look like the cups of a bra).

2. Cut out a piece of the shimmery fabric that is wide enough to go around the child's waist (plus 2 inches) and long enough to reach from her waist to her ankles. Fold the fabric in half, right sides together, bringing the long ends together. Sew up the skirt (1 inch seam allowance), leaving 5 inches at the bottom for a slit.

3. Hem the bottom of the skirt and the slit. Fold over the top of the skirt about 1 inch and sew it in place, leaving it open at the ends. Thread some elastic through the opening and, once it's all the way through the waistline, sew the ends of the elastic together and close the waistline.

4. Cut 2 half moon shapes out of the tulle. Sew one piece of fabric to each side of the bottom of the skirt (curved side down, straight side attached to the skirt), forming the "fins".

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you buy a t-shirt that closely resembles the child's skin color

References

• How to Make a Mermaid Costume
• Cheap Mermaid Costume
• Mermaid Costume