Mermaid Tail Outline
1. supplies
Before you begin you will need to collect the following: paper (either a big roll or printer paper), tape (if needed), pencil, eraser, yard stick (a measuring tape or large ruler will work too), leggings (or other tight/form-fitting clothing), and your chosen monofin (and socks if you need them).
You will also need someone to help you with this process, so make sure you have asked someone in advance.
You will also need someone to help you with this process, so make sure you have asked someone in advance.
2. tracing
Change into your leggings (or other form fitting clothing) and set up your area by selecting a clean/dry, flat/smooth surface to work on like a hardwood or linoleum floor (carpet will not do). Make sure you have all of the above mentioned supplies and your assistant handy.
Spread out your paper (taping together pieces if need be) and make sure there is enough space to easily fit your body and your monofin.
Sitting down on your piece of paper, put on your monofin (and socks if you need them) and lie back so you are nicely centered on the paper. Fold your shirt up (if need be) and make sure that your monofin is still on the paper and not hanging off the end. Don't worry if it isn't laying flat at this point, we'll fix that in a later step.
Ask your assistant to trace you out onto the paper (one side at a time, keeping the pencil as straight and flush to your body as possible) starting where you would like the tail to start on your body (my tails do tend to sit higher on the body for security and comfort) and go all the way down to your heels.
Try to remain as still as possible.
Ask your assistant to mark off things like where your hip bones are, where your bellybutton is, and where your knees, ankles and heels are because you will need to reference this later.
DON'T MOVE YET WE AREN'T DONE. ;)
Without moving your heels (please be very aware of this), sit up and allow your monofin to gently make contact with the paper. Do this as slowly and precisely as possible please.
Spread out your paper (taping together pieces if need be) and make sure there is enough space to easily fit your body and your monofin.
Sitting down on your piece of paper, put on your monofin (and socks if you need them) and lie back so you are nicely centered on the paper. Fold your shirt up (if need be) and make sure that your monofin is still on the paper and not hanging off the end. Don't worry if it isn't laying flat at this point, we'll fix that in a later step.
Ask your assistant to trace you out onto the paper (one side at a time, keeping the pencil as straight and flush to your body as possible) starting where you would like the tail to start on your body (my tails do tend to sit higher on the body for security and comfort) and go all the way down to your heels.
Try to remain as still as possible.
Ask your assistant to mark off things like where your hip bones are, where your bellybutton is, and where your knees, ankles and heels are because you will need to reference this later.
DON'T MOVE YET WE AREN'T DONE. ;)
Without moving your heels (please be very aware of this), sit up and allow your monofin to gently make contact with the paper. Do this as slowly and precisely as possible please.
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The red cross indicated on this graphic of the Finis Luna shows the last mark you will need to make. You can choose to draw all the way around the fin if you would like, but it is not necessary as long as you mark off this last point.
This applies to the Linden and the Mahina monofins as well. Please also keep in mind that I apply a stretch factor to all of my tails which means that finished tails may appear slightly smaller than your outline but rest assured this is intentional and necessary. My tails do tend to sit higher (intentionally and due to the nature of the fabric and its stretch). Typically people measure to their bellybuttons, just below, or between their bellybuttons and their hip bones. |
3. Measuring
Now that you have completed your tracing I will need you to use your yard stick (measuring tape, or large ruler) to get your measurements. I will require the measurements in inches (widths at the below-specified areas, and the lengths between them) and please be as accurate as possible.
The measurements I need are represented by numbers (the widths) and letters (the lengths between) on the chart below and are as follows:
1. Where your tail starts.
A. The measurement in between 1 and 2.
2. The widest part of your hips.
B. The measurement in between 2 and 3.
3. Midway between the widest part of your hips and the narrowest part of your knees.
C. The measurement in between 3 and 4.
4. The narrowest part of your knees.
D. The measurement in between 4 and 5.
5. The widest part of your calves.
E. The measurement in between 5 and 6.
6. The measurement at your ankles.
F. The measurement in between 6 and the middle of the base of your monofin.
The measurements I need are represented by numbers (the widths) and letters (the lengths between) on the chart below and are as follows:
1. Where your tail starts.
A. The measurement in between 1 and 2.
2. The widest part of your hips.
B. The measurement in between 2 and 3.
3. Midway between the widest part of your hips and the narrowest part of your knees.
C. The measurement in between 3 and 4.
4. The narrowest part of your knees.
D. The measurement in between 4 and 5.
5. The widest part of your calves.
E. The measurement in between 5 and 6.
6. The measurement at your ankles.
F. The measurement in between 6 and the middle of the base of your monofin.
If you should have any questions, concerns or feel something was unclear in my instructions, please do not hesitate to reach out and I will be more than happy to help walk you through it.