What kinds of fabrics...?

[taom]

Malinghi: Yep, it's the one in my avatar. I didn't use the brand ALEX, but the stuff I used was essentially the same only cheaper from where I got it. It was my first tail and I was experimenting with a different technique so it looks really sloppy. It's fine from a distance, though!

Mermaid Aqua: No problem!! Please ask if you need any more help!

[Mermaid Saphira]

What kinds of fabrics are most suitable for a fabric mermaid tail that has to stretch??

[taom]

Spandex/athletic wear fabrics. They are what bathing suits are made of and they stretch beautifully. Also, if you only need a slight stretch, neoprene from Jo An's Fabrics has a bit of a stretch to it, as well. It all depends on how you need it to stretch and what sort of tail you are making. For example, if you need the tail to go around the backside region, then a painted spandex tail is the way to go. If you want to make a tail with ALEX or silicone on top and you need it to stretch in the same way, you'd be much better off making it out of neoprene and adding a zipper. This is because the spandex loses the majority of it's stretch when the silicone os applied. Plus, neoprene tails tend to be longer lasting and of higher quality. I have made tails in all three manners (plain spandex, ALEX covered spandex, and neoprene) so if you have questions, please ask!

I hope that was helpful!

[malinghi]

Taom, I didn't know you made a tail with spandex covered in ALEX. How did it turn out?

And Aqua, in addition to what taom said there's some more info here: http://mernetwork.com/index/content.php?139-Materials-and-Supplies

[Mermaid Saphira]

Thanx guys! :)

[Mermaid Saphira]

Is Fabric that is 95% nylon 15% spandex okay? Is it durable? Stretchy? Can you see through it? Can you paint on it? It is swimwear fabric...

[Mermaid Photine]

Durability and whether or not you can see through it depend on the thickness of the fabric. It's like a cotton sheet and a cotton bath towel- you can see through the sheet when you hold it up to the window because it's thin, not because it's cotton. That said, some fabrics are specificaly made to be see through. Durability gets better the thicker something is- like denim jeans- the super thin, stretchy ones don't last as long as a pair of thick, heavy duty outdoor work denims.

Lycra and other fabrics labeled "knit" or "dance/swimwear" are stretchy. You can certainly paint on it. The problem to solve is what paint and method to use to keep it from cracking with wear, stretch, and water/chemicals. There are various threads on this.

If you can, try going to your local fabric store and find the dancewear section. Take a look at the different fabrics available and figure out what would work best.

Hope this helps!

[Mermaid Saphira]

All of this information is so helpful thank you!
My fabric store does not carry any spandex or
anything I can use to make a tail... how unfortunate :(

Thanx again :)

[taom]

I would highly recommend getting a sample swatch before you buy. That fabric is a pretty light color which sometimes translates into translucency in water. You can also test durability (which, as Mermaid Pandorah said, is determined by thickness) as well as different kinds of paints. I like to use acrylic screen printing ink when I paint on spandex. The brand I have is Speedball, but it doesn't really matter. What's good about acrylic screen printing ink is that a) it's made for cloth so it retains a bit of a stretch, b) will not wash off, c) it's thick, like regular acrylic paint, so it's easy to use and you don't have to have an airbrush, d) it is relatively inexpensive.

[Mermaid Saphira]

Taom- I got a swatch but I just wanted to be sure before I buy :) BTW do think lumiere paint would do well?

[meremily]

hey, mermaid aqua, im trying to message you to answer you but it says that you have exceeded the amount of message in your mail box that is permitted, so for your question, : the fluke like madison in splash! thanks meremily

[Mermaid Saphira]

Okay :) Sorry, I wish the message box could store more

[taom]

Aqua - Awesome! As to the paints, Lumiere should be fine. I think a few other mers have used that brad with great success.

[Mermaid Saphira]

Great! Now I just need to locate a place to buy :(
My local craft stores don't even know what it is!!!

[Mermaid Saphira]

I can't decide what to do for my color scheme...
Should i do:
aqua fabric with dark blue lumiere
aqua fabric with medium blue lumiere
aqua fabric with pearl
aqua fabric with silver
aqua fabric with a shade slightly darker
or blend some colors together???
What do you mers think?

[Spindrift]

aqua + dark blue

[Mermaid Saphira]

Guys, do you reccomend 2-way or 4-way stretch?? :)

[taom]

Either will work fine. It sort of depends on how careful you want to be. 2-way stretch only stretches on plane of the fabric, that is to say the horizontal. So, if you wanted the tail to stretch to fit your body, you would have to be careful and make sure that you cut the tail so the stretch acts like you need it to. With 4-way stretch, you don't have to be a attentive, although you end up having to take the tail in more after you sew it the first time. In the end, it doesn't really matter.

[Mermaid Saphira]

Alright, I just didn't want the tail to be to to stretchy. Thanx :)

[Mermaid Saphira]

Is "Shattered Glass Holograms" a good fabric to use for a tail?

Here is a look--> http://spandexworld.com/c3/catalog/product/4333

[Mermaid Photine]

That fabric is beautiful. Go for it! (and be sure to post pictures. :) )

[Mermaid Saphira]

MermaidPandorah- Thanx :)

What about "mystique" ---> http://spandexworld.com/c3/catalog/product/4304

[Spindrift]

Usage:
Costumes, Dance, Skating, & Special Occasions.




It's going to probably be one of those slinky fabrics - not really meant for swimwear. You can have them send you test swatches, if you like.

[Mermaid Saphira]

I was just curious...I saw in mermaid Sasha's tutorial that she was using this same fabric

[Mermaid Saphira]

I also have a tail in this kind of material...

[Mermaid Photine]

Oops- didn't see that part, spindrift.

I do believe that site sometimes specifies not for use with chlorine/pools. Though that might be spandexhouse.

[Mermaid Saphira]

Oh gosh, know I'm really confused :(
Could you guys maybe assist me in finding
a few blue spandex fabrics on spandexworld.com??
I would really apperciate <3

[Spindrift]

http://spandexworld.com/c3/catalog/product/3158
http://spandexworld.com/c3/catalog/product/768
http://spandexworld.com/c3/catalog/product/1389
http://spandexworld.com/c3/catalog/product/3148
http://spandexworld.com/c3/catalog/product/6891
http://spandexworld.com/c3/catalog/product/6273
http://spandexworld.com/c3/catalog/product/6239
http://spandexworld.com/c3/catalog/product/2503

(http://spandexworld.com/c3/catalog/product/3158)

[Mermaid Saphira]

Thanx so much spindrift! *Mer Hug*
now just to decide...hmmmmm :)

[Mermaid Saphira]

This is the material I have officially decide on! I won't have enough
money to make a top yet (only have $30), but I will sooner or later!
CLICK HERE--> http://spandexworld.com/c3/catalog/product/5929

[Mermaid Photine]

Why not use the scraps from the tail to make a top? You can piece it together if you need to (for a bigger top or one with more coverage), and it'll match perfectly.

[Spindrift]

That one still doesn't say suitable for wimwear. You should definitely order a test swatch first. If I'm not mistaken you can do it for free. And if you list more than one fabric they will send them all to you so that you can compare.

[Mermaid Saphira]

To late LOL I changed my mind again! I'm probably gonna go with this one although it is alittle confuseing that it's FOR swimwear but can't be soaked in CHLORINE!!
http://spandexworld.com/c3/catalog/product/8059

[Mermaid Saphira]

wait a sec... If the mystique I liked isn't good for tails then why is merman Jesse using mystique for his spandex tails??
http://www.mermaidcreations-inc.com/colorselections.htm

[Spindrift]

I could be wrong, but I don't think he is actually using that same fabric. This is yours:

Content:
80% Nylon 20% Spandex



But his says its Lycra, which is a brand name fabric.

[Mermaid Saphira]

Which is odd because both of the pictures look exactly alike :confused:

[Spindrift]

Really? They seem to be taken by different producers. BUT you are right they totally look similar. My best advice for you is to just get the test swatch. That way you'll know for sure.

His:

http://www.mermaidcreations-inc.com//Turquoise.jpg

The one you wanted:

http://images.spandexworld.com/vi/2010/02/24/DSC_2354_2010-02-24_7.jpg

[Mermaid Saphira]

opps wrong one..
look at the picture now...
His:
1362
Mine:
1363

[Spindrift]

I was comparing this one here: http://spandexworld.com/c3/catalog/product/5929 from your earlier post.
(http://spandexworld.com/c3/catalog/product/5929)If the picture you posted is of a different link, I can't tell because I haven't read the description.

[Mermaid Saphira]

here is the other link... http://spandexworld.com/c3/catalog/product/7697
(http://spandexworld.com/c3/catalog/product/7697)still no lycra though O.o

[Spindrift]

This is mystique spandex. It's used for gymnastics leotards and the like. If you feel comfortable in swimming in it, then by all means. Fabric is fabric and they can all get wet. I was just trying to help by letting you know what the product actually is.

http://cdn101.iofferphoto.com/img/item/162/607/766/mdyc.jpg

http://www.clash.com.au/Aerials45/BACKS/PS0988_OBS_back[1].jpg

[Mermaid Saphira]

Thanx for helping me! I reallt apperciate it :)
BTW those costumes are quite beautiful...

[Spindrift]

:D Get the mystique spandex then! It'll probably turn out awesome :)

[Mermaid Saphira]

I sure hope so! I'm ordering it very soon :)

[Mermaid Saphira]

This has just completely confused me....
1364


Care Instruction:
Hand Wash in mild detergent, cold water, line dry, do not dry clean, do not use bleach or soak in chlorine


Color:
Turquoise


Content:
90% Nylon, 10% Spandex.


Fabric Weight:
5.6 Oz/Sq Yard, 159 G/Sq Meter


Stretch Direction:
2 Way


Usage:
Costumes, dance, swimwear, activewear


Width:
45"

[Mermaid Photine]

I would go with the "do not" just to be safe. Wouldn't want to waste my savings.

[taom]

I agree with that sentiment, although I think that warning meant do not soak in straight up chlorine. I know that some gymnasts/dancers will put their leotards in chlorine to kill off all bacteria while not risking color damage from bleach. The amount of chlorine in a pool is negligible, it just smells very potent.

[Mermaid Saphira]

ahhh okay... maybe I should just go with something else so nothing goes wrong, I do have something else in mind but it's mostly plain. Which one do you guys think matches the netting best??

The net: 1367

1365 or 1366

[Mermaid Photine]

It's a bit diffucult to tell (compurer monitor settings, etc.) Why don't you get a sample of all three and decide by comparing them in natural light?

[Mermaid Saphira]

I am so indecisive! I just found more colors... oh, boy :confused:

[Mermaid Photine]

Why don't you draw out exactly what it is you are looking for, then go out and find the materials to make it?

[Mermaid Saphira]

I honestly don't know what I want :(
I have drawn soooo many pictures
I can't decide what I want........
I think I'm gonns go with aqua! LOL!