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My second daughter just turned 8 years old and she LOVES her Build a Bear, Sara. She also LOVES mermaids. So why not combine the two and make a mermaid costume for her teddy bear as a Birthday gift!
Supplies Used to Make a Costume for a Teddy Bear
Items linked below may go to similar items when exact items couldn't be found online. Links are affiliate so when you purchase, I will get a small kickback to help fund the next tutorial!
- Butcher Paper to make the pattern
- Tape Measure
- Costume Fabric
- Organza Ribbon
- Shell Necklace
- Needle and Thread
How to Make a Mermaid Costume
Begin by taking measurements of the teddy bear and creating a simple pattern on butcher paper. You will want to measure the hips and the chest.
For the tail, the top measurement will be from the bear's hips. Cut the measurement in half and add 1 ⅜ inch. That will be the top width of the tail pattern. For the bottom, draw a mermaid tail. I drew this freehand, but if you'd like I am sure you could find a shape online to trace.
For the top piece, use the chest measurement and add. You will want pattern pieces for the tail, top and add 1 inch to the length.
The center strap will be wrapped around the middle of the top strap. I made my pattern about 1 ½ inches wide and 10 inches long. This was longer than needed but it can be trimmed later.
The fabric I used is a simple costume fabric that had a nice shine to it, I am not sure of the name.
Cut out 2 pieces from the tail pattern pieces and 1 piece from the top and center pattern pieces.
To create the ruffled ribbon accents on the costume, I used some organza ribbon I already had on hand. Long stitch along one edge and pulled the thread to gather the ribbon.
Sewing the Mermaid Tail
Align the 2 tailpieces with right sides together. Pin a length of gathered ribbon to the inside of tail fins. I used 2 different pieces of ribbon, one for each side.
With a seam allowance of about ⅜ inch, sew down one side of the tail, around the fins and up the other side, leaving the top open.
For the waist, fold the top down 1 inch and sew along the raw edge making a waistband. String the elastic through the waistband, sew the ends of the elastic together, and then sew waistband so it is no longer opened.
Turn the tail right side out. Stuff some batting or grocery sacks into the fins so they are nice and full.
Sewing the Bikini Top
I got really excited at this point and forgot to take lots of pictures. So I'm sorry about that, but I'll try to explain things so you still know exactly what I did.
For the top, fold the piece in half length-wise with the right sides together and sew down the raw edge.
Repeat with the center strap.
Pull both pieces so the right side is facing out.
Stuff the top piece with batting or grocery bags until you like the shape.
Ruffle 2 smaller strips of the organza ribbon to put in the center of the top and hand-stitch them to the center of the top. Cover up the stitching for the ribbon with the center strap and hand-stitch to the top.
Hand-stitch a hook and eye onto the back straps to hold the top on.
Pukka Bracelet
Next comes the bracelet and for this, I used an old pukka necklace. Cut a length of the necklace that will wrap around the wrist of the teddy bear. Bring the ends together and tie a knot. WALLAH! A very simple bracelet.
This is a great beginner sewing project, especially if you want to learn how to make your own patterns!
And just in case you were wondering my daughter (and Sara) loved the new outfit!
Do you have a child that loves their teddy bear or stuffed animal? Share and leave a comment below!
Crafting Essentials
- The Cricut Cutting Machine is easily my favorite crafting tool. We use it in so many of our tutorials!
- These MakerX Crafting Tools are perfect for keeping in the craft room and are always ready when needed!
- This Fiskars Paper Trimmer is easy to use and cuts nicely without frayed edges.
- These Scotch Precision Scissors cut like a dream, and you get multiple pairs in a pack!
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Lindsay @ Artsy-Fartsy Mama
Oh my... this is too cute!! I'm a simple sewer, so this is fantastic!! I will be pinning this to make for my daughter in the near future. Thanks so much for sharing! 🙂 Keep up the great work!
Melanie @ bear rabbit bear
Super cute! I love it!
I'd love for you to link up to our "Crafts for Under Twenty-Somethings" Thursdays this week! It's a blog hop specifically for kids and teens ideas, so your ideas would be perfect! I'll hope you'll come link up this Thursday.
bearrabbitbear.blogspot.com
Melanie
Jessica Christy
That is adorable.
Candace @ Candace Creations
So Cute! We must share a brain! I made little mermaid tail outfits with the exact same fabric for my daughter's dolls too! so cute! I like that you made the top and bracelet to match! nice touch 🙂
Jessica @ Sunny Tuesday
This is such a fun idea! I love the materials!
Lindsay @ Artsy-Fartsy Mama
I know I've already mentioned how cute I think this is, but I've featured it on my blog today!
Jenni
Wow this is amazing. My daughter is already begging for me to make it! I would love for you to come link up with the frog! http://kissedbyafrog.blogspot.com/2011/08/frog-blog-linky-10.html
The link with the most clicks get free advertising for a week.
Thanks,
Jenni
Kim @ seven thirty three
Thanks for linking up with Sugar & Spice. I featured your adorable bear today! Feel free to grab a button. 😉
Ticia
What a wonderful costume! I love it, now do I have the time to make it?
StylishTeddy
what a great idea! wonderful costume!
Michelle@Crazy In Iowa
Very cute! My nieces are in love with mermaids, this would be a great bday gift. Thanks for sharing!
Michelles Tasty Creations
You are too talented missy! That is the cutest outfit ever. My daughter (almost 18) still loves her build a bears too 🙂 Thanks for linking up this week.
Karima
Great idea - I am pinning this as a future project for my daughter!
Alicia
Very clever, and it looks great. What a good idea to use grocery bags!
Jay @ Learning to play and playing to learn
Wow that looks amazing. I don't think I could do it. Thanks for linking up to Flashback Friday blogshare
Allison
How cute! My daughter would love this. She loves mermaids.
Katie
Thanks Allison! It was a fun little project My daughter is all about mermaids too!
Michelle
So cute!
My daughter would love this!
Thanks!
Michelle
Katie
Thanks, Michelle! It's a fun project too!
Angie Rose
So cute! Thank you so much for sharing with us at Dishing It & Digging It!
Katie
Thank you, Angie! I am so glad you like the Build A Bear Costume!