Wanting to make kid's fabric tails

[AniaR]

Hey everyone. Our company is getting huge demand for kid's tails. There arent enough Canadian's making tails, and many Canadians don't want to buy from the US because the fabric tails cost between 60-100$ and then there's up to 50$ in custom fees, and that's not even including SH. We've been getting asked about it for a long time, but because I can't sew and am so busy I never give it much thought. Plus, I can't afford that much a tail either otherwise I'd have just bought a bunch.

I am thinking however I'd like to make some tails over the winter to have for next spring/summer. I'd like to offer mermaid makeovers for the 10-16 age group and then also have some smaller tails for kids to rent at birthday parties.

This means I am going to learn to use a sewing machine. Sean already knows how mostly, so we're under taking this together. lol

I am just wondering if those of you in fabric have some suggestions for me. Are the best places to get fabric online or in stores do you think? (we don't have a johannes fabric store) I'm not even sure what is considered a reasonable price.

I also wondering about how I should create the templates for the fabric. Should I use the sasha method and get a couple of kids to sit with monofins on and trace them or do you think there is a better way?

Not looking to get rich and be a tail maker here, just want to add a bit to our company but feeling a bit in over my head. Haha. ANY tips people have to help us get better and confident would be greatly appreciated.

[Raayvhen]

As for fabric, I wouldn't pay more than $13USD per yard. I believe Joann's does ship to canada, so does spandex world.

As for sizing you could look at other tail makers and use their size charts for a rough estimate on sizing.

[Kishiko]

I would probably use three "standard sizes" for them. I'm not sure if you could find that online (probably could lol) but you could also go to walmart or whatever the nearest store with kids clothes is, find some skinny pants for girls and juniors and measure across both legs of the pants. That would probably give you good starting measurements (if you had the time of course). Just a thought. It really depends on the fabric: sometimes online is better but sometimes you'll get coupons for fabric stores. It's just whatever is available to you at the time. Good luck!

[Raayvhen]

Also, Joann's coupons work online.

[Lostariel Telrunya]

When you're sewing, make sure you use a zigzag stitch on the machine. If you use a straight edge, it won't stretch at all and the stitches will pop anytime someone tries to get it on. The smaller the stitch you use, the firmer the stretch will be. Don't get the fabric from Johannes unless you're willing to pay/charge a lot for the tails, as the s&h . If you have a My Sewing Room near you, they sometimes have the spandex/lycra fabric. You can check Fabricland, but you don't really get any help there, and they are out of that fabric quite a bit. Check for any local fabric shops. They are normally the best quality and help you get just what you need, although they can be more expensive.

[Mermaid Ellowyn]

Both stores or online shops work for getting fabric, it just depends on which will be bette for you. You're really just looking for swimwear fabric (spandex), so it shouldn't make too big a difference either way.

In-person stores would be good because you can see and feel the fabric, make sure it's not see-through, things like that. You can also find coupons or special sales there. You can look up fabric stores near you on Yelp, and they'll all be reviewed so you'll know where to spend your time visiting.

Online is good because it won't take as much time as going to a fabric store might, but you'll have to pay shipping and you don't always know what exactly you'll be getting. There can also be coupon codes online.

I agree with Raayvhen and Kishiko about the sizing. I would look at standard measurements online (of kids pants, or from other tailmakers) and then make your pattern on newspaper or something so you can see it. I would also make a handful of sizes; Since spandex is pretty stretchy, one tail should fit a size below and a size or two above it, in theory.

And you probably already know this, but this is something I almost messed up on when sewing my fabric tail.... make sure to use man-made, strong thread. Thread made from natural materials (like cotton) might rot or act funny after repeating water exposure.

Good luck Raina! I bet the kids and parents would love this.

[AniaR]

We still have to pay sh and custom fees on online fabric here it ends up being much more expensive

[AniaR]

Thanks everyone

[Mermaid Wesley]

The Sasha method works best on less stretchy fabrics, like metallics or holographics. My plain green spandex/polyester tail had to be taken in significantly to fit. If the fabric is super stretchy, it's best to make it smaller. Oh and elastic waistbands are great for keeping a tail up especially ones that aren't made to fit a particular kid.

[AniaR]

Thanks great idea

[Mermaid Fenicia]

http://users.telenet.be/the-mermaid/tutoral/meermin/meermine.htm ;)

[Fifi Tigg]

All my tails I use for the children's photos are painted leggings with extra fabric sewed to the bottom for a fluke. I have used some hard plastic for the fluke and they work a charm. I used all different sized leggings and they have a lovely stretch so they fit all children :)
I'm upgrading this year to neoprene and Mahina flukes for the kids so they can actually have a swim! Very exciting :D

[BayouMermaid]

We (fiance and I) used Sasha's method for my first tail, and I found that the measurements were too big and the calves and lower thighs were off. The pattern came out way too curvy. Many alterations were needed (just wasn't the best method for my body shape). For my second tail (actually my sister's tail), we measured hips, knees, and ankles, and waist to monofin length and connected the measurements with straighter lines. We used a 3 step stretch stitch on 4 way stretch spandex/nylon. The stretchy fabric is VERY forgiving! An elastic waistband also helps.

Biggest thing to remember is to make your pieces symmetrical. Also, you can always take in, but letting out is harder.

Also, make sure to lock your stitches by stitching reverse over the edges (keeps it from unraveling) or use a product like frayblock. http://sewing.about.com/od/beginner1/ss/How-To-Back-Stitch-And-Lockstitch-With-Your-Sewing-Machine.htm

Good luck!

[MerEmma]

With tails meant to fit a wide size range of kids, look into a drawstring waist like AquaTails does. Drawstrings aren't too difficult to sew and I bet it'd work well as a one-size-fits-all. :)

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Also, it is cheaper to use big movie posters stuck together (if they are discounted) than it is to buy a 10 metre roll of dressmaking paper. I found that out the expensive way!

[AniaR]

Mermaid Atlantis is actually going to send me some patterns to use to start :)

[Arella]

Sounds fun I just did a party on Sunday and the birthday girl had her own gold fin fun tail! It was a nice little surprise and super fun.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Mermaid Atlantis is actually going to send me some patterns to use to start :)
Cool! Just in case, you come across a client with one leg or half etc. You never know you might need to make a special tail for him/her when pre-made patterns just won't do.

[Arella]

Cool! Just in case, you come across a client with one leg or half etc. You never know you might need to make a special tail for him/her when pre-made patterns just won't do.

I can't see that being cost effective at all. Plus I'm thinking that would require a specialized version of a monofin.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

They could swim without a monofin, or can use a Fin Fun monofin if its just for posing. Super floppy and lightweight. I wasn't thinking in a cost effective way, more like another option to have one or two fabric tails that are specially made for a disabled person.

[Mermaid Wesley]

I think shes making the tails for reuse with each party. so she would only use the same tails over and over and not make new ones for each kid

[AniaR]

Yup. Weird advice.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

No. not weird. Just handy to have, just in case a disabled kid wants a photoshoot but don't want to sit in a tail made for regular people. Can you imagine how baggy it'll look in a photo?

But anyhoo, good luck with this venture. It sounds like a fun idea.

[AniaR]

I never said anything about photoshoots. And your definition of disabled is missing a leg?? I feel like you didn't even read my post.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

I never said anything about photoshoots. And your definition of disabled is missing a leg?? I feel like you didn't even read my post.
My apologies. I didn't mean to offend you. I was just offering other options should you decide to cater for photo shoots with limb disabled person. I know there are other types of disabled people, but let's not go there right now.

[AniaR]

This isn't a thread about kids with special needs. If I wanted to make a tail for a kid with one leg ( highly doubt I'll ever experience that) I'd make a thread about that. I find your posts often go a bit out of context and confusing at times. I'm asking about buying fabric and sewing. Lol can't really follow your thinking pattern :p

[Mermaid Jaffa]

This isn't a thread about kids with special needs. If I wanted to make a tail for a kid with one leg ( highly doubt I'll ever experience that) I'd make a thread about that. I find your posts often go a bit out of context and confusing at times. I'm asking about buying fabric and sewing. Lol can't really follow your thinking pattern :p

Oh that's because I always over think on things I shouldn't... Just a bad habit that sometimes pass my brain and go out the mouth.