help with creating a school costume?

Question

I'm in grade 9 drama, and I'm playing the role of the little mermaid.
I already have a sequined tube top (t-shirt underneath), and a tiara, but I still don't have the most important part of the costume..THE TAIL!

I'm going shopping later, and my question is;

What are all the materials I'll need, and how do I make the tail?

Answer 1

Lucky you, playing the Little Mermaid!
Before you decide how your tail should be, think about what you do onstage--do you need to be able to move quickly, or do you just sit in one place? If you make a long tail, will it get in the way of other people onstage? Can you carry the end of your tail, or do you need to have your hands free? Decide what will "work" onstage so you'll know how long to make your tail, and how wide to make your tail-fins.
Measure your waist. Then measure how long you want the tail to be, and add 2 inches (your length). Also decide how wide you want the "fins" to be, if you want tail-fins (that's your width). Go to JoAnn's or some other fabric store and ask for a stretch metallic or stretch sequin fabric, in a good color of green or blue-green. Pick the one which looks the most like a mermaid! Buy as much of that as will allow you to cut two pieces, each one your length and your width. Sequin fabric may be difficult to sew on a sewing machine. You may need to ask for help with the sewing, or you can sew it by hand using heavy thread.
Draw your fins full-size on heavy cardboard, and cut two sets of cardboard fins. Put the cardboard fins on the fabric and trace around the cardboard to mark your fins on the bottom end, then mark half your waist measurement on the top end. White crayon is a good thing to mark with because it will be visible while you're sewing, but will rub off before you actually get to wear the costume. Connect the crayon marks so you have side-seams. Leave 3/4" seam allowance, and cut your two pieces, then sew up the side seams (don't forget to sew it on the wrong side!) Turn down the top edge 1" and sew along the raw edge, to make a casing for a string or a piece of elastic.

You will use the cardboard fins to stiffen the bottom of your tail. You can attach the cardboard fins to the inside of the fabric fins using a big needle and heavy thread, or even using staples if you're in a hurry.

If you do have to walk while onstage, try to wear softsole shoes so you don't "clomp" and spoil the illusion.
Have fun!

Answer 2

Thrift store, they have all the 80's stuff, and the most popular color in the 80's was TEAL GREEN, just the color your looking for. Try the Gown section, you will find brides maids dresses that you can cut up, and sew to make your tail. Your gonna have to internet search to get ideas on that, but i would just look up "Little Mermaid" and copy that look. Also, consider Fabric Glue instead of sewing.

Answer 3

You're going to have to make something...do you sew or can your mother sew something for you? Go to a fabric store like Michaels or JoAnn's and get some shimmery green fabric. You could just wrap it around your waist (stitch it down the back). The bottom should be extra long and flowing so your feet don't show.

If you're feeling very abmitious and have time, you can actually buy a pattern like this one: http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.jsp?CATID=cat303864&PRODID=xprd398527&source=search

Good luck.

Answer 4

Buy that material that looks like scales.....purses were like that

do in blue or silver

Make it with an elastic waist so you can get in and out quick.......or a slit in the back with a hook n eye.

I wouldn't think you would have to hem it.

Answer 5

I would look for a pattern at the fabric store... they have costume patterns.... you can get ideas by just reading the pkg.... like how much fabric will depend on your size.... they may also suggest a particular fabric

Answer 6

make this out of a spandex material in the color you need.you can stuff the extra with some cotton if needed but it will be a light structure and durable....

Answer 7

y not use a long skirt, then cut slits into it in a few spots. use some other material to sew into the slits---itll look like a tail.

kinda like this.....

Answer 8

scales a starting tale glue and ..................................................................................................................................oh cash to get it lol and really you need blue scales