Questions about neoprene

[Mermaid Menanna]

Can anyone tell me where online to buy neoprene suitable for making a tail? For those who already have neoprene tails, how did you sew it? Everything I am finding about neoprene (which isn't much) fabric says it's difficult to sew with a regular machine... is there a solution to this? Or would I need to get an expensive heavy duty sewing machine?

Thanks in advance for any guidance anyone can offer.

[Morticia Mermaid]

You could try looking through the forum. These questions have actually been asked and answered a lot.

[AptaMer]

Lots of info in this thread here

http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?3438-What-is-the-best-way-to-hand-sew-neoprene

[Winged Mermaid]

If you use the navigation bar to go to "Making Tails" there are lots of links with all kinds of information. For these specific questions, check the FAQ (http://mernetwork.com/index/faq.php?faq=tailmaking) and the Materials and Supplies (http://mernetwork.com/index/content.php?139-Materials-and-Supplies) page. If you have any other questions please check these pages and the Tailmaking Reference Index (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?2633-%E2%98%86%E2%9A%A0TAILMAKING-REFERENCE-INDEX%E2%9A%A0%E2%98%86-Look-here-BEFORE-you-post-any-questions!) (a sticky in the tailmaking section) before posting.

[Mermaid Menanna]

Thanks!

[Coradion]

I've bought mine from Foam Order, it's been really nice so far, hand sewing seems to be the way to go, or you can take 3mm to a shoe repair place and a lot of the time if you provide the thread and it's already pinned they can sew it for you.

[Elle]

You could try contacting a custom wetsuit shop if you have one near.....
I'm lucky enough to live an hour away from the people who supply Hannah Fraser with the neoprene for her tails, so i intend to get in contact with them when I decide to start my tail :)

[MermaidHyli]

When I did my neoprene/silicone tail I did end up buying from storehouse...Which is a questionable site apparently but everything was ok when I ordered from them. As far as sewing use upholstery thread and needle or also a needle for jeans. And when it comes to putting it all together well it can be difficult but I did it on a very old machine and it worked. Just takes patience and a zig zag pattern to ensure strength.