How frustrating is it when you get a hole in your mermaid tail?!
This particular Aussie Green tail was beyond fixing so, I transformed it into a mermaid headband and I’m going to teach you how to do the same!

You will need:
- old FinFun Mermaid Tail (check mine out below… it was beyond repair!)
- Serger (overlocker) OR sewing machine (make sure you use a zig zag stitch)
- thread
- scissors
- ruler

How to make your mermaid headband:
This Aussie Green mermaid tail was one of my first. I had already repaired it multiple times and when I saw the large hole… I knew it was done. However, after seeing the FinFun Mermaid Tail blog on repurposing mermaid tails, I was inspired!
Keep reading because I am going to share some amazing sewing tips I have learnt throughout my sewing journey!
Check this video out for how to quickly unravel those seams…

First, cut two 10 x 5 inch (length x height) pieces of your mermaid tail.
Fold in half lengthwise Stitch right sides together
Fold your pieces in half and stitch together lengthwise. I used a serger (overlocker) which quickly gives me neat edges. If you don’t have one, just stitch using a zig zag stitch, as this allows the fabric to stretch.
Turn the pieces right side out so you have two ‘tubes’. Cross them over each other.

After that, cut another piece of fabric, this time 10 inches by 9 inches (length x height).

This part is tricky. Let’s break it down.
- First, mark the half way point on the larger piece of fabric, right side up.
- Then, with one of the tubes of fabric, line up both edges with the half way point (see above picture). Make sure this piece of fabric has no twists in it. (Your other tube will be folded through it). All pieces will be right side up.
- Next, fold the larger piece over the tube, enclosing it.
- Finally, fold it over again on itself:
- Sew this seam down the short edge. Use a serger (overlocker) and run over it a few times) or a zig zag stitch on your sewing machine. Above all, make sure this seam is secure!
Now, repeat with the other side. However, you will need to fold your mermaid headband the other way (opposite to how you folded it the first time. E.g. If you took the above and folded it towards you, the second time round, you would fold it away from you).

This is when I realised that I had folded it the wrong way!
Finally, turn right side out and admire your work!

As a result of using this sandwiching technique, all the raw edges are hidden (yes, you can see two seams, but I haven’t had to hem anything or sort out any raw edges!).
If I was making it again, I would choose a larger tail size so I could make all the pieces slightly larger – e.g. 12 inches wide instead of 10 inches.
Your turn!
What do you think? I love it! This is perfect for children (it’s a bit tight on me) but the FinFun Mermaid Tails stretch lots… so I can just about get away with it.
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Grab the FREE download of this mermaid headband here.
Have you made it? Show me your creations!
It looks amazing!!
Thanks so much! Just wait until the next post!