As with a lot of things I make, this started with an idea from someone. They had an idea of what they wanted because they saw a picture… Of a paid pattern. Now, I typically stay away from paid patterns on general principal, but I had a weak moment. I bought the rather pricey pattern… I knew I shouldn’t, but I did. It was absolutely dreadful! It had good reviews and was written decently, but I found it just awful. It was made of motifs that you connected as you went… OK, I can do that. However when you did connect them it left gaping holes in the pattern and did not look like scales at all! Just not for me… so here is what I came up with after I got rid of that hideous attempt.
Measurements:
Tail to top 42 inches
Tail to tip of fin 12 inches
Top width 38 inches
size H hook
worsted weight yarn: The best estimate I have on how much I used until I duplicate this more is a total of 1600 yds. Now the one pictured I used Bernat super value (426 yds per skein) in lilac and light damson. Then the variegated yarn was 2 skeins (since they come in 275 yd skeins) in fresh lilac. As always though everyone can use different amounts of yarn depending on how tight or loose you crochet. Please err on the side of having extra yarn. As I have made more this is roughly accurate. Notice though I find I need extra yarn of the two solid colors (not just one skein of the super value) and so I can do a two stranded fin.
Edit: So I’ve been grabbing 2 skeins each of the solid color and 2 of the variegated yarn. I swear every time I make this I have different amount of yarn leftover… The last two I’ve made the fin out of the solid colors because the variegated almost ran out. The solid colors I am left with over a half of one and all over 3/4 of the other… Trying to get down the yardage for this has been tearing my hair out. The yarns are not exactly the same is my thought.
Also for those who need to resize the pattern, Rachel Z. Commented this:
“Thanks for the great pattern. I just finished a child size one and I’ve seen a lot of request for the modifications… my top chain was 128 (includes 2 turning chains). If you work in multiples of 6 and add 2 for turning, it always works out. I did 42 5dc rows then joined it together. After joining, I did 15 5dc rows. When reducing to a 3dc pattern, I followed the remaining instructions until I had 14 st at the close. I made the same fin, which the top reduces to 7 st and it attaches to the tail perfectly. I hope this helps others wanting to make a child sized blanket :)”
Also for those with problems understanding the crochet language a fellow hooker named HAB posted this: “For instructions of terminology you don’t understand, use Google search engine to ask or go to a yarn website and search for abbreviations. At the very least buy a basic crochet book. sctog = single crochet two together. http://www.lionbrand.com/faq/
For Knit and Crochet abbreviationshttp://www.lionbrand.com/cgi-
This free pattern is written by someone who is not a professional pattern writer. I applaud her efforts. To understand how she writes her pattern requires being very familiar with crochet terminology and patterns in general. Or locating instructions/terms unfamiliar to you in a crochet book or online crochet information source. Here is a great one:http://www.craftyarncouncil.
To help you decipher her instructions I suggest you copy and paste into a word processor and then begin labeling rows and rounds. Make sure you understand *the stitch pattern* (the crocodile stitch) as noted in the first paragraph following the initial chains: *sc in first dc, sk 2 dc, 5 dc in next, sk 2 dc* (this makes what I will call 5dc (stitch) pattern for the rest of the (mermaid) pattern) My (stitch) pattern ended on a sc. ch 2 and turn”
Note on the color changes. I started changing color after the first 5dc pattern row and changed color after each row. Being that I was using 3 different yarns that made things easier and less ends to weave in because I never bound off at the end of the row. I simply dropped one color, picked up the next and went. Now, I did NOT carry behind the work. I truly just let it stay there. Believe it or not, it works and doesn’t mess up the color pattern you are doing. After you have all three colors joined in you will see that when you end a row you just pick up the strand you had left before. Sounds so much more difficult than it really is, but so much a time saver not having to weave in all those ends.
Also note. Your work might not be the exact same counts as mine. That’s cool. It might end on a sc where I had 3dc. That’s cool. It is really just that 5 dc shell pattern you want for the scales. If your row ends on a sc, ch 2 turn, 2dc in first then go with the pattern. If your row ends on a dc group, sc in last st, ch 1 turn and sc in first the go with the pattern. It is really simple once you get used to it.
To start, ch 153 (this gave me the width I was looking for, so if you are altering for a different size start with a chain that works for your project)
dc in third chain and across, chain 1
*sc in first dc, sk 2 dc, 5 dc in next, sk 2 dc* (this makes what I will call 5dc pattern for the rest of the pattern) My pattern ended on a sc. ch 2 and turn
2dc in first st (that last sc), sk 2 st, sc in the 3rd dc of the 5 dc shell, sk 2 st, then follow the 5dc pattern until last sc where you only do 3dc, ch 1 and turn
sc in first st, sk 2 st, then follow the 5dc pattern until the end where you sc in that last st/dc. ch 2 and turn
Now you just do those last two rows for 72 5dc pattern rows. This made the lapghan go down to about the calf length (in case you are re-sizing the pattern).
Now we are going to start going in rounds instead of rows. How you might ask? Very carefully… Make sure when you pull the ends together the right side of the first row of dc is facing out. Or not, either way would be fine I imagine honestly. Just keep the strands of the none working yarn to the back/inside of the tail and change colors where it looks best to you.
What follows is how I brought the two sides together so I could work more of a spiral because that made things easier on me and doesn’t leave a seam. Truly, you could just do what makes sense to you as you look at the work in your hands. As long as you are still doing the 5dc pattern, it will all be good. Just relax and have a drink and go with it.
Sl st to the 1st dc of the row, ch 1, sc in joining, then proceed on with 5 dc pattern.
Sl st to 1st sc, changing colors, ch 2 and 4dc in same as join. 5 dc pattern to last sc. Now sc tog last sc to the 2nd dc from the beginning, make sure to change color.
Ch 1, sc in same as join then go on with the 5 dc pattern.
From here you should be able to just go in a spiral, changing colors as you get back to the start of the spiral. I did a total of 20 rounds counting from the beginning of the original join. This took the me down to about covering the foot when the foot is pointed.
Now you get to start bringing it in to a close. So that means you are almost done!
Keep doing the pattern and color changing around, but instead of the 5dc, do only 3dc, still skipping 2 stitches. On the 2nd, 3rd and 4th round only sk 1 st in-between the dc and the sc. Do this for a total of 4 3dc pattern rounds.
Then you are going to 3dc, sc tog (tog is also known as a decrease) where the next 2 sc would go (in the 2nd dc of the 3 dc group). Do your 3dc pattern until every 3rd sc spot, then sc tog.
Next round, change colors in the first sc spot, 3dc then sc tog (in the 2nd dc of the 3 dc group). Do your 3dc patten until every 3rd sc spot, then sc tog.
This next round 3dc, sc tog over the next 2 sc spot. Do your 3rd dc patten until every 3rd sc spot, then sc tog.
This should leave it almost closed up and you tired of turning your work around and around. So go ahead and change colors in the first sc, then sc tog where every sc spot should be for 2 rounds.
Bind off, and leave a tail so you can go ahead and sew the tail closed.
Join your yarn on the outside of the opening where you joined the rounds and sc around the opening. Placing 3 sc in the corners. Bind off and weave in the end.
Feels great to be done with that part doesn’t it? Now on to the much easier to do fin. Again, I sized it for the lapghan I was working on.
Fin
I did the fin in the variegated yarn. If you want a thicker fin, use two strands held together. The fin shape will have a straight side with the opposite side decreasing in, then increasing back out. The straight side will be the top where you do your sc tog to then sew it on the tail.
Another option on the tail can be found here (https://handcraftsofjoy.com/2015/10/14/handcrafts-of-joys-mermaid-tail-fin-pattern/) it works up well and it is a bigger version of what I did.
Ch 43
dc in 4th chain and dc across, ch 2 and turn
*dc tog, dc in rest of stitches, ch 2 and turn
dc across, dc tog in last two dc, ch 2 and turn*
repeat this pattern for a total of 5 times
now do 2 dc tog, dc in rest of stitches, ch 2 and turn
dc across and do 2 dc tog in last 4 st, ch 2 and turn
2 dc in each of the next 2 st, dc across, ch 2 and turn
dc across, put 2 dc in each of the last 2 dc, ch 2 and turn
*2 dc in first dc, dc across, ch 2 and turn
dc across, 2 dc in last st, ch 2 and turn*
repeat this pattern for a total of 5 times
dc across, ch 1 and turn
sc around, making sure to put 3 sc in the corners except the last corner you come to. Ch 1 and turn so that now you are working on the top of the fin (where you just have a bunch of dc, not the dc tog or 2dc)
sc tog across, ch 1
sc tog across, ch 1
*sc tog, sc* ch 1
*sc tog, sc * ch 1
bind off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Now you are going to sew this where the bottom of your fin is… where you sewed it close. It is worth noting that I sewed the sides of the sc rows to the tail as well as the sc. I thought it looked better and helped hold the fin out.
There you have it… a cozy mermaid tail!
Mad Hooking!
i love this!!!! I’m going to make one for all three of my daughters and my granddaughter. She is 8 months. How could I make it that small?
couldn’t understand how much yarn. please guestimate by skeins or yards.
does it start out in a spiral ?? I prefer knitting but I think this will be prettier crocheted.
the first row where we SC skip 2 dc and go on to 5 DC and skip — do we then do the SC again or is that only at the beginning?
The SC is the beginning. So yes, you would start it again
Hi! I just love this pattern! I pinned it to my Pinterest Crochet board and shared it on my FB. I’m hoping to be able to make it for my 4yr old grand daughter..I know she’ll love to snuggle in it while watching TV. I have to order the variegated online…is that Bernat Super Saver as well? I see a colorway named Fresh Lilac…is that the correct one? It’s hard to tell colors on my laptop and that’s led me to order some doozies in the past…lol Thanks for your help and for this pattern!
Yep, the Bernat lilac, fresh lilac and light damson. I would say though, use any colors you like and have fun with it! The one I’m making now I added a 4th color and it makes the pattern do much more random.
did you make one for your 4 year old grand daughter? I was asked to make one for a 5 year old. How did you adjust the pattern?
Did you think of using crocodile/scale stitch in some places to gve it a bit of texture? Im obsessed with the scales right now.
I did actually, but I wanted something more universal and simple. The shell pattern does give the illusion of shells even though it is hard to see in the pictures. The crocodile stitch would be very cool too I think.
i still dont know how much yarn to buy for each size (child and adult)
For the adult size, best estimate I have on how much I used until I duplicate this more is a total of 1500 yds. Now the one pictured I used Bernat super value (500 yds per skein) in lilac and light damson. Then the variegated yarn was 2 skeins (since they come in smaller skeins) in fresh lilac.
Thanks for this, I brought the pattern as well but was put off by the amount of wool required. Will have a go at making this
would you consider making one for sale?
I would be interested if the pattern designer is not.
I love this but sadly I can’t read patters very we’ll. Could you do a quick video?
I want to learn to crochet and will shortly be taking a class. Just looking at your “recipe” made me woozy. How advanced is the mermaid lapghan? I seriously only know how to do a basic chain, which my mother taught me 35 years ago. Thanks!
It isn’t very beginner, but it is a repetitive pattern with just single and double crochet really. I would think of you are a beginner you might need some help with it honestly.
so is this a blanket or is it like a cocoon. i would like the cocoon version.
Then when you start, connect the beginning chain and do rounds the whole thing. You might need more beginning chains though to go all the way around.
NICE!!! I bought the pattern too – and it is pretty ….. but I agree with you! Not to mention time-consuming! I have 2 granddaughters and I’d like to get two finished before they have children of their own 🙂
Thank you for the alternative – will be giving this a go 🙂
I no longer crochet because of carpal tunnel flare ups, but I am able to knit – is there any way this pattern can be adapted to knitting – I adore the look and would love to try knitting it!
Mary
If you read the pattern, you will be able to do it in knit. The tail has simple decreases and increases, and you could do 2 rows/rounds in place of a dc. You could check knitting sites for fancy stitches to make it your own pattern. And now you are a designer!!
I love your answer! Simplistic answers are usually the best. This lapghan at its simplistic is a blanket that comes together at the calf length, decreases until closed, then add a fin… Knowing that you can adjust this pattern however you like. To use your imagination and have fun!
Thank you for this simple and fun pattern!
Silly question: please tell me it’s not expected to actually decrease until I get down to the calf and bring it together?
For some reason, each of my rows end on the sc and I’m afraid of it being wrong and it’s actually supposed to be decreasing the whole way down.
Thank you so much!
Vee
So far:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B299HsBjWp3kS0JHQ1hNVWNkcWM/0B299HsBjWp3kT282Y1p0cGpFR28/0B299HsBjWp3kWFhYbXN3Z18wM2M
ACtually, that link I’m not sure if it will work or if it goes to my entire album :/ could you delete that part? lol or just not accept my comment?
Sorry for any inconvenience.
Nope, you’re good. It doesn’t decrease until after the join.
I am no longer a crocheter as I have carpal tunnel flare-ups, but I knit – can the pattern be adapted to knitting?
Hi I left you a message on FB.. just letting you know in case it went to your “other” folder. Don’t mean to bug you …. Awaiting an answer to head to Hobby Lobby and hopefully beat the icky weather headed our way LOL 🙂
Was it about how much yarn? I’ve been overwhelmed with all this attention and I’m trying to keep up… I’m so sorry! I updated the post for how much yarn, but here is my best estimate I have on how much I used until I duplicate this more is a total of 1500 yds. Now the one pictured I used Bernat super value (500 yds per skein) in lilac and light damson. Then the variegated yarn was 2 skeins (since they come in smaller skeins) in fresh lilac.
Love the pattern! I had a friend who wanted one of these after seeing it online. I didn’t want to pay for the pattern either, or take the time to draft my own (SOOOOO many projects.) Thanks for doing this! Yey for the crochet community!
I am, however, re-typing your pattern for my own, personal use. Plus, it helps me read through the pattern first so I know what I am in for! 🙂
If you would like, can I please send you an “edited” copy of your pattern? You can edit and re-post as you see fit.
This is in no way to step on your toes or steal your pattern from you. I’m just an editing nerd and do this, often, for my own clarity.
God knows I can use an editor so if you want to, I would be grateful! I’m trying to duplicate the pattern a few times to be exact as I can for people, to make it easier. I look forward to reading what you come up with! Thank you!
I’m working on it in my “spare time.” But there are some things I will need a little clarification on. I have your email, so I will email you!
where could I get the edited copy of this pattern ?
The step by step? Add soon as I have the final copy I’ll make a new part to the blog and the Facebook page about it.
can you let me know when you will have it done ??
could I get on to your facebook ? I don’t want to miss it when you have edited this pattern., going to make it soooo much easier for a lot of people
I am stuck where it says” now do a sc tog in the 3rd dc of the two shell groups you have next to each other. ? and at what part do you keep repeating for 20 rows ? this is the most confusing pattern I’ve ever done…
The 20 rows should start from the join. You decrease after those rows. The sc tog is essentially just a sc decrease using the 2nd dc of two shells. It makes one sc and skips a dc group.
By all means! I made a Facebook just for this blog and to post other free patterns as well. That way you can also ask questions and I and hopefully others can help…
How soon will the step by step be ready I have 2 darling great grandgirls (ages 2 and 4) who can’t wait for gram to make these. But I need step by steps instructions. I’ve been a knitter since I was nine but have a limited time in the crochet field but enjoy it. Thanking you on behalf of my girls
I honestly don’t know when it will be released. When it is I will make another blog post and post it on my Facebook page.
No Sorry, Shelley. It was about copyright…so didn’t want to post it publicly. I see you are crazy busy…your pattern has created quiet the SPLASH 🙂
when I see a pattern that is fun and I want to comment on it, I usually see that I am waaaay late and the pattern with all the comments is like, 10 years old. I am excited to see a new mermaid pattern and to top it off-ITS FREE! You have made a lot of kids very happy!!! I hope to start one soon and will post a picture of it when I am done! I look forward to tackling this project!!!
That is usually what happens with me too! I’m just sharing what I did, it is the hookers out there making the lapghan, making it their own that will bring smiles… I look forward to seeing yours!
Already I have had several people share your pattern with me and asking me to make them or suggesting that I make a bunch! May I have your permission to sell these creations I make from your pattern? I always give credit for my sources. Please let me know!!! <3
As always a finished project is your own work to do with what you want. I can imagine you have a lot of people wanting these because I’ve had a lot of people asking me… The patten should never be sold, but your work by all means of you want to sell that’s fine.
Many thanks again for such a fun pattern!!
Hey, Shelby, do you mind my asking what you’ll charge for these? I’m so curious, simply based on how many woman-hours will go into it!
I won’t know a price until I am done with one but I will let you know!! I have so many people asking me for these! It will just depend on how long it takes for me to make it!
I don’t think I could ever make enough fast enough for the demand either. Wishing you good luck, one hooker to another!
your Awesome i’d been looking for this for awhile i made a mermaid costume for my daughter 1st Halloween costume but i could find so this is what i made. I am so excited to make another one for her. If you sell how much do you charge?. Thank you again for sharing your pattern.
Can you please make me one? How much? I’m a mermaid freak!
if your interested send me your message at [email protected]
I too looked at a Mermaid pattern that was made of motifs and said, “yeah. no.” I am now in the process of faking it until I make it. I started with the floating shells stitch, but didn’t like how it was turning out, so I switched to crocodile stitch. I’m only about a third of the way done, but I think it’s going to turn out pretty good. And I am so stealing your fin design.
I would love to see how it ends up! I love the crocodile stitch, but it eats yarn and makes me feel slow… Because I haven’t done it enough. It looks so pretty though! Feel free it use what you can of my work. You should write down your crocodile stitch pattern!
OMG…… YES!!!!! my best friend for the past 15+ years LOOOOVES The Little Mermaid…. I am SOOOOO making this for he for her bday later this year. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. I found a pattern before but I would have to have paid for it. Since you paid this forward to all of us… I’m gonna do what I can to pay it forward in my blog somehow. Don’t know if it’ll be a pattern or something else… but it’ll be something. 🙂 Again Thank You SSSOOOO Much!!!! ***Hugs***
Paying it forward, however you can, is exactly what I like to hear! So very awesome!