Mermaid Costume for a Doll
Here's a great gift idea! You can turn any child's doll into a mermaid with this easy-to-make mermaid costume. The tail pulls on over the legs of any doll, just adjust the pattern size to match. This will work for Barbies and other plastic dolls as well as Waldorf dolls or other types of cloth dolls.
First, measure the length of the doll's legs. Add one inch or a little more to allow for seams. Cut two matching cloth triangles for the main tail shape. Fold up the bottom point of both triangles to create a small flat tip. Sew across the bottom of the tip.
Lay both triangles facing each other and sew up the side seams leaving about 1/8 inch of the sides open near the bottom of the point of the triangle so you have room to insert the fin. Turn the piece right-side out.
Cut out two matching fin shapes from your chosen cloth, making sure to leave a little around the edges to allow for a seam. Lay both pieces face to face and sew around the edges, leaving a small hole in the center top. Turn the fin right-side out through this hole. Stitch fin lines along dotted lines in example.
Place the top of the fin (where the hole is) between the two tip ends of the tail body. Sew a straight line across to stitch the body and fin together. Turn the tail body inside out to complete the side seams at the bottom so that they are tidy.
Turn the tail right-side out again. Fold the top over twice, then sew along the bottom edge of the seam to make a tunnel through which to slide your elastic band. Snip a small hole in the inside of the back of the seam to insert the band.
Cut a piece of elastic band or a thick rubber band (won't last quite as long) to fit around the doll's waist. Use a safety pin or tweezers or any other tool that works to pass the elastic band through the waistline of the tail. Tie or sew the ends of the elastic band together in back and tuck the ends inside of the little snipped hole.
If you like, finish the seams so that they do not fray. Most kids won't care, however, because the ends stay tucked inside the tail.