How can you make a swimmable real looking mermaid tail?

* 2 yards of spandex fabric (in your desired color)

* 1/2 yard of lining fabric (such as cotton or jersey)

* 1/2 yard of heavy-duty boning (such as spiral steel)

* 1/2 yard of 3/4-inch elastic

* 1/2 yard of 1/2-inch elastic

* 1/4 yard of ribbon (for the waistband)

* Thread

* Scissors

* Sewing machine

* Serger (optional)

Instructions

1. Cut out the tail pieces from the spandex fabric. You will need:

* 1 front tail piece (measuring 36 inches wide by 42 inches long)

* 1 back tail piece (measuring 36 inches wide by 42 inches long)

* 2 side tail pieces (each measuring 18 inches wide by 42 inches long)

2. Cut out the lining pieces from the lining fabric. You will need:

* 1 front lining piece (measuring 34 inches wide by 40 inches long)

* 1 back lining piece (measuring 34 inches wide by 40 inches long)

* 2 side lining pieces (each measuring 16 inches wide by 40 inches long)

3. Sew the boning into the side seams of the tail pieces. Place the boning 1/2 inch from the edge of the fabric, and sew it in place with a straight stitch.

4. Sew the side tail pieces to the front and back tail pieces, right sides together. Use a 1/2-inch seam allowance.

5. Turn the tail pieces right side out.

6. Sew the lining pieces together, right sides together, using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Leave the top edge of the lining open.

7. Turn the lining right side out.

8. Insert the lining into the tail, right sides together. Match up the raw edges of the lining with the raw edges of the tail.

9. Sew the lining to the tail, all the way around the top edge, using a 1/2-inch seam allowance.

10. Fold the ribbon in half lengthwise and sew it to the top edge of the lining, 1 inch from the edge. This will create a waistband.

11. Add any desired embellishments to the tail, such as sequins, beads, or appliques.

12. Enjoy your new swimmable mermaid tail!