Handmade tail questions

[Mermaid Maris]

So I have made my own tails, but I never really figured out a few things when making them
What type of thread should I use?
I use my sewing machine, what stitch should I use?

[Mermaid Jaffa]

So I have made my own tails, but I never really figured out a few things when making them
What type of thread should I use?
I use my sewing machine, what stitch should I use?
Thread - 100% polyester
Stitch - zigzag. It looks like this, vvvvvvv, VvvVvv.

[KTMaggs]

So I have made my own tails, but I never really figured out a few things when making them
What type of thread should I use?
I use my sewing machine, what stitch should I use?

Well I would recommend the overlock stitch. I am not sure on fabrics because mine was neoprene. Good luck!!


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[Merman Storm]

Ive had good luck with the triple step zig-zag stitch that makes three stitches per zig, C as shown in: https://doitbetteryourself.club/best-stretch-stitches-sewing-machine/

[Mermaid Maris]

Thread - 100% polyester
Stitch - zigzag. It looks like this, vvvvvvv, VvvVvv.

Does it work with spandex? or does it only work with neoprene?

[KTMaggs]

Does it work with spandex? or does it only work with neoprene?

I’m not quite sure. I haven’t made a tail with spandex. Well good luck!!


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[Dancing Fish]

OK, I just spent an hour perusing that site and have now added home-sewn jeans to my do-to list...thanks Merman Storm! :cool:

And a zigzag stitch is fine for spandex. A tip for sewing those gloriously shiny but sticky foil spandex fabrics (YaYa Han, I'm looking at your finicky holographic foil here)-- put a paper towel or tissue paper under the bottom layer so it doesn't stick to your sewing machine and pull your fabric out of shape as you sew. Then tear it off when you're done. Be sure to use a stretch needle, too (it has a thinner ball point tip). If you're really serious about sewing stretchy fabrics and are having trouble getting flat seams, read about the walking presser foot. It really saved my sanity when I was making a tail. (Of course, the underlying issue for me was an old sewing machine that had a timing problem...skipped stitches everywhere!)

[Arking]

Neoprene can be somewhat difficult with a zig zag or any stitch to be honest, depending on the thickness of your material. I know I had to go over mine with a faux overlock stitch built into my machine to be 100% sure I was doing it right. Then to be super picky I used neoprene glue along the seam to make it a permanent bond. :) I may have over done it myself though

[Mermaid Jaffa]

I've used 3 step zigzag stitch when I upgraded my sewing machine... I must say, it is my fave go to zigzag stitch for everything stretchy!

[DancingJohari]

I also recommend using a serger machine. I bast mine with a normal sewing machine, then I serge the seama which does the overlock stitch and sews it so there's no gaps. good luck!

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[Mermaid Jaffa]

I also recommend using a serger machine. I bast mine with a normal sewing machine, then I serge the seama which does the overlock stitch and sews it so there's no gaps. good luck!

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That's great but not everyone has access to a serger. The stitches we gave work just fine without a serger.

[Mermaid Fenicia]

http://users.telenet.be/the-mermaid/tutoral/meermin/meermine.htm <= my tutorial on making a tail. ;)