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This pattern is copyrighted 2022 to Rebecca Page by app.youmakehq.com
Please feel free to make garments from this pattern to sell. If you do, we would love you to include a credit to app.youmakehq.com as the pattern designer, but it is up to you.
The finished product may only be sold by crafters. It may not be mass produced. You can only sell the finished product; you cannot sell the pattern or these instructions.
Best of luck and happy sewing!
1
Dolls' Mermaid Magic Blanket Tails
Member Rating
Difficulty Level
Beginner
Equipment Needed
Description
This mermaid blanket sewing pattern is quick and easy to sew and perfect for lounging about in. It features overlapping scales and a finned spine, which is perfect for using up scraps of fabric. There is optional elastic at the opening for a comfortable fit. Includes size 18-inch doll.
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- +Preparation
- Height adjustment – It’s oversized and created for comfort so no need to adjust for height.
- If you get stuck with fitting, see our favorite resources on our Pinterest Sewing Fitting Advice board.
- OPTIONAL lightweight interfacing for mermaid scales and tail – approximately 0.4 yards
- OPTIONAL ½ inch wide Elastic – approximately 0.5 yard
- Thread to match
- Body – Fabric cut 1 on fold, Lining cut 2 on fold
- Front Panel 1 – cut 4 on fold
- Front Panel 2 – cut 1 on fold
- Front Panel 3 – cut 1 on fold
- Front Panel 4 – cut 1 on fold
- Front Panel 5 – cut 1 on fold
- OPTIONAL NON-FRAYING Scales – Fabric cut 47, OPTIONAL Interfacing cut 47
- OPTIONAL Fraying Scales – Fabric cut 47, Lining cut 47
- Front Wrap – cut 4 (2x mirror image pairs)
- Back Wrap – cut 2 on fold (1x mirror image pair)
- Mermaid Tail – cut 2 on fold
- Waistband – cut 2 on fold
Project OverviewMermaid Blanket Tail
Difficulty Level = Beginner
Climb inside these fun and magical blanket tails. Great fun for children and adults alike – there is even a doll size too. With front overlapped scales, you can really set your imagination free! The blanket tail has an optional elastic at the opening to fit comfortably over your hips with your feet fitting into the top of the tail fin.
Our Facebook group is a great place to get help, share your tips and creations! We are a friendly bunch, and we love to help and see what you have made.
Please read the full instructions before getting started.
Wash, dry, and press your fabric before starting your project. A bit of prep now prevents shrinking and means your garment will stay the same size you made it.
Never leave a child or baby unattended or allow to sleep in a garment made from one of our patterns with ties, snaps, buttons, or anything they could remove, choke on, or get caught on. Always use caution if you are unsure. We love our patterns, but we love your bundles of joy more!
SizingSize Range
18 in Dolls
Finished Measurements (Inches)
Waist
Elasticated waist
Hip
Center front length
Doll
13.6
10.0
13.6
14.5
Fitting NotesThis is not a fitted garment – it’s a cuddle blanket style. The size is listed above.
Materials and ToolsYou will need a light to medium weight woven or non-stretch fabric for the body e.g. quilting cotton, cotton, felt, lightweight fleece or lame. You can use the same for the body lining, although we wouldn’t recommend using lame.
You can use non-fraying fabric, such as felt, for the Scales. If you are using a fabric that will fray, you can use a different fabric as the lining. If for example you are using a thick fabric, this will help reduce bulk.
Fabric Requirements 45 inches/115 cm wide (in YARDS)
Body main
Body lining
Scales
Tail
Wrap over
Dolls
0.50
0.50
0.25
0.25
0.25
Fabric Requirements 60 inches/150 cm wide (in YARDS)
Body main
Body lining
Scales
Tail
Wrap over
Dolls
0.50
0.50
0.25
0.25
0.25
* If you are using a narrower fabric, a directional print, or a fabric with nap you may need more.
** Make sure to wash, dry, and press all fabrics before cutting out in case they shrink.You will also need:
Tools needed are sewing machine, pins or clips, and scissors. Optional serger/overlocker.
Printing Your PatternSettings
The pattern is a separate download. Choose either the US letter paper, A4 paper, or A0 paper size based on the printer you wish to use. If you are in the US or Canada then your printer will likely use US letter paper. Other regions normally use A4 paper. Some people prefer to print their patterns at a print shop: A0 is best in this case.
Print at 100%.
On the second page, you will find a 1-inch and a 3-inch square test box. Print this page first, on its own, and measure these squares.
Once you are happy that the test box is accurate, print the rest of the pattern pages.
Please follow this video for information and assistance on assembling this pattern.
Also, please note that some Rebecca Page patterns and projects also come with cut files and a printable design page which you can use to plan your project if you wish. These are provided in a separate section below to avoid any confusion!
+US Print Charts
Here are which pages to print for the US Files
Blanket Tail Nonfraying Scales Fraying Scales Mermaid Tail Doll 2-5 2 2 4 +A4 Print Charts
Here are which pages to print for the A4 Files
Blanket Tail Nonfraying Scales Fraying Scales Mermaid Tail Doll 2-5 2 2 4 All Other Files
Design Page
Use this page to plan your Blanket Tail.
Color in, or glue scraps of fabric, on the diagram to try different fabrics and looks.
Download Design Page - Mermaid Blanket A4Download Design Page - Mermaid Tale USDownload Download Download Download Download Download Download DownloadCutting InstructionsCut each of the pieces according to the directions on the pattern piece. Seam allowances are all included so just cut them as is.
Cutting Charts – All pattern pieces are included, however if you prefer to cut using a cutting chart, the dimensions for the rectangular pieces (in INCHES) are below:
Front panel 1
(Cut 4)
Waistband (Cut 2)
OPTIONAL Elastic (Cut 1)
Width
Length
Width
Length
Width
Length
Doll
3.00
8.20
2.25
8.00
1.00
11.00
Cutting Checklist:
NOTE – To cut fabric on the fold, fold your fabric over parallel to the selvage edges. Align the pattern piece so it is on the fold of the fabric. Cut around the edges, leaving the fold. If you have folded your fabric correctly the fold will be parallel to the two edges of the fabric that are finished. The raw edges (e.g. the ones you could pick at and threads would come off) will be at a right angle to your fold.
- + Instructions
- PATTERN MARKINGS – Transfer all pattern markings and labels.
- OPTIONAL INTERFACING – Apply interfacing to nonfraying Scales.
- SCALES – Stitch two Scales, right sides together, along the outer curved edges. Clip top. Trim seam allowance. Turn out and press. Topstitch. Repeat for all Scales
- ATTACHING SCALES TO FRONT PANEL – Front Panel 1 right side up. Starting a ½ inch from the side, pin a Scale onto the Front Panel. Place the next Scale, overlapping the first Scale by ½ inch. Pin. Continue pinning until you have a ½ inch left. Baste. Repeat for all Scales and Panels. Flip the Scales up on Front Panel 4. Take Front Panel 5 and place it onto Front Panel 4, matching the top and bottom edges, rights sides together. Stitch. Repeat for all Panels.
- MERMAID TAIL AND WRAP – Stitch Tails together along curves. Trim and snip into ‘V’. Trim points. Turn right side out and press. Stitch Back Wraps right sides together. Press seam open. Flip wrong sides together and topstitch. Repeat to stitch two pairs of Front Wraps together along the curve. the Main Front Body right sides facing up. Place Front Wrap piece on top, matching raw edges. Baste. Repeat for other side. Baste Back Wrap to Main Back. Flip bottom Scales up. Stitch Mermaid Tail to straight edge of Main Body.
- WAISTBAND – Stitch Waistband to Main Front Body, right sides together, matching raw edges. Press seam open. Flip the Waistband up. Repeat for Waistband to Back Main Body.
- BODY – Lay Front Main Body right sides up. Fold Scales along each edge in and pin. Fold Mermaid Tail up, then fold edges. Pin. Place Main Body pieces right sides together. Stitch around outside edge. Clip and trim seam. Stitch Body Lining pieces together. Place Body Lining inside, matching raw edge to the seam allowance. Fold raw edge of Waistband ½ inch. Fold Waistband over and stitch in the ditch, leaving a 1 ½ to 3-inch gap for the optional elastic, or stitching closed if not adding elastic. Thread elastic, overlap ½ inch and stitch. Topstitch gap closed.
Quick Glance Cheat Sheet½ inch seam allowance included – Top stitching ⅛ inch – Basting ⅛ inch
Preparation –
Sewing –
0 . PreparationSeam Allowance
½ inch seam allowance included – Top stitching ⅛ inch – Basting ⅛ inch
0.1Pattern Markings
Transfer all pattern markings and labels to the fabric using a disappearing ink pen or tailors chalk.
0.2OPTIONAL Interfacing
If you are using non-fraying fabrics for the Scales, apply interfacing, using the manufacturer’s instructions.
1 . Scales1.0If you are using fraying fabric for your Spines, start at step 1.1. If you are using non-fraying fabric, skip to step 2.
1.1Place two Scales, right sides together. Pin along the outer curved edges.
1.2Stitch using a ½ inch seam allowance.
TIP – When you reach the top point, drop the needle into the fabric, lift the presser foot, turn the fabric and continue stitching down the other side of the scale.
1.3Trim the seam allowance using pinking shears.
This will prevent the fabric from bunching up when turned out as the notches from the pinking allows the fabric to spread out.
An alternative to using pinking shears is to clip or notch the seam allowance.
1.4Turn the Scale right sides out and press the seams.
TIP – Push out the corner with a blunt object, like a chopstick, so that there is a nice sharp corner.
1.5Topstitch the outer curves using a ¼ inch seam allowance.
1.6Repeat steps 1.1 to 1.5 for all Scales.
2 . Attaching Scales to Front Panels2.1Lay Front Panel 1 right side up. Starting a ½ inch from the side of the panel, place a Scale onto the Front Panel, matching the straight raw edge to the top of the panel. Pin. Place the next Scale, overlapping the first Scale by ½ inch. Pin.
Continue pinning until you have a ½ inch left on the Front Panel.
NOTE – We used seven Scales on Front Panel 1. The number of Scales you would like to add is up to you.
2.2Baste using a ⅛ inch seam allowance.
TIP – Basting is just like normal stitching except the stitches need to be long and loose so that they can be removed later, if needed. Stitch within the seam allowance, so that the basting stitches are not seen in the final garment, while keeping the stitches loose enough to pull out just in case they are visible. The purpose is to hold a piece of fabric in place until that section is properly sewn. Set the machine to a long loose stitch. Test it on a piece of fabric first to make sure that the stitches can easily be removed. Do not backstitch at either end. Leave the ends loose, with approximately 1 inch of thread tails at either end of the stitching.
2.3Repeat steps 2.1 to 2.2 to attach all the Scales onto all the Front Panel’s pieces.
2.4Flip the Scales up on Front Panel 4. Take Front Panel 5 and place it onto Front Panel 4, matching the top and bottom edges, right sides together. Pin.
NOTE – The pointed edges of the Front Panel 5 will stick out slightly on each side. You want the little triangle where the two pieces meet to be ½ inch away from the raw edge. That way, when you sew the two pieces together, they will meet up exactly.
2.5Stitch using a ½ inch seam allowance.
2.6Repeat step 2.4 to 2.5, attaching the bottom edge of the lower panel to the top edge of the panel above it. You will be attached three of the Front Panel 1 pieces together. You should have a total of 8 Front Panels joined together.
This will now be your Main Front Body piece.
3 . Mermaid Tail and Wrap3.1Place two Tails, right sides together. Pin along the curved edges.
3.2Stitch using a ½ inch seam allowance.
NOTE – Do not sew the short, straight edge as the Tail will be turned right sides out through this opening.
3.3Trim the seam allowance using pinking shears.
This will prevent the fabric from bunching up when turned out as the notches from the pinking allows the fabric to spread out.
An alternative to using pinking shears is to clip or notch the seam allowance.
3.4Clip into the ‘V’ at the bottom center of the Mermaid Tail. Clip as close to the stitching as possible without cutting into it.
3.5Trim the points on either side of the Mermaid Tail. Clip as close to the stitching as possible without cutting into it.
Turn right sides out and press the seams.
TIP – Push out the corner with a blunt object, like a chopstick, so that there is a nice sharp corner.
3.6Place the two Back Wrap pieces, right sides together. Pin.
3.7Stitch using a ½ inch seam allowance.
Press the seam allowance open.
3.8Flip the pieces over, wrong sides together. Press.
Topstitch the seam allowance using a ⅛ inch seam allowance.
3.9Repeat steps 3.6 to 3.8, stitching the outer curve of two mirror Front Wrap. Repeat for the second set of Front Wrap pieces.
3.10Lay the Main Front Body right sides facing up. Place a Front Wrap piece on top, matching the raw edges to the waist and the right side seam. Pin.
NOTE – The curved edge should be facing down toward the center of the Main Body.
3.11Baste using ⅛ inch seam allowance.
3.12Repeat steps 3.10 to 3.11 to attach the other Front Wrap piece to the left side of the Main Front Body, overlapping the first Front Wrap piece.
3.13Repeat steps 3.10 to 3.11 to attach the Back Wrap piece to the Main Back Body piece, matching all raw edges.
NOTE – The seam from step 3.7 will be facing down towards the bottom of the Blanket Tail.
3.14With the Main Front Body facing right sides up, fold the bottom row of Scales up to the top of the Blanket.
3.15Place the Mermaid Tail onto the Front Main Body, right sides facing, matching the straight raw edges. Center the Mermaid Tail and pin.
NOTE – The width of the Main Body piece is ½ inch wider on either side of the Mermaid Tail. You need that seam allowance on the body when you are stitching the body pieces together in step 5.
3.16Stitch using a ½ inch seam allowance.
Flip the Mermaid Tail over and press.
4 . Waistband4.1Place one Waistband onto the Main Front Body, right sides together, matching raw edges. Pin.
4.2Stitch using a ½ inch seam allowance.
Press the seam allowance open.
Flip the Waistband up.
4.3Repeat steps 4.1 to 4.3 for the second Waistband onto the Main Back Body.
5 . Body5.0SERGER / OVERLOCKER OPTION – Follow steps 5.1 to 5.3. Then serge together using a ½ inch seam allowance. Repeat for Body Lining. Skip to step 5.6. NOTE – Take extra care with the seam allowance to ensure the Main and Lining pieces match up.
5.1Lay the Front Main Body right sides up. Fold the Scales along each edge in towards the middle. Pin.
5.2Fold the Mermaid Tail up towards the top, then fold the edges in toward the center. Pin.
5.3Place the two Main Body pieces right sides together. Pin around the outside edge of the body.
NOTE – Do not pin along the waist edge of the Blanket.
5.4Stitch using a ½ inch seam allowance.
Clip the corners and trim the seam allowance using pinking shears.
Turn the Blanket right sides out and remove pins from Scales and Mermaid Tail.
5.5Repeat steps 5.3 to 5.4 with the Body Lining pieces.
5.6Place the Body Lining inside the Main Body, wrong sides together, matching the raw edge of the Lining to the Waistband seam allowance.
Pin from the outside at the seam.
5.7Fold the raw edge of the Waistband toward the wrong side ½ inch. This will create a memory hem.
NOTE – A memory hem is where you fold and press your hem, but do not actually stitch it yet. We do this so that fold lines are pressed into the garment. Some fabrics hold a memory hem better than others. If your fabric doesn’t hold it well, that’s ok. It is still helpful to do this now.
5.8Fold the Waistband down to the Lining, placing the folded edge just over the stitching from step 5.8. Carefully pin from the right side of the Blanket.
TIP – If you are adding optional elastic to the waist, mark a 1 ½ to 3-inch gap with pins. This is where the elastic will be inserted.
5.9With the right sides facing up, ‘stitch in the ditch’ along the seam between the Blanket and the Waistband. If you are adding the OPTIONAL elastic, leave a 1 ½ to 3-inch gap. If you are not adding the elastic, stitch all the way around the Waistband.
Stitch slowly and hold the Waistband and Blanket flat on both sides of the presser foot to help stitch right into the crease so it is not visible on the finished Blanket.
TIP – Use a matching thread and aim for a tiny fraction onto the Blanket instead of the Waistband. This usually ends up fairly invisible.
If you are adding OPTIONAL elastic, follow below. If you are not adding OPTIONAL elastic your Magic Blanket Tail is finished!
5.10Thread the elastic through the opening from step 5.9.
TIP – Before threading, match up the ends and mark them with a pen/pencil/marker. Check the elastic is not twisted before marking. When you have threaded the elastic through the casing, check the markings match up, to ensure there are no twists, before the next step.
5.11Overlap the ends of the elastic by ½ inch. Pin.
FIT CHECK – If you have your model available, check the elastic is the correct size before stitching together.
5.12Use a zig zag stitch to sew the ends together.
5.13Slip the elastic inside the casing.
Topstitch the gap closed, using ⅛ seam allowance.
- + Finishing Notes and Congratulations
Finishing Notes and Congratulations
Congratulations, your Mermaid Tail Blanket is done. Enjoy!
We would love to hear how you got on and see photos of your finished project!
Join us at our Facebook Group, tag us on Instagram, or use the hashtag #rpmagictailblanketmermaid.
Thank you for using a Rebecca Page pattern.
© Copyright 2022
All Rights Reserved
Makers Gallery
DesignIf you wish, you can download and print a diagram of your project which you can use for planning purposes.
Color in, or glue scraps of fabric, on the diagram to try different fabrics and looks.
As with the pattern files, please download the appropriate file to download based on your printer. If you are in the US or Canada then your printer likely supports US Letter size paper. All other regions generally use A4 paper.
Sales + Licencing InformationProject OverviewMermaid Blanket Tail
Difficulty Level = Beginner
Climb inside these fun and magical blanket tails. Great fun for children and adults alike – there is even a doll size too. With front overlapped scales, you can really set your imagination free! The blanket tail has an optional elastic at the opening to fit comfortably over your hips with your feet fitting into the top of the tail fin.
SizingSize Range
18 in Dolls
Finished Measurements (Inches)
Waist
Elasticated waist
Hip
Center front length
Doll
13.6
10.0
13.6
14.5
Materials and ToolsYou will need a light to medium weight woven or non-stretch fabric for the body e.g. quilting cotton, cotton, felt, lightweight fleece or lame. You can use the same for the body lining, although we wouldn’t recommend using lame.
You can use non-fraying fabric, such as felt, for the Scales. If you are using a fabric that will fray, you can use a different fabric as the lining. If for example you are using a thick fabric, this will help reduce bulk.
Fabric Requirements 45 inches/115 cm wide (in YARDS)
Body main
Body lining
Scales
Tail
Wrap over
Dolls
0.50
0.50
0.25
0.25
0.25
Fabric Requirements 60 inches/150 cm wide (in YARDS)
Body main
Body lining
Scales
Tail
Wrap over
Dolls
0.50
0.50
0.25
0.25
0.25
* If you are using a narrower fabric, a directional print, or a fabric with nap you may need more.
** Make sure to wash, dry, and press all fabrics before cutting out in case they shrink.You will also need:
- OPTIONAL lightweight interfacing for mermaid scales and tail – approximately 0.4 yards
- OPTIONAL ½ inch wide Elastic – approximately 0.5 yard
- Thread to match
Tools needed are sewing machine, pins or clips, and scissors. Optional serger/overlocker.