doll mermaid tails pattern

A mermaid tail is included in one of the Girl Friends Doll Sewing Panel. (It’s Kat’s accessory.) However, one thing I noticed at the doll photo shoot is that the girl models LOVED the mermaid tail. . . like, they all wanted the mermaid. So, I figured I better make a mermaid tail for all the girl dolls. We used my Remix fabric prints for all the tails. You can find the free mermaid pattern below with sewing instructions.

• Download the mermaid tail pattern.
• Cut out 2 mirror images of the mermaid tail shape (one for the front and one for the back) with pinking shears.
• Place the 2 pieces right sides together and pin.
• Using a 1/4″ seam allowance, sew the pieces together along the side seam starting at the top. Sew down one side and along the fin, but stop half-way back up the other side.
• Fold the top edge over 1/2″ with wrong sides of fabric together. Press. This will be the casing for the elastic waistband.
• Sew the casing in place with a 1/8″ seam, being sure to leave both ends of the casing open.
• Cut a 5″ piece of 1/4″ elastic.
• Attach a small safety pin to one end of the elastic and feed the pin through the waistband casing. When the free end of the elastic is even with the open end of the casing, sew across the end to secure the elastic. Pull the safety pin out the open end of the casing, hold the elastic in place, remove the pin, and sew across the end of the casing to secure the elastic.
• Match the remaining unstitched side seam and waistband with right sides together. Pin, if needed, and sew the rest of the side seam up to the top using a 1/4″ seam allowance.
• Clip curves and corners. Turn right size out. Pull tail onto doll over legs for magical mermaid transformation.

(photos 2 and 4 by Mary Craven Photography / photos 1, 3, 5 by Kelle)