An incredibly detailed custom mermaid costume with detachable shells, created for a company that does special appearances at kid's birthdays as princesses, pirates, & such. Little did I know that this would be the most involving project that I have ever undertaken!
When sketching up the design I had a few things to keep in mind for example how it had to be appropriate for children, very wearable, have an adjustable size, yet still beautiful & well made. The owner of this company approached me for a custom piece because of how most mass produced costumes are not durable enough to withstand a few seasons of parties, or in her budget.
The final product consisted of three major components:
Bodice
Shells
Tail
When sketching up the design I had a few things to keep in mind for example how it had to be appropriate for children, very wearable, have an adjustable size, yet still beautiful & well made. The owner of this company approached me for a custom piece because of how most mass produced costumes are not durable enough to withstand a few seasons of parties, or in her budget.
The final product consisted of three major components:
Bodice
Shells
Tail
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Signing UpStep 1: Bodice
The first step in designing this project was to keep functionality in mind, since my client is going to be around children most of the time, it needs to be age appropriate. Usually mermaid costumes consist of just wearing a shell bra, but we did not want much skin to show. To solve this problem I created the outfit as a strapless gown, with shells attached to the bodice.
To begin!
Outer bodice layer: Consisted of 7 pieces: center front, 2 side fronts, 2 side backs, 2 center backs with zipper allowance. Used nude colored fabric making up the princess seamed bodice, and an eyelet corset panel inserted between the center back & side back pieces. These panels would be on the outside of the invisible zipper, making it possible for the wearer to cinch it smaller, or let it out according to who is wearing it once you lace it up.
Boning: To add boning you simply leave 1" extra seam allowance to the inner layer pieces. This acts as the casing, and should be stitched shut once you are absolutely that you are happy with the length of each piece. For this I used a plastic style boning with a woven cover, sold by the yard at a craft store. Bought 1.75 just in case!
Bodice Lining: Made up of nude colored polyester lining fabric. Since this is a mirror image of the outer layer, construct it the exact same way, but add 1" seam allowance for the boning casing. Also stitched padding to the breast area to add to the hourglass shape we were trying to achieve, you can use bathing suit pads or something similar for this.
Combine! At this point I basted the inside + outside together, made sure the seams matched, and stay stitched to finalize them. Turn right side out, press, and top stitch the top edge for structure. Go ahead and baste the zipper edges & bottom together for security.
To begin!
Outer bodice layer: Consisted of 7 pieces: center front, 2 side fronts, 2 side backs, 2 center backs with zipper allowance. Used nude colored fabric making up the princess seamed bodice, and an eyelet corset panel inserted between the center back & side back pieces. These panels would be on the outside of the invisible zipper, making it possible for the wearer to cinch it smaller, or let it out according to who is wearing it once you lace it up.
Boning: To add boning you simply leave 1" extra seam allowance to the inner layer pieces. This acts as the casing, and should be stitched shut once you are absolutely that you are happy with the length of each piece. For this I used a plastic style boning with a woven cover, sold by the yard at a craft store. Bought 1.75 just in case!
Bodice Lining: Made up of nude colored polyester lining fabric. Since this is a mirror image of the outer layer, construct it the exact same way, but add 1" seam allowance for the boning casing. Also stitched padding to the breast area to add to the hourglass shape we were trying to achieve, you can use bathing suit pads or something similar for this.
Combine! At this point I basted the inside + outside together, made sure the seams matched, and stay stitched to finalize them. Turn right side out, press, and top stitch the top edge for structure. Go ahead and baste the zipper edges & bottom together for security.
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ianmi says:
Oct 31, 2012. 1:47 PMReply
Oh la la!
217
jessyratfink says:
Oct 3, 2012. 4:13 PMReplyAhhhhh! It's perfect. I've always wanted to be a mermaid for Halloween. :D
2
Chase_Ash (author) says:
Oct 10, 2012. 9:34 AMReply
Thanks Jessyratfink!
108
Penolopy Bulnick says:
Oct 3, 2012. 4:21 PMReplyNicely done! I love how you made a full top instead of just a bikini top. It can get cold out and it's just nice not to show off a bunch of skin!
2
Chase_Ash (author) says:
Oct 10, 2012. 9:34 AMReply
Yes, and especially being around children, she did not want to worry about any wardrobe malfunctions. Thanks for reading!
bjeffrey1 says:
Oct 4, 2012. 5:34 AMReply
Nice work here, great pictures, informative and well written. Thanks from the staff at www.wonderflexworld.com
2
Chase_Ash (author) says:
Oct 10, 2012. 9:33 AMReply
So glad my friend suggested this material, it really saved my life! Had no idea that this type of thing existed, and will definitely be using more in the future. Thank you for making something amazing!
adanakota says:
Oct 5, 2012. 9:31 AMReply
This is so precious! Great job !! I can't wait to show my son's girlfriend, she's been wanting to do a Cruella D'eVille or mermaid outfit....cant wait to start, Thanks!
2
Chase_Ash (author) says:
Oct 10, 2012. 9:31 AMReply
Thank you! Whatever you do don't put it off, this takes a lot of time and effort!
4
craftyv says:
Oct 7, 2012. 3:55 PMReply
Very nice work and good Instructable'. I happen to have some large sea green and pearl sequins which I used on something similar and It occurred to me you might not mind my suggestion. ie. Add something "shimmery' just along, some not necessarily all, of the edges such as sequins, glass. pearl or silver. Even a glitter pen would work. This would catch the eye and enhance the underwater theme. Enjoy your costume. Regards.
2
Chase_Ash (author) says:
Oct 10, 2012. 9:31 AMReply
Thanks for the input! Unfortunately our schedule & budget did not allow for the extra scale detailing, which is why we had to choose a pre-sparkled fabric, yet in the future if I ever take this on again this idea will be used.
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