I’m going to make a neoprene tail, my first!

[Hopeful]

Ok so I finally drew my tail design! Tell me if there’s any flaws you can see with my design! I’m going to use spray paint for color, and seal it with rustoleum rubber sealant clear. I will also use pigment for the finer details mixed with the sealant. I’m going to make my monofin out of water shoes tied down to a flexible plastic from an office mat😁 I’m trying to do this as cheaply and quality as I can. I’m going to the fabric store tomorrow to hopefully procure some neoprene. So my list is:
-Neoprene
-Thick thread (yes I’m hand sewing the whole thing cause I don’t trust my sewing machine lol)
-Elastic band (for the waist so it’s snug)
-2 zippers
-spray paint
-pigment
-clear, flexible, rubber sealant
Wish me luck! Ill add pictures when I can figure out how😅

[Hopeful]

Help! I can’t post pictures!��

[Merman Storm]

You have to post the pictures somewhere else, and put a link to them here.

[Hopeful]

Oh weird! Thank you so much for telling me tho!

[Hopeful]

https://ibb.co/3RJjBRt

[Hopeful]

https://ibb.co/LtbH0fR

[Hopeful]

https://ibb.co/YkmjBTW

[Hopeful]

Sorry posting links is the best I could do��

[ItsjustmeAmyLee]

Wow! Looks really nice, I bet it'll come out awesome!

[Princess of the sea]

Ohh I love that blue color!!


^_^ happy swimming

[Hopeful]

Thank you so much guys!�� I’m really excited to make one!

[00phantom]

Oh wow! Thats such a gorgeous design!
Definitely keep us posted as you make progress!

[Hopeful]

Thank you much 00phantom!!

Unfortunately, today I couldn’t find neoprene at Joann fabrics or Hobby Lobby, so it looks like I’ll have to order online, but, I did get my painting supplies, zippers, elastic, strong thread and curved needles! I also got this sparkly ribbon stuff that I’m going to cut out random individual scales of. I’ll update when I get my neoprene or monofin going which will probably be a couple days.

[Calisai]

Your tail design looks lovely! I hope MerNetwork eventually fixes the picture problem or updates the site itself because it stinks that we have to post links now when pictures can be seen in older threads (and the site is kinda old-timey, just saying). I can’t wait to see how your tail comes along. Please keep us updated!

[Mermaid Whisper]

I know this is off-topic of the original post, but the picture thing is actuqlly intentional! Allowing mers to upload albums and dozens of photos unfortunately took up a lot of server space, and in order to keep MerNetwork completely free to use, that was the workaround!
Your tail design looks lovely! I hope MerNetwork eventually fixes the picture problem or updates the site itself because it stinks that we have to post links now when pictures can be seen in older threads (and the site is kinda old-timey, just saying). I can’t wait to see how your tail comes along. Please keep us updated!

Sent from my SM-G975U using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

[Hopeful]

Thank you so much Calisai! I definitely will keep you updated! And Mermaid Whisper, that totally makes sense! Now that you feeling figured out how to post links, it’s really not that bad�� So, since Thanksgiving is coming up, I’m going to be gone for almost a week to see family and won’t be able to make any progress (not that I can without my neoprene anyway)but I’m hoping that maybe I can go to Home Depot because their website said they have neoprene. My family lives in a more populated area so maybe their stores will have it�� if not, then I will have to order online.

[Hopeful]

Finally figured*��

[Hopeful]

Ok I finally ordered my neoprene! My cousin told me about alibaba.com, it’s like Chinese amazon. I was able to order 3mm neoprene 56”x180” for $12.36 instead of $86-$100+ price tag I was getting shopping in the usa. So hopefully they send me what I ordered lol it’s supposed to take about a month to get here soooooo sorry about the wait, but I need to save the monies haha

[Hopeful]

Ok it’s not $12.36, it’s $48.36, they got me with the shipping fee! But still it’s a way better deal.

[Mermaid Clara]

I'm also working on a neoprene tail but sewing scale sequins on it. I found a seller on ebay for the neoprene located in Los Angles but I'm buying 10 yards so I can eventually make a second sequin tail. my sequins are from a company from Alibaba.com

[Hopeful]

Oh that sounds beautiful mermaid Clara!! I hope you post a pic when you are done so I can see it��

[Hopeful]

Ok, so long story short, I finally figured out a way to make a neoprene tail with just two yards so it’s not too expensive�� my neoprene should get here in about a month I think�� It’s going to be poly nylon embossed blue on both sides. My goodness, there are a zillion neoprene buying options. Straight up rubber neoprene, or mixed? Embossed on one side or both sides? Or no sides? In a sheet or by yard or by foot? .5mm to 6mm? It’s amazing how expensive it is. Thankfully I’ll be able to get the neoprene I need for $70 instead of $200+. I’ll explain also how I can make a seven foot long tail out of 2 yards once I get it and can take pics of it��

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Its doable if you mix in some spandex.

[Hopeful]

I’m actually going to make my tail with just neoprene, when I get my neoprene I’ll take picture so I can explain it well :) and it’s coming in 5ish days, so it won’t be long! I also got my mats today that I’m going to make my mono fin out of, I’ll post pics below. The larger one cost $13 at Walmart and is going to be the main part. The smaller mat I’m going to use to create a pocket for my feet and then glue them together.
https://ibb.co/NSN8Pwv

[Hopeful]

Ok so I was cutting the raggity stuff off the mat last night and accidentally made a little hole. No big, I thought. Well then the whole thing started kind of crumbling apart. So DO NOT BUY THIS MAT. Instead I’m getting a polycarbonate chair mat. More expensive, but will do the trick nicely. I’ll update when it comes in�� I’ll be getting the 1/8 inch thickness.

[Hopeful]

My Neoprene AND polycarbonate mat came!!! I’m so excited! I’m letting them air out on the enclosed front porch for now because they smell like factory chemicals.
https://ibb.co/z8MPzt5
https://ibb.co/9H3v8DB

[Mermoviemedic]

Love that color blue!

[Hopeful]

Thank you Mermo! Ok, so after thinking and thinking and thinking, I’ve come up with my game plan. I even sewed miniature versions out of an old sheet to make sure how I’m going to cut the neoprene, don’t want to mess up, it’s expensive! Here’s an attachment (top part) of how I’m going to cut the neoprene to make the tail longer than 72” :) I got 72”x58”. The neoprene still smells really chemically, so I think I’ll have it sit out for a bit longer, plus this week is going to be busy�� https://ibb.co/xFPbvWb

[Hopeful]

Cut out my fluke! I’m going to trim more off but I cut out the main shape. Now to find some polycarbonate adhesive lol
https://ibb.co/TB4QVF9
https://ibb.co/2ZrmJhg

[MermanOliver]

Cut out my fluke! I’m going to trim more off but I cut out the main shape. Now to find some polycarbonate adhesive lol
https://ibb.co/TB4QVF9
https://ibb.co/2ZrmJhgSuperglue works well, seriously. Maybe you'll need to use a plastic primer (did some experiments a couple of years ago, and can't remember if I used primer or not), but it works like a charm. Do some tests with scraps first, though.

Sent from my H3311 using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

[Hopeful]

Oh thank you! I was trying to figure out the best way to go about it :)

[Hopeful]

Hello Mers! Got my measurements and finished tracing! I cut out my fluke so far but got tired so I’ll cut my body out later. Here’s some pics!
https://ibb.co/C67XyMf
https://ibb.co/xhKtszs
https://ibb.co/ZdmPM8S
To measure my bod, I measured every 4 inches, then divided by 2, and then divided by 2 again to find the center point. I had to trim down the size of my fluke a wee bit to make everything fit, but it’ll still look just fine :)

[Hopeful]

Woohoo! Everything is now cut! I’ve also finished sewing on the side zipper (3rd times the charm, right?) by hand, and have sewn down to the half calf point. And wow my fingers are sore! Lol I’ve had to make soooooo many adjustment to the fitting because I want it to fit just right. Once I’ve sewed the body to the perfect fit, I will go back and over stitch everything so it is strong and nice and tidy. Here is a pic of where I’m at :)
https://ibb.co/WpPcvXt

[Hopeful]

https://ibb.co/MCWFCwQ

[Hopeful]

Getting closer!
https://ibb.co/MCWFCwQ

[Sam is here]

ohh, that looks great so far!

[Hopeful]

And you were right Mermaid Oliver! Super glue worked like a charm!

[Hopeful]

Thank you Mermaid Ocean!! I’ve been working very hard on it :D

[Hopeful]

Finally 100% done with my monofin! And it’s comfy!
It took:
polycarbonate mat=$45
super glue=$8
sharp scissors=moms kitchen
polyester rope=dad’s garage
clamps=also dad’s garage
mesh strap=computer bag from the thrift store for $2
leftover neoprene
velcro=mom’s sewing box
drill=dad’s garage
upholstery thread=hobby lobby $4
I also made it so the strap was long enough that in an emergency I can just pull and release my feet.
Here be the pics:
https://ibb.co/DWMDfvC
https://ibb.co/RgWGmKb

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Wow! Nice work! Is there any propulsion with this kind of monofin?

[Hopeful]

Thank you!! I am not sure yet, but I will let you know when I get to test it out�� I think it will have some propulsion, but not as much as a stiff fin.

[Hopeful]

So you know when you sit and the back of your tail pooches outwards, letting the world see your bum? So I tried fixing it last night but it only made my tail tighter with still the same amount of pooch. So I cut the pooch out and then sewed it back together and oddly enough, it worked! Fits like a glove now. Then I covered the seam with a fin lol Here be the pics.
https://ibb.co/GCwhtCW
https://ibb.co/ZJPHd9P
https://ibb.co/s5KQN0n
Also, I finished the body of my taaaail! Now I just need to add some ankle fins and then connect the body to the fluke and then decorate :D

[Hopeful]

Do not worry, I am still working on my tail! It’s just taking forever because I’m sewing it all by hand since I don’t trust my sewing machine. Tomorrow I’ll try to finish sewing up the fluke and then the next step will be painting!

[Hopeful]

Ok so it’s taking longer than I anticipated. I want it to be very streamline and realized I made the ankle/calf area too tight, so I had to go back and cut a slit and glue and sew neoprene back into it to make more space to hide my ankle bumps. I also had to reconfigure my monofin to lay more flat. Anywho, I’m going to wait another day for the glue to cure and then try it on. Hope it fits right!

[Hopeful]

https://ibb.co/bgZS1QS

Starting to paint!!

[Kelpie Thyra]

what a nice project! loving your design, and great work so far!

[Hopeful]

Tank you very much!����

[Hopeful]

Don’t worry I am still here!! I broke my arm so it put a pause on things�� I went to the lake and tested my polycarbonate monofin I made and while it looks pretty, it has terrible propulsion. So I will be using it for dry events lol. And I am halfway done painting my tail! I need to make a few small adjustments, find the right fins to insert in the tail and finish painting and sealing and whala! I will be done. I will post pics of my tail soon!

[Hopeful]

https://ibb.co/nmbyYw0https://ibb.co/nmbyYw0

[Hopeful]

https://ibb.co/dJNYkHKhttps://ibb.co/dJNYkHK

[MermaidRonelle]

Woah! The detail on those scales is looking super great! Loving seeing how this is coming along

[Hopeful]

Thank you very much! :D

[Kelpie Thyra]

it's really getting somewhere... stunning to look at even now

[MissDeBear]

The paint work on this is absolutely stunning! Everything is looking great

[Starfire]

That is an awesome paint job, I so wouldn't have the patience for that. you could try putting a stiffer monofin inside the one you made and see if that helps with the propulsion?

[Hopeful]

Thank you so much for the encouragement guys, it means so much to me! Yes! I just have to figure out what material to use. Do you guys know of good diy monofin materials?
also paint update: I have some details to finish and then I will put a sparkly seal on it :D
https://ibb.co/q1jZjdt
https://ibb.co/q1jZjdt
https://ibb.co/SBTWNqW

[Merman Storm]

I have found polypropylene to be a good material. It is what FinFun uses. It is a bit more durable than polycarbonate, and about half the cost.
https://www.mcmaster.com/polypropylene/polypropylene-sheets-and-bars/

A thickness of 1/8 inch works well.
I bolt Cressi short swim fins to them

https://www.amazon.com/Cressi-AGUA-SHORT-BLUE-39/dp/B01328VERE/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=cressi+swim+fin&qid=1606399464&sr=8-2


You cannot glue to polypropylene well, it is sort of like Teflon that way. Nothing sticks. You have to strap, sew, or bolt the fins on. The stainless steel nuts and bolts I use:

https://www.mcmaster.com/98007A024/ (https://www.mcmaster.com/screws/flat-head-screws/316-stainless-steel-hex-drive-flat-head-screws/)
(https://www.mcmaster.com/screws/flat-head-screws/316-stainless-steel-hex-drive-flat-head-screws/)


https://www.mcmaster.com/98007A024/

[Hopeful]

You are a life saver!! Thank you so so much for sharing your mer-wisdom! :D

[sotogrant]

Looks amazing! I can't wait to see you
Thank you so much for the encouragement guys, it means so much to me! Yes! I just have to figure out what material to use. Do you guys know of good diy monofin materials?
also paint update: I have some details to finish and then I will put a sparkly seal on it :D
https://ibb.co/q1jZjdt
https://ibb.co/q1jZjdt
https://ibb.co/SBTWNqW

Sent from my EML-L09 using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

[scilover]

your tail looks cute and simple. i like simple design so that it won be to crowded. and i like yours :))

[Hopeful]

Would you say an 1/8 polypropylene is somewhat rigid for good propulsion?

[Hopeful]

And thank you so much guys! :D

[Merman Storm]

1/8" polypropylene is what i normally use. It works well.

[Merman Storm]

1/8" polypropylene is what i normally use. It works well.

[Hopeful]

Ok so the plastic place didn’t have polypropylene in 1/8 but he let me see some samples and I ended up choosing high density polyethylene :) I really like the feel of it and it should make me go zoom! Also, I’ve been trying to gain weight and I guess I succeeded because getting into my tail today was a pain and a half. Like, I might have to make a new one.

SO, if I do have to make a new one, I’ll make it out of fabric so it’s cheaper (and has more stretch), but I’m wondering if you guys know of different ways to insert a removable monofin into a fabric tail? Like, should I do a little zipper? Or just let the fluke be open?

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Button snaps. I use the clear plastic ones.

[Merman Storm]

One issue with polyethylene: It is heat sensitive. If you leave it in the car or in the sun, it could warp. Be careful.

[Hopeful]

Thank you Mermaid Jaffa! That sounds perfect :)

And thank you Merman Storm! You’ve been such a great help to me :) I’ll definitely try to keep it out of the sun, but I’m also hoping that I can mold it a small bit to fit my feet better :D

[Hopeful]

https://ibb.co/28yqHvX
I’m still alive! Lol I finally, FINALLY...mostly finished my tail�� So I got some clear flex seal to make it smooth and have glitter, but it cured yellowish. So note to you: no flex seal! Lol So I had to do some repainting agaaaaain. Once it’s dry and I complete my monofin, I go swim!

[Hopeful]

https://ibb.co/QFcbXZy

[Kelpie Thyra]

it looks amazing, wow

have fun swimming^^

oh and take pictures, please!

[K Swim]

+1 on pictures

Sent from my SM-N950U using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

[Hopeful]

https://ibb.co/QYRHwqC
https://ibb.co/6DLf7xJ
https://ibb.co/xGKZ700

Swam in my tail today! Sorry I don’t have under water pictures yet, I’ll try to get some soon. Also didn’t swim with my monofin yet because I forgot to make it smaller so it can fit. But I did swim in my monofin by itself today too after I modded it with polyethylene paddles (I’ll get of pic of it later) and it worked really well!
If I could do anything differently about my tail, I’d have made more room for behind my ankles for a look of more continuity. I’m also going to place the inner plastic piece I have to give my foot space better shape, from the top to the bottom next to my ankle so it’s smoother.
Also good news! After squeezing into my tail with all my might, it turns out I just had to wiggle around a bit to loosen things up, phew!
Are the links showing you guys the pictures?
P.S. I made my top myself, my first swimsuit top I’ve ever made :D

[Hopeful]

https://ibb.co/xGKZ700