• DIY
  • Videos
  • Articles
  • Round Ups

The Sewing Rabbit

Me Sew Crazy Blog

  • Home
  • About
    • About Me
    • Media Kit
    • Contact
    • Sponsorship & Disclosure
  • diy
    • accessories
    • baby
    • boy
    • fitness
    • girl
    • home decor
    • men
    • no sew
    • technique
    • toy
    • women
  • features
    • Crafts
    • Videos
    • article
    • make this look
    • round up
    • Travel
    • Recipes
    • quiz
  • STYLO
  • holiday
    • christmas
    • easter
    • halloween
    • thanksgiving
    • valentines
    • New Years Eve
    • fourth of july
  • Travel

Get the Sewing Rabbit VIDEO NEWSLETTER -> -> ->

   

Mermaid Backpack

make your bag beach perfect this Summer with the free mermaid pattern!

One of my favorite hobbies in the Summer is paddle boarding. I love to take my board out on the lake, and stand up while paddling around. The absolute quiet you get is unlike anything else, and it truly gives you time to just think while taking in the beauty of the world around you. Many times, I like to bring one of my children along. SUP boards are long enough that there is plenty of room for a child to sit in front, while you stand behind them and paddle. These are my absolute FAVORITE moments.

Just me and one of my kids, on the absolute quiet of the lake. The quality one-on-one time we get is unbeatable. I usually just let them talk, as they have my undivided attention (and I have theirs). I have had lessons on Pokemon, talks about boys and crushes, and a very lengthy discussion on mermaids.

Turns out, my middle daughter had a lot of questions about mermaids. Whether they were real, did they live in our lake, would she ever get to see one? So many thoughts of these mythical creatures danced in her head whenever we were near water. I just listened, and answered the best I could. I always find it a fine line to answer truthfully, while not bursting any bubbles of imagination that might be playing out in their head. It’s times like these that make me think, it is SO FUN being a Mom.


 

Mermaid Tote / Backpack DIY

with free download mermaid pattern

make your bag beach perfect this Summer with the free mermaid pattern!

make your bag beach perfect this Summer with the free mermaid pattern!

you can't tell me mermaids aren't real....YET

make your bag beach perfect this Summer with the free mermaid pattern!


This was a paid content post first seen on Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores Creative Spark blog. Jo-Ann paid for the post content to be published on their website. All instructions and photos are my own. Thank you!


 

Mermaid Beach Bag DIY

Skill level: Intermediate
Time Needed: Weekend project

MATERIALS:

  • Free mermaid applique download
  • White canvas fabric
  • Fat quarters for mermaid
  • Metallic scales cosplay fabric (affiliate link)
  • Blue RIT dye
  • Pellon Wonder Under
  • Poly-fil
  • Basic sewing essentials

supplies needed to make a mermaid bag

 

Download your free mermaid pattern by clicking HERE

mermaid

HOW TO MAKE A MERMAID BAG:

How to make a mermaid bag, with free mermaid download

  1. Iron the wonder under onto the wrong side of your mermaid fat quarter fabric. Do this for all mermaid upper body pattern pieces (not the tail).
  2. Cut out pattern pieces as indicated.
  3. Cut (2) rectangles of fabric from the white canvas fabric 14”W b 19”L. Measure along the bottom of the width of the fabric, and place mermaid body where desired ⅜” up from the bottom edge. If you want the mermaid body on both the front and back of the bag, then place mermaid body on opposite side of other fabric rectangle (you want them to be mirror image).  Mark where you want the mermaid to be with a fabric marker or chalk.
  4. Remove wonder under paper backing, and iron on. For added security, sew around raw edge using a small zigzag stitch. Repeat for mermaid bodice and hair.
  5. Trace facial markings onto the mermaid face, and embroider. I used the darning stitch on my sewing machine and simply moved the needle back and forth as desired. If you do not feel like embroidering the face, you can also use fabric friendly markers or puff paint to simply draw the face on!

How to make a mermaid bag, with free mermaid download

  1. Following the RIT dye instructions, prepare the dye bath adding salt to the dye. Make sure the dye water is no higher than 3 – 4” deep.
  2. Dip the mermaid fabric panel in, letting the mermaid ‘swim’ in the water for a good 20 minutes. When finished, rinse with cold water until the water runs clear. Run the fabric panels through the washing machine and dryer at this time.

tutorial 4

  1. While you are waiting for the dye process to finish, you can sew the straps for the bag. Cut (2) straps 3”L x 60”W. Fold strap in half right sides together, matching up the long outer edge. Pin and sew, using a ½” seam allowance.
  2. Using a safety pin or fabric turner, turn strap right side out and press. Tuck the raw side edges ¼” to the inside of the fabric tube and press. Edge stitch all around. Repeat for both straps.

tutorial 3

  1. You will have a ‘swimming’ mermaid when finished.
  2. Place mermaid tail right sides together, matching up the raw edges. Sew around the sides and bottom. Clip seams and turn right sides out.
  3. Stuff tail with polyfil. Baste stitch top opening closed, using a ¼” seam allowance.
  4. Pin the top of the tail to the bottom of the bag, directly underneath your mermaid.Baste stitch in place to secure.

How to make a mermaid bag, with free mermaid download

  1. Place the front and back of the bag right sides together. Pin around the side and bottom edge and sew using a ½” seam allowance. Finish seam with either a serger, zigzag stitch or pinking shears.
  2. Fold the top edge ¾” towards the wrong side and press.
  3. Find the front top center of your bag, and measure down 1”. Sew 2 buttonholes, 1” in length, ½” apart from each other, on either side of that center marking. Repeat for both front and back of the top of the bag.
  4. Fold the top of the bag down 1.25” towards the wrong side and press. Sew around to secure the tie casing closed.

How to make a mermaid bag, with free mermaid download

  1. Pin the bottom of the ties to the bottom of the wrong side of the backpack on either side. Sew a small rectangle around the bottom of each tie to secure.
  2. Pin a safety pin to the top of each tie, and bring up through the back buttonholes. Gently pull the tie through the casing to the front of the bag, using the safety pin as your guide, being careful not to twist the safety pin as you pull.  Pull the ties through the front buttonholes, remove safety pin – and you are finished!

make your bag beach perfect this Summer with the free mermaid pattern!

Thanks so much for stopping by, and until next time…

Happy sewing!

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

accessories// diy// girl// patterns8 Comments

About Jess

When I was a young girl, my nickname was Jessica Rabbit. Fast forward 20 years, and I am married to the love of my life who, as fate would have it, has the last name Abbott. That's me! Jessica R. Abbott - aka, Jess Rabbit. Simply living a happy, yet crazy, love-filled life in Virginia Beach with 3 kids and 1 puppy in tow. Read More…

Subscribe

« Sewing tip: Cutting around the armsyce
1 Bathing Suit Pattern, 5 Different Looks »

Comments

  1. Masha says

    June 10, 2016 at 6:36 am

    This is so cute! My girls would flip for it (lol!).

    Reply
  2. Toni says

    June 10, 2016 at 9:08 am

    This is so cute Jess! I just watched your newsletter & had to stop by. The whole time I kept thinking “Omg, she’s such a goober. . . she sounds just like me. I LOVE IT!” LoL 😀

    Reply
  3. Shelly says

    June 10, 2016 at 10:08 am

    How freaking cute is this?!!! I totally thought this was a fabric panel. I love how you dyed it. Such possibilities. I have totally wanted to try paddle boarding, except it’s the ocean here. It sounds so relaxing. And so sweet having one on one time.

    Reply
  4. Denise/DIY Crush says

    June 10, 2016 at 10:14 am

    Jessica, this is THE cutest backpack EVER!! Great tutorial! I just pinned it!

    Reply
  5. Audrey says

    June 10, 2016 at 12:57 pm

    Okay, how much cuter can it get???

    Reply
  6. Deborah Devine says

    June 11, 2016 at 2:10 pm

    Gymboree carries some mermaid socks. I’m thinking I just might use your mermaid pattern to use in an outfit for my granddaughter to go with the socks.

    Reply
  7. Christie says

    June 13, 2016 at 12:46 pm

    Super adorable Jess! I love it!

    Reply
  8. Laura Ruggeri says

    April 13, 2018 at 12:29 pm

    Hi there Jessica,
    You really are Sew Crazy! I believe, I believe!
    Thank you for posting this adorable tutorial. I was looking for an applique mermaid that I can sew onto my daughters’ t-shirts using my non-bells and whistles sewing machine. This is it!!! My search is over!
    Thank you!!!
    Best,
    Laura

    P.S. – I am also going to use your pattern to make the mermaid tail. SO, SO, SO ADORABLE!!!!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Hello, it’s me.

When I was a young girl, my nickname was Jessica Rabbit. Fast forward 20 years, and I am married to the love of my life who, as fate would have it, has the last name Abbott. That's me! Jessica R Abbott - aka, Jess Rabbit. Read More…

Stay updated!

Popular Categories

  • DIY
  • Videos
  • Articles
  • Round Ups

Some Popular Posts

21 Things to Make with Tulle (besides tutus)

21 Things to Make with Tulle (besides tutus)

How to Ice Dye

How to Ice Dye

Top Stitched Pleat Maxi Skirt DIY

Top Stitched Pleat Maxi Skirt DIY

Reversible Poncho DIY

Reversible Poncho DIY

Knot Dress – Free Pattern

Knot Dress – Free Pattern

Latest from Instagram

jessrabbott

❤️ reflect love ɹǝɟlǝɔʇ loʌǝ Writing ❤️
reflect love 
ɹǝɟlǝɔʇ loʌǝ

Writing teacher appreciation cards for the Orlando Outreach #loveweek2020 with @elevationchurch ‘s @elevationorlando campus! No matter where you sit on the fence with returning to school / not returning to school...we can all love one another a little bit better and lift each other up. YOU ARE APPRECIATED!!! YOU ARE LOVED!!! You are seen, known, and worthy! So step away from the news and love your neighbor today, whoever that might be!
If it solves a problem for me, it might solve a pr If it solves a problem for me, it might solve a problem for you too 💙💙. All you need is a paper clip to turn your mask into a bracelet, when you don’t need to use it but are still out and about. I wrote a blog post to show how easy it is. And even came up with another idea that is, dare I say it, even EASIER than this 🤪👊🏻. Link in bio - and thank you!
Use a laundry bag to keep your face mask ties from Use a laundry bag to keep your face mask ties from getting tangled!!!
For when you can’t afford a single thing from Gu For when you can’t afford a single thing from Gucci, but know something bougie would make your kids smile Christmas morning. Someone’s old Gucci dust bag turned into 2 scrunchies - yes ma’am!  Upcycle ftw using @mellysews super easy #scrunchiediy - you know they would sell this for like $$$$$$ - but a dust bag went for $10 - I call that winning! And ps - is it sad that this is the first thing I have sewn in like 6 months??? Scrunchies - really?!! 😂😂❤️
Hiking to monasteries, drinking the best beer on t Hiking to monasteries, drinking the best beer on the planet made by monks, morning runs and ferry boats, pretzels as big as our heads, Oktoberfest and apfelsaftshorlee...Munich, oh how we have missed you! 😍😍😍
Pinky out —-> high tea with a little entertainme Pinky out —-> high tea with a little entertainment 😍😍😍
Watch out London...the Abbotts are here!! The adve Watch out London...the Abbotts are here!! The adventure officially begins ✈️✈️✈️ #WillHomeschoolForTravel #abbottfamilylifeadventures
Date night with my boo...I love that we laugh toge Date night with my boo...I love that we laugh together.....and that he will ask me to dance even when no one else is dancing when one of my favorite songs comes on ❤️❤️❤️ #Laughterissexy #datenight
Catfish. It’s what’s for dinner. 😂😂❤️❤️. J/K I was busy eating tuna when he caught this off the dock! Lololol - raising kids right. Go catch us some dinner boy!! Lol - I have honestly never had catfish, I know there are some yummy Cajun dishes with it...🤔 This time he got lucky...catch and release 😁👍🏻
Load More... Follow on Instagram

What we’re pinning

Latest from the blog

Duck Tape® Light Up BowTie and Suspenders

Duck Tape® Light Up BowTie and Suspenders

Ready for the Fight

Ready for the Fight

Lander Pants

Lander Pants

Rushcutter Dress

Rushcutter Dress

Aster Shirt

Aster Shirt

Copyright © 2022 · Savory theme by Restored 316