The Lila Mermaid, free pattern!

Lila and Nessie have become best friends and Blythe wanted them to swim together.  She asked, "Mama, can you make my Lila a mermaid."  So, I did.  I understand the need to be a mermaid.  As a child, it was my ambition.  Reality set in the same year I started doubting Santa's literal existence and abilities.  2nd grade, hard year.  :o)  Anyhow, now I can make all of the fantastic creatures I desire.  Being a grown up has its perks!  So, you can make your own Lila a mermaid because I made a pattern to share.  I hope you and your dear one (or inner child) will enjoy it!  Here is a link to the original Lila pattern:

Materials:

8"x45" piece of material

3.25" piece of 1/2" elastic

Thread

Safety pin

Tiny bit of stuffing

Here is my Lila Mermaid Pattern:

Here you go! Step 1: Fold the fabric in half and cut out the tail starting at the selvages (natural edge of the fabric). This will give you 2 pieces for the tail. Fold the remaining fabric in half again and cut out the fin.  This will give you 4 fins, 2 right-side & 2 wrong-side. Step 2: (pic 1) Pin 2 fins to the tail with the right-sides touching and sew wrong-sides together.  Repeat with your other tail and fin pieces. Step 3: (pic 2) Iron the tail and fins flat.  Pin them together wrong-side out and sew from one side, to the fins, around them, and up the other side. Step 4: (pic 3)  Fold over the fabric about 2" and sew a line about 1/4" from the top all the way around and then another line 5/8" below that leaving a 1/2" opening.  Thread the elastic through with a safety pin and join the end with a scrap of fabric and sew to the other end, so that it will lay flat.  (Or you could just sew the 2 pieces together.) Step 5: (pic 4) Turn it right-side out and stuff the fins.  The stuffing stays in without needing to be closed. Done! I used a bit of elastic headband lace from Hobby Lobby.  I hand sewed the edges together with embroidery thread, then wrapped it around the area, and knotted it closed with the needle (as I would at the end of the thread in a sewing project). 

Have a wonderful time! Here is a link to my free "Loch Ness Monster" pattern:

Here is shell top pattern for Lila!