The Modest Mermaid Doll! (pattern/tutorial)

A few days ago I made the birthday doll, however I wanted to improve upon the pattern and since my daughters birthday is a beach theme I thought I'd make her a second birthday doll.

PS. If you have made one of these - I'd love to see it and hear how the pattern worked for you! Post a pic to flickr!

Introducing my newest creation!

If you want to purchase this doll instead of making your own - go here or here!

I have taken the time to scan in the pattern pieces for you readers (please let me know if you make one and post a link on this post - I'd LOVE to see your creations!)

The pattern comes in 4 documents that you can find here 1, 2, 3, and 4. You will also need to cut 1 ruffle piece that is 13 inches x 2.5 inches. Also note that when cutting the second body piece for the back cut straight across. Everything should be clearly labelled and the only piece you will have to tape together is for the mermaid tail. Any questions please feel free to ask!

ETA: I've heard the pattern pieces do not open up/print to the correct size in Internet Explorer.

*the body piece is 5.5inches across at the bottom and 4 inches across at the top and 6 inches long. (ish - use the neck piece as a guide for the top width and the bottom angle out 6 inches long and an 1 inch and half or 2 wider at the bottom than the top - whatever you think looks good)

The Tutorial:


Step 1: Work on the face. Pin the hair and cheeks on. I hand stitched the cheeks on because I like the look and hate sewing in such a small circle. Then sew on the hair by stitching along the edge. Paint on the face. D
o a small hair accessory if you want - I did a starfish that you will see in a later photo.

Step2: take your ruffle piece and fold it in half (hot dog way) and sew a gathering line, gather it then baste stitch it onto your mermaid doll head front. 

Step 3:  Pin and stitch the back of the bodice to the back neck piece and the front mermaid head/neck/ruffle to the body.

then stitch the back head to the back neck (this pinning is a bit time consuming)

Step 4: sew your arms and legs together (right sides together), turn, and lightly stuff.

Step 5: pin the arms in like seen below so that when you turn your doll out they will face inwards. 

when pinning/stitching the doll together i find it easiest to pin and stitch in 2 stages. 

Stage 1: from one underarm to the other underarm

 stage 2: leave a gap under one of the arms, to pull an arm out (so you have somewhere to stuff in the legs and turn the doll out) stitch around up to the spot you left off.

Turn the doll out by that gap where you have the arm popping out and then stuff your doll however full you like (I do a sturdy head and neck stuffing and then a lighter amount of stuffing for the body so it's cozier). Hand stitch that gap closed and admire the doll! (only the tail left to do!)

Isn't she cute! 

Now onto the tail (which you will be very happy to find quite easy). Pin your tail together and stitch around leaving the top open and turn out.

I stuffed the bottom of the tail and then stitched a line across because it seemed like the right choice to make - and I love the result and highly recommend you do this step.

Do a double fold hem and then shirr the top (you can do elastic casing if you want but I find shirring to be easier.)

and that is you tail done!

Close up of her face:

I let the babes see her early... Because I was excited, now the mermaid is put away until birthday time!

Hope you enjoyed the tutorial and pattern! 

This project got a sticker!