When I tested the Makana Mermaid skirt by Tadah Patterns for Issue 16 of One Thimble magazine (this is an affiliate link), I knew that both my girls would love to dress up and be matching.
The pattern begins at size 2 but seeing that my Miss 1 is in size 1 with a similar waist measurement to the pattern, I thought I’d make her the smallest size. I kept the length as I wanted it to last her a few years. I also knew that she wouldn’t be patient enough to use the included wrist strap, so I came up with something a little different, a button to help hold the tail up.
For this hack, you’ll need all the recommended materials from the pattern, including the wrist elastic. you will also need a coordinating button, around 3/4 inch to an inch in diameter.
I made the skirt as per the instructions. When it came to where it recommends you put in the wrist elastic, I did this, just shortened the elastic length to around an inch (you can check by holding the elastic that will be caught in the seam and putting over the button you want to use).
After I was finished the whole skirt, I laid it down to find where the sides are and put a clip on so that I’d have the correct place. This is the spot that I hand sewed the button on. I sewed it on centre of the waistband, through the waistband elastic.
Now when my little one wear’s her skirt and it needs to be off the ground (like when riding her trike), I simply use the elastic tab on the tail to hold it onto the waistband.
I’d love to see your tails using this hack! Tag @noblecubs on Instagram or Facebook so that I can see (you can also use the #digifreeplay tag as well 😉 )
Martina 🙂
Noble Cubs 