Anyone Thought of this? need help. (fabric layering for scales)

[Elizzabeth]

So i already have a tail made from fabric and also fabric fins dorsal, 2 side fins, and 2 heel fins. i really want the scale look but i want the scales to flow. ive been thinking of sequins but im not sure if i want to hand sew them since i'm not the best at hand sewing and i would have to hand sew them if i want them to move in water more. sooo i started thinking of just sewing a thicker material in scale shapes. kind of like this idea. vvv

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has anyone tried it? really could use some suggestions on it. x.x not even sure what material to use or how it would affect the stretch.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Nice idea but it's not going to work, because your "scales" are a padded material, it will soak up a ton of water, making it very hard to swim in. That's if you get that far, otherwise it will sink you very fast. And sewing with a straight stitch as you have done, the fabric will not stretch. Instead your tail will rip because it is heavy and has no stretch.

Why not just buy a pre-made scale tail and add your own fins and things to it?

[Elizzabeth]

Nice idea but it's not going to work, because your "scales" are a padded material, it will soak up a ton of water, making it very hard to swim in. That's if you get that far, otherwise it will sink you very fast. And sewing with a straight stitch as you have done, the fabric will not stretch. Instead your tail will rip because it is heavy and has no stretch.

Why not just buy a pre-made scale tail and add your own fins and things to it?

o.o thats just a reference picture. x.x sorry i should have clarified that. and im broke atm so i cant afford much.

[Mermaid Mia]

I have a freind who did fabric scales. She cut them out as scallops on a long piece of fabric. She then did sew them on in a strait line with a stretch stitch. It looks pretty good, but the scales do flap up sometimes exposing the tail underneath. Here is a link to her Facebook album with photos of the tail --> http://tinyurl.com/Sewing-Savage-Sirena-Mermaid


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[Elizzabeth]

I have a freind who did fabric scales. She cut them out as scallops on a long piece of fabric. She then did sew them on in a strait line with a stretch stitch. It looks pretty good, but the scales do flap up sometimes exposing the tail underneath. Here is a link to her Facebook album with photos of the tail --> http://tinyurl.com/Sewing-Savage-Sirena-Mermaid


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Yuss thats exactly what i was thinking of doing, i don't think the fabric flipping up will be a problem. the tail and the scales will be the same color.

[Elizzabeth]

still not sure if i should go with this or sequins tho. if i do this ill have it done by the time my monofin comes (in 2 days) in and be able to hop right into the pool. if i wait to buy sequins i probably wont swim in it till i have them (which could be months). personal preference but i don't like plain tails even if they have extra fins. x.x other people can pull it off but i'm just super picky.

[Mermaid Mia]

Sequins do take longer to lay, you have to buy a LOT of them, and they are heavy (they can stretch out fabric if it is not neoprene). That said i love the look of them. But i think fabric scales are fun and if you like them then go for it!


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[Mermaid Mia]

Out of curiosity.. How are you creating your tail before you have the monofin? I only ask because it would be super handy to do that! I always have to have the monofin in front of me to pattern how big the fluke needs to be and how wide my ankles are etc.


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[Elizzabeth]

Out of curiosity.. How are you creating your tail before you have the monofin? I only ask because it would be super handy to do that! I always have to have the monofin in front of me to pattern how big the fluke needs to be and how wide my ankles are etc.


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i'm getting the mahina merfin in black, and the tail is black so i'm going to making of a V shape of extra material so i can slip the fin through and still have the lines of the monofin cuz i really like the look of it.


This shows the lines on it that i like:
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and this is just a quick doodle i did on it:
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So i'm not covering it entirely. mainly just where the feet might show in the back.

Also that way if i make the strap a bit longer then needed i can just cut and sew. quick and easy.

[Mermaid Mia]

Ok. Makes sense :3 and since mahina is really good about showing her measurements that shouldn't be too hard to do. Thanks!


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