Thursday 26 April 2012

Mermaid Costume Pattern

Mermaid Costume Pattern



I made this costume for my cousin Brynn last Halloween.

NOTE: I put a lot of time into creating this so that I wouldn't have to pay for it, so I'd really appreciate if you didn't sell what you make from it. Personal use only, please!

Size H hook
Worsted weight yarn
       This makes a size 9-12 months approximately. If you're looking to make it smaller, try using baby yarn and a G hook. To make it bigger, chunkier yarn and an I or J hook.


Starfish Top:
Mc
R1: sc 5 times in mc, sl st to join (5)
R2: ch 1, 2 around, sl st to join (10)
R3: ch 1, sc in same st, dc, tr, dc in next st, *sc in next st, dc, tr, dc in next st* around, sl st to join
R4: ch 1, sc in same st, hdc in next st, hdc, dc, tr, dc, hdc in next st, hdc in next st, *sc in next st, hdc in next st, hdc, dc, tr, dc, hdc in next st, hdc in next st* around, sl st to join
                Fasten off
Make four ties approximately 35 chains in length and attach them to your preference





Mermaid Tail:
(This is made by joining at the beginning of each row and ch 2 (this does NOT count as a stitch!). You can also try making it without joining it, but at the time that I made this pattern, I wasn't really comfortable with marking stitches, but have at 'er!)


Mc
R1: 12 dc in circle (12)
R2: Blo, dc 12 around (12)
R3-9: dc 12 round (12)
R10: dc 1 in next 3 st, dc 2 in next st* around (15)
R11: dc 1 in next 2 st, dc 2 in next st* around (20)
R12: Dc around (20)
R13: Dc 1 in next 2 st, dc 2 in next st* around (28)
R14-17: Dc around (28)
R18-19: Dc 1 in next 2 st, dc 2 in next st* around
                For optional increase, repeat R13 (48)
R20-45: dc around
R46-47: sc around
R48: sc in next 2 st, ch 1, skip a st, sc in next 2 st* around
R49-50: sc around
                Fasten off
Make a chain long enough to form a drawstring around the waist (you’ll weave this through the spaces in R48)





Fins (make 2):
Ch 23
R1: Dc across
R2: Ch 2, dc2tog, dc across
R3: Ch 2, dc across
R4: Ch 2, dc2tog, dc across
R5: Ch 2, dc across
R6: Ch 2, dc2tog, dc across
R7: ch 2, dc across
                Fasten off





If the fins are confusing, you can try using these:

You should only sew the fins together about three-quarters of the way


Fold the corners over and sew the corners to the end of the tail (sew around; make sure it's connected)

And there you have it!





For everyone who was waiting a really long time for this pattern, I'm sorry, but I didn't have access to the costume for the longest time so I couldn't try and write it down. 

This pattern hasn't been tested except for by me, so any feedback or revisions would be appreciated. If something's unclear, feel free to ask me about it. The beading and sequins wasn't done by me, it was done by my aunt.


115 comments:

  1. Yay! Oh, thank you so much for posting this -- I can't wait to try it out! :-)

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  2. what kind of yarn did you use?...mine is coming out very small...

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    1. Um, I got it while I was vacationing in the states and I don't remember the exact name; it might have been the brand that has the One Pound yarn? I got it from Joann's and it's decently soft, but definitely acrylic. Oh wait! I think I found it. Um, I think it's Caron Simply Soft - Aqua Mist. I think. If it's still coming out too small, I did edited the pattern (just by adding how many stitches should be at the end of each round).

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    2. I really like it when the stitch count is given a the end of a row. It is very helpful to me.

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  3. Oh wow this is fantastic, your cousin looks so cute. I am a crochet beginner and only just getting to grips with the basic stitches, so it will be a long time before I can follow a pattern. Michelle x

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    1. Haha, thank you so much. :) I think she's adorable too, but I suppose I'm a little biased on that point. ;D Don't worry; I've actually only been crocheting from patterns for about a year. Before that, it was literally just whatever I could make from single, double and triple stitches, so needless to say my family is stocked up on baby blankets and dishcloths for the next decade. And honestly, once you finally do read patterns (I suggest first going on YouTube and having the option of watching & listening to the pattern out loud) it's actually pretty simple. Thank you again for taking the time to comment :D

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  4. Wow, I was trying to figure out the pattern but couldn't. You are so talented. Amazing and beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing the pattern.

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    1. :) Thank you so much. I hope it's not too complicated! It was the first thing I ever crocheted without a pattern (other than a couple baby blankets). And no problem; I remember how much of a pain it was trying to find a free pattern so I decided to save people the trouble. :)

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  5. Can you clarify the instructions for R2 of the Starfish top? R2: ch 1, 2 around, sl st to join (10) - I'm not really understanding what I'm supposed to do here? Thanks!

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    1. I'm so sorry; lots of times when I'm typing, my brain goes faster than my fingers and I'll completely skip words. It should be R2: ch 1, 2 sc in each st around, sl st to join (so you should end up with 10 sc). I hope this clarifies it for you! :D

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  6. this is SO CUTE!!!! lol and she is such a doll <3

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    1. Thank you so much! :) And I agree with you, even though I suppose that's a little biased ;D

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  7. What size is this costume please? And I really love this!

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    1. Well, my cousin was 11 months when she wore this. But approximately this pattern is for 12 months.

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  8. Finished mine last night! so cute, thanks for posting a pattern! I modified a whole lot based on my yarn and hooks sizes to fit (hopefully!) a 0-3 month size.. I used a totally random made as I went pattern for the tail itself and used your fin idea with a triple stitch and it turned out great!! actually way cuter than anything I could buy on etsy.. you rock!

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  9. http://piispanenbaby2.blogspot.com/2012/07/finally-finished.html

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    1. It's so cute! I'm glad you were able to modify it and I'd love to eventually see pictures from Halloween :D Thank you

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  10. I am SO SO SO excited to have found this!!!! You are amazing!! I'll be trying it out soon... I was going to tackle my own pattern this winter, but yours is super cute!!! Thank you for sharing!

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    1. Well thank you for the enthusiasm! :D I'd love to see pictures when you've finished ^-^

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  11. This is so cute! I'm going to attempt to make this for my niece's third birthday. Do you have any recommendations on what adjustments I need to make? (beginner here) Thanks!!!

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    1. For adjustments, I'd recommend adding a few more increasing-rows after row 19 and to also obviously make it a fair bit longer by repeating row 20 however many more times. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask :)

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  12. I so fell in love with this!!! I got a darker green yarn in red heart but my little princess is a chunk big booty & thighs & shes a little over one, her birthday was april. I'll try & figure out how to post a pic when im finished :o)

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    1. Oh, dark green would be really cute for this. It stretches a fair bit so I think it should be fine. :) Thank you so much and I can't wait to see pictures ^-^

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  13. ok I'm having issues with row 10 I can't get to 21 sts from 12..

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    1. AH oh my. Huh. I must have screwed up in counting. The stitch count themselves doesn't really matter (it's more just to make sure you follow along kindof thing) so until I fix it, I recommend just strictly following the written instruction and ignoring the stitch count. Sorry. But thank you for informing me! I'll fix it right away. :)

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  14. Awesome pattern. It was really easy to understand and the diagrams were very helpful. I only have one question... How many chains did you use to join the stars together and was it a sl st to connect them? Thanks again for this cute pattern.

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    1. Thank you so much! I'm so glad you found it easy as I know I've had to modify it a couple of times because of screw-ups (on my part). I made three chains to join the stars, and yes, it was just a sl st to connect them. I'd love to see pictures when you're finished. :)

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  15. Thank you fot this pattern! I am trying to make 0-3 month size, so not sure what adjustments to make except less than 25 rows of row 20. Mine seems very small and I am using Red Heart Soft yarn. Any suggetions?

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    1. You're welcome! :)

      I'm sorry, but for the most part I make adjustments by actually crocheting and unraveling and counting later, so I'm afraid I can't be much help in that area.

      As for the size issue . . . either a thicker yarn, if you're willing, or just a larger size hook. Apparently a lot of people have been having issues with size, and I just thought my yarn was average, but maybe it was slightly chunky or thick. I hope this helps and feel free to message me at any point if you're having difficulty. :)

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  16. im having trouble with the fin. my 2 fins cam out like triangles. but the picture you used as an example of sewing together is more like squares. cant get my triangles to look like that. help!

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    1. Are you doing the decrease on both sides? That's the only reason I can think of that it would turn out like a triangle. You only do the decrease on the one side of the fin.

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  17. how do you start the tail off im kind of confused but really want to try and make this

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  18. Made this ensemble over the weekend. So stinkin cute! My turned out pretty good but not as good as yours. Thank you thank you thank you for providing the pattern.

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    1. You're very welcome; I'm so happy with the positive response to this pattern! I'd love to see pictures! :)

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  19. Thank You. I was looking for a mermaid pattern for my little girl that turns 1 year old tomorrow. This worked out perfectly. It is gorgeous.

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  20. As promised- https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5gWHNvFYXjk/UIIGgBhhj5I/AAAAAAAAAz4/9fuq3Qt6_xc/w421-h526-p-k/2012-10-19 You're pattern edited for my 2 month old, I couldn't be happier :) thank you so much!!

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  21. This is soooo cute! thank you so much for sharing this for free! I def wanna make my 6month old a lil mermaid and take pictures of how adorable she is going to look =)

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    1. Thank you so much! When I made this pattern, it was only because I really really really did not have the funds/capabilities to buy patterns and it also ticked me off a little that there was no free pattern available for little mermaids, so I didn't want to have to put other people through that. xD I'd love to see pictures of the finished piece with your little girl! I'm sure she'll be totally adorable. :D

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  22. Thank you so much Courtney, as you said, I have been looking for a pattern that I could try for free, I have not started yet, it's for a friends sister who is about to have a baby and she wants to photo the baby as a mermaid. I'll give it a go, but I am usually doing blankets, although I did make a baby hammock on the weekend for a photo prop as well, don't ask me how I did it, I did not write anything down, but it looks OK and seems to work with heavy props, let's hope it holds a real baby.....lol

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  23. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  24. am I reading this right that the top of the tail is only 28 stitches around? that is the size of my wrist I'm a bit confused.

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    1. Rows 18 and 19 are both increase rows; you should end up with 56 stitches around the top, if I remember right.

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    2. I used a 5mm hook and it came out perfect :)

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  25. Very cute! Don't know if it is exactly like the one I saw on the Russian site "Country Mom" or not but you did an awesome job.

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  26. Is this in US crochet terms?

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    1. Yes, it is. I'll be sure to specify that next time.

      Courtney

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  27. This is wonderful. My daughter will be wearing this for summertime pics.

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  28. Hi courtney! How did you get the sequence and the beading in this

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    1. I actually didn't do that part; my aunt (the little girls mom) did them for her. I asked her about it and she said the sequins were sewn on individually and that she first strung the beads on a clear thread and then sewed them on. Sorry I don't have a clearer picture of them.

      Courtney

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  29. Super cute design!!! Finally a free mermaid pattern! I have been looking forever for one. Anyhoo, wat exactly does "blo" stand for in rnd two for the tail?

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    1. Thank you! And it just means "back loop only". So when you do the stitch, instead of going through both loops of the stitch, just go through the back loop, if that makes any sense. I know there are tutorials on youtube if you get confused.

      Courtney

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  30. Thank you for the pattern. I made it larger for my 5yr old granddaughter. I put 1/4" elastic at waist. I made a split at knees so she could walk with tail dragging behind or put her legs in tail when sitting. I altered the fin part. She is really enjoying wearing it mom says.

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  31. I was wondering if you would mind clarifying the ro4 of the star? I've been trying to figure it out, and can't quite get it. Amazing star pattern. I've been looking everywhere for a decent pattern.

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  32. I made this with an emerald green bottom and pink top. The pattern worked beautifully after reading the comments and adjusting as needed. I gave it as a baby shower gift for a Little Mermaid themed party. Thanks for the pattern

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  33. Ah! Thank you so much for the FREE pattern! I have found some free patterns, but...well...they are ugly. I love the way your tail looks and I am so excited to get started! (I have a few projects that I am supposed to be doing first, but I may not be able to help myself!) Thank you, thank you, thank you!

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  34. How many inch's do u think the tail is from bottom to top finished? Trying to decide how many rows I should go for a 10 month old


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  35. Did you use sequins or beads?

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    1. It is truly a great and helpful piece of information.
      I am satisfied that you simply shared this useful information with us.
      Please stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
      See real mermaid videos,mermaid video VISIT HERE http://realmermaidvideos.com/scientists-in-submarine-capture-mermaid-on-camera-incredible-footage/

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    2. I only crocheted it; my aunt used sequins on the body portion of the tail and then strung glass beads and sewed them onto the fins.

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  36. Hi if I want this for a newborn do I use a g hook? Or I or j?

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  37. Thanks SO much for posting this pattern! I LOVE the way this turned out and gave it as a baby shower gift. Thanks again! (I'd love to send a pic to you to show you, but I don't know how to do that!)

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  38. This pattern is great! I'm almost done with it, I am just confused with the fins, as I'm working on them they don't look like fins. Do you have pictures of the fins before you sewed them together? Thanks!

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  39. I used less than a ball of Red Heart Super Saver in Frosty Green for the tail, and only a little bit of extra yarn I had lying around for the top. The top really doesn't take much yarn at all.

    Courtney

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  40. I crochet the mermaid tail and is too small. Do you have the revisions and updates to your pattern? Please help!
    I am making this for a nine months baby.

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  41. Love it! Shared on Moogly today! http://www.mooglyblog.com/baby-crochet-halloween-costume/

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  42. Did you sew the sequins in after?

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  43. Also, going to try to make this for my 4 year old. Think I can make it so her legs can stick out for walking?

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  44. What size is this? I need to try and make one as a birthday gift for a girl I know turning one. also what weight of yarn? just regular ol' #4 Worsted Weight?

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    1. The pattern makes a size 9-12 months using #4 worsted weight yarn.

      Courtney

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  45. What a cute costume!! :)
    _______
    Lee Ann

    Crochet...Gotta Love It! Blog


    YouTube Channel

    #crochetgottaloveit
    #crochet

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  46. I have a brand new baby great granddaughter that will look amazin in this.. thank you for sharing the pattern!!!!

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  47. Love this pattern!! I am just not sure how to understand the pattern. Wish there was a you the video following his to make it.. Especially with round one of the tail. You say to put twelve double crochet in circle.. how many chains do you start out with? And do you slip stich to make a circle? I am confused

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    1. I have been crocheting for a few decades. to do a circle you can either chain 4 and slip stitch to the first chain to form a loop and crochet into the center or start with a Magic circle (youtube has a ton of good videos on this) and you slipstitch to the top of the 1st double crochet to finish the circle...
      Thanks for the patten. I am enjoying working it up.

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  48. How did you do the sparkles and bead work?

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    1. I only crocheted the costume; my aunt (the little girls mom) did all the detail work. I asked her about it and she said the sequins were sewn on individually and that she first strung the beads on a clear thread and then sewed them on.

      Courtney

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  49. Great job on this! Planning to make one for a friend's baby girl. You are now in my list of favorite Ravelry designers :)

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  50. I am currently making this and I am confused by the fin pattern... I have double crocheted across the first row, chained two but I don't understand what the dc2tog is? Any help?

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    1. dc2tog is an abbreviation for a decrease; it just means double crochet 2 together.

      Courtney

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  51. Thanks so much I am goignot attempt this for my new granddaughter.

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  52. After searching the web for 5 long hours, I finally found a pattern. YAY and thank you! Now, to get to crocheting! I'll come back when it's done to tell you how it came out.

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  53. I'm slightly confused because none of the increase rows are matching up with the stitch counts..

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  54. this is too cute my 5 yo wants to be ariel pre human for halloween wish i could figure out how to make it larger love it

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  55. how many chains do i start for the tail

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  56. I'm a bit confused by
    R10: dc 1 in next 3 st, dc 2 in next st* around (15)

    If i do 1 dc in the first 3 sts do I have to do 2 dc in each of the rest of the sts or what? and what does the (15) stand for, Oh my i love the costume so much I don't wanna give up.

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    Replies
    1. R10: means to 1 Dc in the next 3 sts, and then in the next st do 2 dc and repeat that around til the end. (15) means after completing that round, there should be a total of 15 Dc sts. Hope this helps.

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  57. Hello, what does Blo mean? Help please

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  58. Ty so much for the pattern, I just have one question about the fins.( been trying to figure it out and have to keep frogging the fin) After you chain 23, R:1 calls for dc cross. You do not specify which stitch to start double crocheting into. I would be forever grateful for a reply when you have time. Thanks again :)

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  59. Ty for this pattern making it for a newborn for pictures I can send pics when all done if you would like. :)

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  60. This is beautiful!!! I featured it in a round up at MNE Crafts!!
    http://www.mnecrafts.com/2014/06/photography-props-round-up-18-free.html

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  61. Great tutorial, love it very much, thanks for sharing

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  62. In R2 of the tail pattern you indicate Blo.. What does that stand for?

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    Replies
    1. BLO= Back Loop Only. Hope this helps :)

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  63. The fin...doyou count the ch2 as a dc? Do you count teo from hook when casting on?

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  64. Thanks for a great pattern! I have looked everywhere and this is one of the cutest ones I have seen. You are so kind and patient with all of your responses! I will definitely bookmark you to follow in case you post any other great patterns! My granddaughters are going to love these and they are so easy to make! Thanks for sharing!!!!! You did a great job!

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  65. Love this pattern and the costume is so cute. Have a friend that would like me to make a mermaid tail blanket for her niece who is 8-years old. Have you seen a pattern online for one that size or do you know how I can convert this one?

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  66. what is mc? i did the top but it came out with a extra end. can you help?

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    1. Magic circle there's a tutor on YouTube that's what MC stand for

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    2. Magic circle there's a tutor on YouTube that's what MC stand for

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  67. Just starting this for my foster daughter. I understand Row 1 12 DC is that in a circle? It looks like straight double crochets in the pictures

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  68. Can you tell me what Blo means on Row 2 of the tail, please? I'm so confused! hahahaa =)

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  69. Thank you for this pattern. I made one for a friend's baby girl for her Halloween costume. It came out precious.

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  70. Working on the tail. ..is it dc2yoc, dc, dc2tog, DC all the way across or just the first stitch?

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  71. This is awesome! I wanted to modify something like this as a sleeper for my baby girl. She's not here yet, but I'll have something ready for her (:

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  72. Do you chain 1 when skipping the sc? I looked at the photo and it seems the decreasing also adds some shaping. I just skipped anyway. Thanks!

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  73. How much yarn of each color did you use?

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  74. What does Blo mean ? Sorry I do not understand some of ur abbreviations. I am kinda new to crocheting n patterns. I was hoping u could help me. Thank You! S

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