Whether you or a child wants to spend Halloween as the Little Mermaid, Ariel, or any other mermaid in the sea, there are a few different ways to create a homemade mermaid costume. Some of the largest problems associated with the mermaid costume are the ability or lack thereof for the user to walk, the exposed skin, and shoes that show plainly under the mermaid tail.
General Mermaid Costume
The costume consists of two parts: the tail and the bra. To create an easy mermaid bra, take a bikini top or a sports bra and add sequins, shell appliques or fabric. You can also modify a halter top in the same manner. To make the tail, use a tube skirt, either zippered or elastic. Sew heavily scalloped strips in layers on the tail to create rows of scales. Cut a slit in the back to allow the user to walk. Attach "fins" on the bottom made out of semi-transparent gauzy or metallic fabric. Fins can be either wired (sew in a craft wire along the hems to make them moldable) or left hanging.
Camouflaging Shoes in the Mermaid Costume
Cover the shoes with the same fabric you chose for the fin of the tail. Each cover should fit only on the top and sides of the shoes and should be tied around the ankle. None of the cover should trail on the ground because it can become a tripping hazard. The covers can be more effective with multiple layers of the fin fabric, pleated and gathered, to create fullness over the shoes.
Creating a Full Coverage Mermaid Costume
These costumes are good for colder areas or for those who prefer to have less skin visible, such as for people bound for a work costume party. Instead of using a bikini top or sports bra to make the top, use a long sleeved shirt or leotard approximately the skin color of the wearer and sew the mermaid bra onto the shirt. Alternatively, skip attaching a bra at all and wear a long wig to simulate the topless mermaids found in paintings.
Creating Your Mermaid Costume Accessories
Some people add wigs, crowns, seashells, pearls and fake seaweed to accessorize. The seaweed can be made out of green crepe paper rolls. Drape it over your shoulders or hang it off your arms. An easy crown arises from gluing or taping decorated cardstock to a head band. Alternatively, make a head wreath out of paper- or ribbon-covered wire and attach seashells to it. Braid tiny sections of hair with matte green ribbon and attach bead and shells to the hairs for a wild mermaid look.
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