Kishiko's First Tailmaking Journey!

[Kishiko]

So I'm creating my very own (fabric) tail! I'm using spandex and making my own monofin because I'm on a very low budget. Im so excited to make it! I do have a few questions though... So I'll need some help along the way!

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This is my tail design! The fluke is inspired by merbellas, but it will be smaller. I'm going to experiment with the hip fins using duct tape covered in fabric and other materials. If you have ideas let me know! Also what's the best way to attach fins to spandex?

im using a tutorial I found on here for the monofin. I'm using a heavy rubber mat cut to shape and waterproof shoes, which I will start working on tomorrow! I'm also ordering fabric tomorrow and I'm so excited!

Does anyone have any advice or ideas?(:
thanks for reading!(:

[Gem Stone]

sewing or glue for the fins is my best guess. and I love your design. it'll look great on you! once your done with it, we have to go swimming again with more picture taking

[Nicoseamus]

This video is very informative, and helped me a lot. At around the 3:00 mark, it describes adding extra fins. Hope it helped! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XARgUycggk&list=PLABFCFDD134383A12&index=1

[Mermaid Caspiana]

Like the design. Can't wait to see you make it come to life. :)

[Kishiko]

Doing schoolwork first, then working on my tail! Eeeeeeeek!

[Kishiko]

So I'm thinking for the fins, I'm going to build them before I sew my tail together, and position them inside the side seam, then sew it shut, so everything is sewn together and so they aren't crooked! Will experiment with fins today!

[Mermaid Adriel]

I'm happy for you :) I can't wait!

[Kishiko]

sewing or glue for the fins is my best guess. and I love your design. it'll look great on you! once your done with it, we have to go swimming again with more picture taking

Yes! We must go swimming together again --- SOON! And this time we won't have to fix my tail in Mazzios.... (;

[Kishiko]

18611 this is the type of shoe I started with. It is just a basic ballet flat that has a sort of spongey liner with rubbery coating.
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I cut of the little bow, then pinned and sewed in an elastic strap for more support when I kick.
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Oncee thee shoes were finished, I took a pieces of wrapping paper, cut it to the size of my mat, and folded it in half. 18614 I then positioned one shoes on the inside fold, and dress out half the shape of my monofin. 18615Once I cut out the shape and unfolded it, I had a paper monofin pattern, perfectly symmetrical! 18616

[Kishiko]

Yay!!! MONOFIN TIME!

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First I took my pattern and pinned it to the back of the mat where it is just rubber. I had to repin it quite a few times to make sure it was smooth.
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I can't find my utility knife at the moment, so I used a package opener blade, scissors, and the blade from a jigsaw. (My fingers hurt) but a utility knife would work better. I started by scoring along the edge of the paper, then cutting or sawing it depending on the angle, but then I found it was easier to trace the pattern with a brightly colored sharpie then take off the paper.
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finally the fin was cut out after about an hour!
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I used epoxy to secure the shoes and clamps to keep it positioned while the glue dries. Once it's drying will drill a few holes through the shoes and mat, and thread cord through them to make sure the shoes don't go anywhere!

im ordering my fabric right now too!!! :yay:

[selkie13]

That's so clever and it probably won't give you blisters!

[Kishiko]

That's what I'm hoping!

[Mermaid Dottie]

So I'm thinking for the fins, I'm going to build them before I sew my tail together, and position them inside the side seam, then sew it shut, so everything is sewn together and so they aren't crooked! Will experiment with fins today!
Perfect plan! Jus make sure you go slow when going over the fins, and clean you needle off after. You WILL get sticky stuff on it.
Your monofin is clever. I hope you can get enough propulsion out of it.

[Kishiko]

Perfect plan! Jus make sure you go slow when going over the fins, and clean you needle off after. You WILL get sticky stuff on it.
Your monofin is clever. I hope you can get enough propulsion out of it.

Im not sure if I will use tape or not, since it's sticky on the inside and it will be pretty flat. Do you have any suggestions?

[Mermaid Dottie]

A few mers have used shiny, or colorful fabric and GE silicone. I think they just stitched them into the tails. Moonflower did some, here's her thread (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?1610-Silicone-amp-Fabric-fins-Progress-pictures).
Pearlie Mae has some here, just a few posts down (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?6109-PearlieMae-s-Silicone-Tail-Journey&highlight=silicone+fabric+fins) on the first page.
You could use the duct tape as a base (seal all cut edges with more duct tape) and put fabric and silicon over the top. Just a thought. Hope I could help!
If you need more tips and things, the TailMaking Index (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?2633-%26%239734%3B%26%239888%3BTAILMAKING-REFERENCE-INDEX%26%239888%3B%26%239734%3B-Look-here-BEFORE-you-post-any-questions!) is a great resource!

[Kishiko]

A few mers have used shiny, or colorful fabric and GE silicone. I think they just stitched them into the tails. Moonflower did some, here's her thread (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?1610-Silicone-amp-Fabric-fins-Progress-pictures).
Pearlie Mae has some here, just a few posts down (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?6109-PearlieMae-s-Silicone-Tail-Journey&highlight=silicone+fabric+fins) on the first page.
You could use the duct tape as a base (seal all cut edges with more duct tape) and put fabric and silicon over the top. Just a thought. Hope I could help!
If you need more tips and things, the TailMaking Index (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?2633-%26%239734%3B%26%239888%3BTAILMAKING-REFERENCE-INDEX%26%239888%3B%26%239734%3B-Look-here-BEFORE-you-post-any-questions!) is a great resource!

except that hat the only caulk I have is latex with silicone and it's white, not clear. I suppose I could try using the duct tape for the base, adding the caulk for ridges and body, letting it drying then adding a thin layer to glue down the fabric.... Thoughts.? Thanks for all your help by the way! :D

[Mermaid Dottie]

The caulk won't stick to the duct tape. In fact, nothing sticks to the unsticky side of duct-tape except more duct tape. I was just thinking it would add stiffness to the inside of your fins.
If you don't mind slightly transparent fins, you could just try coating a couple of layers of sheer fabric in e6000, and glue them together that way with the top and bottom layers wrinkled or folded. Then cut the shape out once it's dry. If you've soaked the stuff with the glue, it shouldn't ever come out or undone. What do you think? (and did that even make sense?)
It's how I made some tiny fairy wings recently.

[Kishiko]

Could I do the same thing using the remainder of the silver spandex? I want it to match the bottom of my tail... But sheer would be cool too.... I think I may have some sheer silver

[Gem Stone]

What Dottie says will work. take E6000 and coat your fabric a couple times and it should work great.

[Kishiko]

YOU BEST BE SENDING THOSE PICTURES SINCE YOURE OBVIOUSLY HOME NOW

[Mermaid Dottie]

Sheer silver should match your silver fluke nicely, if they're both the same shade. and if you wanted, you could add a sort of ruffle or "membrane" of the sheer to the bottom of your fluke. I did that with my first tail (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=174332799353527&set=a.171129343007206.35430.153888651397942&type=3&theater) and it was really pretty in the water. it would also be good for hiding drainage holes or a zipper.

[Kishiko]

I was thinking about that but I don't think the seam will blend very well (the silver on the bottom) with the drainage holes do you have to have those?

[Gem Stone]

you're using spandex, so water pretty much flows through that fairly well. I think drainage holes really come into play with neoprene, latex, and silicone. correct me if I'm wrong though

[Mermaid Momo]

you're using spandex, so water pretty much flows through that fairly well. I think drainage holes really come into play with neoprene, latex, and silicone. correct me if I'm wrong though
nope, You're right, Though I don't think drainage holes are needed for neoprene tails since Mine is neoprene and it sticks pretty close to my body and has never bloated up before with air/water.

[Kishiko]

Okay good because I wouldn't have a clue as to making drainage holes!

[Mermaid Dottie]

I had some bloating/billowing with my tail, so I just cut a tiny hole in either tip of the fluke. As for blending, you could always add paint, or a trim of some kind. I see what you mean though. If you wanted to try the glue thing with your spandex, I would do a small test swatch first, since e6000 is goopy and doesn't spread very well. It might be hard to do a whole fluke that way, even with sheer fabric, but if you managed it I've no doubt it would look supremely epic.

[Kishiko]

Wait the whole fluke?? What?

And my mom came up with an idea for the fins!

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she he suggested doing the e6000 over the fabric like you said, but use waterproof window stripping (or something similar) inside the two layers of fabric like spines or ridges and such then coat everything with the glue!

[Kishiko]

So I finished my monofin!!! Yay! I added quite a few layers of duct tape around the shoes just to be safe and to prevent the toes from pulling away from the mat

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So here's what the top looks like now! I may be going over it with black duct tape later depending on how sheer the spandex is, but that's just what I had on hand last night!

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This is what the back looks like. The white stuff is where I drilled little notches for the cord to lay in,mand I sealed it off with latex caulk. again, I may paint it black when I get the fabric!

im getting ready to test how well it holds up in water!

on another note my FABRIC JUST SHIPPED OUT!!!!! :yay:

more to come later!

[Miyu]

Yay, that's going to look great! And woohoo for recycled rubber! I wanted to use some to make my own monofin as well, but have yet to come across any around here LOL... so I just repurposed some cardboard for the time being!

[Kishiko]

Miyu-

if you go to Walmart in the home decor section, they have a huge selection of recycled rubber mats for $12!! Or $20 for the HUGGEEE one!

[Kishiko]

Nothing new to update...

BUT I do need some fin ideas! I want to do hip and heel fins, so if you have some ideas let me know! I am going to test out my fin on Sunday! Yay! And my fabric will be here on Wednesday!

[Mermaid Lilium]

If you don't mind slightly transparent fins, you could just try coating a couple of layers of sheer fabric in e6000, and glue them together that way with the top and bottom layers wrinkled or folded. Then cut the shape out once it's dry. If you've soaked the stuff with the glue, it shouldn't ever come out or undone. What do you think? (and did that even make sense?)
It's how I made some tiny fairy wings recently.

Dottie, I could kiss you right now! You're a genius!!! :D

I've seen moonflower use caulking to seal cable ties into fins but this sounds like it would be so much better and safer!

Also mainly it is the perfect answer for me to create transparent fringing for my flukes cause we don't get shelf liner over here!

[Kishiko]

I just put on the last coat of spray paint on my monofin!

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I used rust-oleum water resistant protective enamel and sealant in black, so I think it should be fine in water! I used the paint for two reasons 1.) So if my spandex is somewhat sheer, it will just be black underneath 2.) so it won't look so homemade and hopefully they won't say anything at the pool!

my fabric is estimated to be here Monday, so yay! :yay: Also, does anyone know where I can get big sheets (12x18 ideally or bigger) of craft foam? I looked at hobby lobby, but it's $.89 a sheet there!!

[Miyu]

You can also use silicone caulking for those sheer fins! I have a tube of food-safe silicone caulking laying around here, and I'm sure we didn't get it anywhere fancy! I just did a mini dragonskin silicone test with some of my sheer fluke fabric and Morticia says it turned out nicely.

I kind of like silicone-covered sheer fabric better than shelf liner anyways... I was researching vinyl and there's all sorts of nasties used to make it, and the vast majority of them are not formulated to soak in chlorinated pool water :p So I'll be sticking to coating fabric with silicone or food-grade caulk LOL!

[Kishiko]

The only stuff I have though is Alex plus latex and silicone caulk in white ): and I didn't find sheer fabric ): but I think what I'm going to do is use craft foam and cut it to the base shape, then use the latex caulk to make the spines and ridges, let it cure, then paint it or use left over fabric

[Kishiko]

*sigh* I tested my monofin on Sunday. I've been dragging my feet on posting an update because well it was an utter failure.:gah::gah:

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As you can see, it was very very very floppy. It did not give good propulsion, but that wouldn't have been so bad for a starter fin. However when I checked for damages when I was finished swimming this is what's I found:

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first of all, the duct tape didn't hold. At all. As you can see from the picture, even though I sealed the edges with e6000. Note to everyone reading, duct tape doesn't stick to rubber in water.

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next was the tear in the end of it. Of course only AFTER I tested it, did I notice the thread in monofins, on how to not cut it like I did. Ugh I feel so stupid now.

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lets not forget the part where the cord tore all the way through the mat. -.- :headdesk:

well i I definitely learned my lesson. DONT try to take shortcuts or cheap alternatives. I'm kicking myself for not saving the $20. I never realized how disappointing it is when something like this doesn't work, but it was very eye opening for me.

I have decided To buy a sheet of lexan and create one of those instead since it's a tested method. The reason I decided on lexan instead of buying a wave or something, is because I can make it bigger and the right shape. If anyone is selling a pair of flat bottomed flippers, zoomers or tyr burners or something similar preferably, let me know!

On another note, my fabric came and it's gorgeous! I can't wait to see it come to life!(:

until next time, hugs and fishes,

Mermaid Kishiko :mermaid kiss:

[selkie13]

Bad luck, well at least your sacrifice of 20 dollars let everyone else know not to do that, think how many 20 dollars you just saved!

[Miyu]

Oh! You can also try using some neoprene swim shoes as the foot pockets! They should start getting sold in regular stores soon, though I'm sure you could always find a pair on the internets. I got the last pair in my size at walmart back in fall, they're currently attached to my cardboard "prop" monofin (for dry events only, as I don't have a proper monofin yet). I had planned to attach them to a monofin I was making, but my plastic was the wrong kind and it shattered while trying to cut it :/

I'm sorry that didn't work out for you! rubbers and plastics are tricky, and they seem to really have to be engineered for specific tasks sometimes...

And I've personally been wondering why everyone uses duct tape on monofins! That stuff is horrible for anything durable and lasting on land, I figured it would be even worse in water, especially with all the torsion and torque and various other physics things going on there. And particularly on rubber - I've always found that with the slightest moisture in the air, it like to separate from rubber... But that's just my personal experience...

If it helps at all, a few fellow mers gave me some great links and advice on my (now-dead) monofin thread (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?6079-Making-a-monofin-for-less-than-20!-Tutorial-Pic-Heavy)...

[Kishiko]

I read your thread yesterday and the day before, thats how I got all the info on polycarbonate and what nots! And yes I suppose I shouldnt have been so naive when using the duct tape, but alas now everyone knows! And I was considering using water shoes, the only thing im concerned about is the lack of smooth surface area on the bottom and also have a weird lumpy heel ridge,but I will look into it! Thanks for all your help! (:

[Nicoseamus]

That's really too bad. I made a monofin before, using cut up swim flippers and duct tape. It only held because i went over it with a spray rubber/adhesive. It isn't all that sturdy, and isn't worth taking it in the water often, however, when I do it works. . I hope your next monofin is a success!

[Mermaid Danielle]

It might not be such a bad thing, that it didn't hold up. 1) At least now you know it eventually wouldn't and 2) based off of my own experience with spandex, the ridges and writing would have been extremely apparent. The logo on my DOL-FIN monofin sticks out like a sore thumb through the pink spandex material, and its only raised above the rest of the fin by a few millimeters! The drainage holes in the back also stick out terribly. My solution for this has been sequins. Best of luck to you!

[Kishiko]

Thank you so much for everyone's help! I have my lexan and poly zap on order, and made enough tips tonight to get my fins! (: yay!!!

[Kishiko]

My Lexan arrived today!!! Yes!!! Pichuresss

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What is the best type of jigsaw blade to use?

[Kishiko]

So I finally got everything I need! I got my sheer fabric, my lexan, and my fins are on order!

I was was testing some methods with accessory fins using Alex latex caulk and fabric, and it turned out really well! So I have these two different types of caulk, and I'm wondering which works better?

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i have the Alex latex caulk and the GE Silicone. I'm just running veining lines in the fabric so I won't be using a ton

[Carolina Mermaid]

Yay!!!

[Nicoseamus]

Great! Personally, I'd try the waterproof Silicone caulk. Alex is pretty dangerous and unstable, from what i've heard.

[Mermaid Lilium]

yup ALEX breaks down and degrades very quickly and very badly. Stick with the GE =)

[Kishiko]

So when I got the caulk out to look at it, my dad decided he was going to use right then so I had to go buy more -.- thanks dad. Anyway I picked up my GE silicone today and got the sheer fabric for fins the other day (all at walmart!) I'm currently waiting for my first two lines of silicone to dry a bit before I continue! Pictures later

[Kishiko]

Sorry I haven't updated in a while!

Anywho a couple things......

i finished my lexan monofin, I used zoomers, a sheet of lexan, and poly zap (thank you pearliemae!) The bond it creates is amazing! I tested it today and it swims like a dream!!! I took it to the Olympic size indoor pool and I can't go from one end to the other in one breath in 12 seconds. I am in love with it!

Next, I have my fabric cut pinned and ready to sew, just waiting to get my sewing machine sewing machine back tomorrow.

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here it is with the monofin matched up to it vvvvv

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im going to pick up my industrial strength Velcro tomorrow, then I'll be all set! I can't wait!!!

I have one pectoral fin done but I need my machine to do the other so that's gonna have to wait until later too :P

[Nicoseamus]

Looks great!

[Gem Stone]

So proud of you Kishiko! it looks so great! I can't wait to see this thing in person!

[Aycrin]

Wow, that fin is huge! ( OwO ) It sounds like it swims pretty swell, too. Have fun with the new monofin!

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Ooo! I love your crescent moon monofin!

[Mermaid Adriel]

love that fin! <3

[Kishiko]

Sorry I keep forgetting updates!

anyway I've been sewing it for the last three days and it's coming along nicely! But of course stupid me forgot to change the white thread on my machine so I have to re sew both sides -.- I don't think I'll be able to do the dorsal because when my mom traced my body onto the paper I think she tilted it in a bit too far, so it's reaaaallly tight. Once I get it past my fat hips and butt it fits like a glove, but if I put a dorsal in, it will be unwearable ): my second pectoral fin is drying right now too(:

[Kishiko]

GUYS GUYS GUYS GUYS IM SO EXCITED ITS DONE I CANT BREATHE BECAUSE IM SO HAPPY
PICHTUERES NOW AHH

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the back

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the front

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Hip fins

Sorry for the huge pictures guys :P

heel fins vvv

[Nicoseamus]

Great job! Hope you enjoy swimming in it! :yay:

[Mermaid Lilium]

congrats! :D

[PearlieMae]

That's pretty awesome! Congratulations! :clap:

[ShyMer]

Looks lovely!

Sent from my Huawei-H867G using Tapatalk

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Ooo! Now you gotta post a vid of you swimming in it!

[Mermaid Adriel]

GREAT! I can't wait to see it in the water! :swoon:

[Kishiko]

HEHEHEHEHEHEHE TIME FOR A THREAD RESURRECTION!

Why? Well because I'm scheming again :eyebrows:

so, I didn't like my plain silver fluke, so I used some acrylic paint and painted the edges turquoise. You're probably thinking wow she's an idiot why would she do that? Well yup you're right. It got all peely from the pool bottom and just being in water. But I had to do something because some was still stuck on. So I used the GE Silicone I had left and used the previously stated outdoor acrylic paint to pigment it, then used a plastic knife to smear it on. IT WORKED SND IT LOOKS AWESOME. like it's not peels or anything, didn't have curing problems or anything. So yay!

Now ow my new scheme! Because the edges worked so well, I picked up two new tubes of silicone today. The problem with my tail was where the Velcro is and along the bottom and the middle of the fluke, the metallic fabric coating gets scratched and rubbed and looks all bad. Sooooo I'm using my new silicone to basically "cast" my whole fluke in silicone, but spread it straight on the fabric instead. Here's the current design I have for the fluke (don't mind the merbellas template, just what I had since it's similar)

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so I'm going to use quart size zip bags to mix the silicone And paint, and also to use an old plastic icing tip that's like flat to pipe the silicone out of. I was researching about using GE today for non-plumbing things, and found an article someone posted here that linked to another forum. The lady said she used just a few drops of glycerin with her acrylic and GE to make it easier to spread and mix. So I'll be testing that too. Anyway, I'll be posting progress photos tomorrow!

[Mermaid Adriel]

YAY!!

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Those two colors will blend into the water nicely. The grey, maybe not so much in a swimming pool, but definitely in the ocean or some kind of river/lake.

[Kishiko]

Those two colors will blend into the water nicely. The grey, maybe not so much in a swimming pool, but definitely in the ocean or some kind of river/lake.

haha its actually silver! I have metallic acrylic im using since that was the original color of the fluke ^_^ I love how shiny it is and wanted to still keep some of the shimmer

[Kishiko]

Okeeyyyy photoless update:

i finished (sort of) one side with the pattern. The silicone was being temperamental with the metallic paint, for some reason it didn't like it very much. But I got it on. It's a little goopy looking, but not awful, plus it has a cool texture! The other side, I just did the edges in turquoise so it had so,etching because I ran out of time