Neoprene or Swimwear/Dance fabric?

[Celine Auralia]

What would be better for making a tail that will be coated in latex? I going to have latex on the outside for a scale pattern, and possibly a thin coat on the inside. I need to take price into consideration, durability, and difficulty with sewing. Also, any links to purchase such items would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks :)

[halesloveswhales]

I recommend neoprene. Although it's more expensive and harder to sew, it won't stretch out like dance fabric will. My tail is neoprene and latex on the outside (not on the inside). Most tailmakers have discontinued their latex tail lines, unfortunately.

[Jessica]

I also think you should use neoprene if you can. Neoprene will last much longer than spandex/Lycra.

Monster makers ( http://www.monstermakers.com/category/Latex-Halloween-Mask-Making-Supplies.html/index2.html) sells Halloween mask latex that can be used for mermaid tails and its safe for your skin as long as you don't have a latex allergy. Dr. Seaweed has an amazing tutorial:

http://mernetwork.com/imgs/ATJ.pdf

my first tail was a spandex sequin tail. I love the way it turned out, but I do wish I had used neoprene so it will last longer. If you're looking to make a cheap tail you can use latex just on the fluke and use paint and/ or sequins for the body of the tail

[MerAnthony]

I would agree with the ladies. Use Neoprene not neoprin. I made a part silicone tail an I used neoprene an I love it.

[Celine Auralia]

Thanks! The links are fantastic. I'm currently having a hard time finding neoprene in fabric form, do you suggest buying a wet suit and using the fabric, or is neoprene sold by the yard somewhere?

[MerAnthony]

You can buy neoprene by the yard. Try ebay they might have it.

[halesloveswhales]

I have heard that using scraps from a wetsuit will be hard because of the seams, but you can go ahead and try it! Here's some info on where to find sheets of neoprene to sew. http://mernetwork.com/index/content.php?139-Materials-and-Supplies

[Celine Auralia]

Thanks so much, that whole page is awesome. I'm extremely new here, I just joined today, so I haven't been all around the site yet.

[Celine Auralia]

http://www.amazon.com/Neoprene-Spandex-Stretch-Pre-washing-Instructions/dp/B00C4Y8YEO is this a good neoprene?

[MerAnthony]

That I think is alittle high. You might be able to find something cheaper. But be sure when you do buy it is lined on the inside an out. All you would need is about 2 yards.

[Celine Auralia]

I'll keep looking.. That's the cheapest one I've found so far, but it stretches the wrong way :( Oh well I'll find something sooner or later.

[shimmygoddess]

That I think is alittle high. You might be able to find something cheaper. But be sure when you do buy it is lined on the inside an out. All you would need is about 2 yards.

I just bought 2 sheets from Foam order. Each sheet is 50"x83". about $60 each. I cannot seem to lay out my pattern so that both pieces will fit on one sheet. What am I doing wrong? If you say 2 yards is all you need. LOL. I am wondering if I have to cut the main tail pieces and fluke pieces seperate then sew the bottom to the top piece to make side 1. Does that make sense?? ugh