Mermaid Tail
0-3 months
J & H hook
yarn needle for assembly
Med skein of choice yarn
small amount for accent
! Join is always a slip stitch in the top of the first dc of round
!! Fist dc of round is always in the same stitch as the join sl st
dc dec - yo insert hook in next st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through 2 loops on hook, yo, insert hook in next st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through 2 loops on hook, yo, pull through remaining 3 loops on hook
dc - double crochet
sl st - slip stitch
st - stitch
yo - yarn over
dec - decrease
ch - chain
Using J hook and a magic circle, ch 2
1. 6dc in circle, pull circle closed, join (6)
2. ch 2, *dc is first st, 2 dc in next*, repeat around, join (9)
3. ch 2, *dc in next 2 st, 2 dc in next*, repeat around, join (12)
4. repeat row 3 (16)
5. ch 2, dc in each st around, join (16)
6. ch 2, *dc in next 3 st, 2 dc in next*, repeat around, join (20)
7. ch 2, dc in each st around, join (20)
8. ch 2, * dc in next 4 st, 2 dc in next*, repeat around, join (24)
9 ch 2, dc in each st around, join (24)
10. repeat row 9 (24)
11. ch 2, *dc in next 5 st, 2 dc in next*, repeat around, join (28)
12. ch 2, dc in each st around, join (28)
13. ch 2, *dc in next 3 st, 2 dc in next*, repeat around, join (35)
14. ch 2, dc in each st around, join (35)
15. ch 2, *dc in next 6 st, 2 dc in next*, repeat around, join (40)
16. ch 2, dc in each st around, join (40)
17. ch 2, * dc in next 4 st, 2 dc in next*repeat around, join (48)
18. ch 2, dc in each st around, join (48)
19. ch 2, *dc in next 5 st, 2 dc in next* repeat around, join (56)
20. ch 2, dc in each st around
21-23 repeat row 20 (56)
24. ch 2, * dc in next 12 st, dc dec once* repeat around, join (52)
25. ch 2, dc in each st around, join (52)
26. ch 2, *dc in next 11 st, dc dec once* repeat around, join (48)
27. ch 2, *dc in next 10 st, dc dec once* repeat around, join (44)
28. ch 2, dc in each st around, join (44)
Fasten off
Tail Fin
H hook
! All rows are worked in front loops throughout (makes ribbing)
!! Leave approx 12 inch tail in beginning for later assembly
Ch 28
1. hdc in second ch from hook and in each st across (27)
2. ch 1, turn, hdc in next 26 st (26)
3. ch 1, turn, skip 1st. st, hdc across (25)
4. ch 1, turn, hdc in next 23 st (23)
5. ch 1, turn, skip 1st. st, hdc across (22)
6. ch 1, turn, hdc in next 21 st (21)
7. ch 1, turn, skip 3 st, hdc in next 18 st (18)
8. ch 1, turn, hdc in next 14st, sl st in next 2 st (16)
9. ch 1, turn, skip 2 sl st, hdc across (14)
Fasten off
! You will need to make 2 of these
!! Leave tail for sewing on one of end of fin as well as beginning
To Assemble:The fins should be sewn together on their short sides. (the green line). Place tail and fins where you want them. Pin in place if needed. Tack the end of the tail down with a few stitches and thread yarn up through fin. Sew across red line attaching fins to ONE side of tail. Then bend each side of fin to match line of tail (yellow lines) and sew in place. Sewn edges will show only on backside of tail and careful sewing makes nice flat seems barely visible. Don't sew through both sides.
The detailing was done in a sparkly pink yarn. I joined and chained 6 and sl st under the loops of the dc st, skipping one in between. You don't have to include the embellishment but my thoughts where use some string elastic at the top and the pink would hide that I think.
Enjoy!
Do you remember how long the tail ended up being? I have a hard time with patterns and gauge because I crochet tighter than most...
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry I'd only have a guess and that wouldn't help much. The tails were given away as a gift. I would suggest viewing the tutorial and look for her store listing perhaps there is an overall length on her listing.
ReplyDeleteis this a bunting bag by any chance or be made into one ?
ReplyDeleteIt was designed as a photo prop to my knowledge. But carefully sewing the fin to one side of the "sack" makes it very bunting friendly. Though the waist may need to be extended as needed for the intends size. For a cold weather bunting you might want to consider using 2 strands together or a bulkier yarn.
DeleteI am SOOOOOO happy you wrote this down! I made this a while back for a friend, but never thought to write the pattern down. Now I have several others wanting another and the video has been removed. I was about to have a panic attack, but THEN I came across your blog! :D YAY! I was in the doctor's office waiting on my sweet grandmother when I discovered it. Needless to say, I looked a bit silly dancing in my seat, but I don't care! :D THANK YOU! :D
ReplyDeleteHi, I have been asked to make one of these cute mermaid tails for a 5-8month old and one for a 1-2 year old....do I use a bigger needle and add more rounds, please help !
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I don't have an easy answer for you. I do have some suggestions. First you'll need to decide what purpose these will serve. A photo prop, dress up, or baby bunting. The 'tail' in the pictures was made with a J hook. Though I only used a single strand, not double as I would have used for a cold weather bunting, of worsted weight yard making it less bulky. It was august. (Usually warm here) And it was made for a newborn (Twins). Being single strand it did have a bit of stretch to it so if its warm or a photo prop going to a K or L might do you for the 5-8 month old. Sizing can be effected greatly by needle size, how tightly you crochet, and yarn weight or a combination of all three. I didn't bother noting the gauge for my project. (kicks self) So it's going to be trial and error to get it right. For the 1-2 yr. old I'd go with adding stitches and rows(and the K hook). The tail point may need to be larger to accommodate slightly larger feet comfortably(added stitches per round). Perhaps adding 1 filler row between the increase rows or every other of the second stage. (Stages: 1 start/point of the tail, 2 increase in height and gradual width, 3 vertical increase (thigh/hip area), then there would be a small decrease for waist) Possibly 1 or 2 extra rows in the 3rd stage before decrease. The larger point may require the fins to be altered (wider) which would mean an increase in the beginning chain. It should be bigger to size with tail. As props or snuggly the sizing should suffice. For older mermaids, as possibly dress up the point of the tail would be better off open. Chain ?? and join ring and begin increases and filler rows from there. Add the fins onto the 'front' and your mermaid could walk around in her tail. You could also include a ribbed band for the waist to better the fit. Best of luck and I hope this helped a bit.
DeleteI would like to use this pattern for older children and adults. Do you have this in those sizes?
ReplyDeleteI made this same thing in this very same color about 2 years ago even the pink ruffle just came across this post tonight.
ReplyDeleteWe are really grateful for your blog post. You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post. I was exactly searching for. Thanks for such post and please keep it up. Great work.
ReplyDeleteMermaid tails for adults
Is this a waist length mermaid tail or chest length like a cocoon?
ReplyDelete