Mermaid Tails are really popular right now. If you look on any of the social media networks, they are everywhere from costumes to actual swimming tails. I have a few little friends that I like to sew for and surprise every once in a while with special gifts. Recently, while visiting with one of them, I was shown all of the beautiful choices online and questioned as to whether I had ever sewn one before. I kind of took the hint and got to work. Instead of purchasing new fabric in one big piece, I went through my fleece stash and found two coordinating remnant pieces that would work well together.
I carefully planned the finished size so that it would be long enough to last through a couple of growth years and set to piecing the cut panels together. As you can see from the picture, they will be able to stand up in it and kind of shuffle around the house. The fleece made it really soft and snuggly. It was not hard to sew and I used my Serger for most of the seams. My sewing machine came in handy to lock in some of the curved seams because I figured it might get some heavy duty use once they realized their feet would go all the way into the fins. The entire process took an afternoon and I was able to accomplish clearing out some of my cabinets to make room for new material. Fleece is wonderful, but it does take up more space than other fabrics.
According to my little friend's mom, it was a big success as they kind of live in it now. I have a downloadable pattern detailing how I constructed it below. All measurements are guidelines as you can piece your remnants together to whatever size you need. I love using the leftover pieces of fabric because not only are they staying out of landfills, the finished project is unique and very special. I hope you have enjoyed this post, share what you have learned and are generous with what you make. Someone will appreciate your hard work!
| mermaid_blanket2.pdf |
