Cute DIY Mermaid Costume

With this Homemade Mermaid Costume, I really wanted to create something unique, something that was not like the typical mermaid costumes. I started by making a long spaghetti strap sheath dress–(you can also just purchase one at a thrift store). Mine was made of deep blue stretch velvet.

I then used several different colors and patterns of upholstery fabrics and brocades to cut the scales (I made a scallop pattern for these, and used a larger scallop pattern for the top) and the two shell shapes for the top.

These I applied one at a time, making a ‘V’ shape at the waistline and going down in layers until I reached the tail section. These can be applied either with costumer’s fabric glue (such as fabri-tac), or hand sewn on with a few simple stitches.

For the mermaid tail, I cut strips of tulle and silk scarves in blues and greens, and attached them to the bottom of the skirt. This gives it a full, floaty mermaid tail look, but still allows for comfortable walking.

As a final touch,I also added blue beads here and there along the skirt, to add sparkle and simulate little ‘bubbles’

For accessories, I created a mermaid crown and mermaid slippers.