Free Pattern: Crocheted Mermaid Costume for Newborns

My second cousin is expecting a baby girl next spring and we recently saw a picture of a sleeping baby in a mermaid costume.  We thought it was so cute stinkin' cute!  Unfortunately I could not find a pattern for a newborn, so I decided to create one.  Here is a photo of what I made:

Here is the free pattern.  Please feel free to use it and share it on your blog, but do not sell it.  Let me know if you have any questions or have any trouble. :)

Baby Mermaid Costume

Yarn: Hobby Lobby “I Love This Cotton” in turquoise or desired color; optional contrast color for drawstring at waist

Hook size:  US G

This pattern was created for a newborn.  If you need a bigger size, you can use a bigger hook and chunkier yarn to increase pattern, or increase as needed after round 21.  (You'll catch on to the increase pattern as you work the rounds).

The pattern is worked in rounds; use a stitch marker to keep tabs on your rounds.

Round 1:  Magic ring > 12 DC (If you don't want to do a magic ring, just chain two and work 12 DC in the first chain. This area will eventually be covered by the fins.)

Round 2-8: 1 DC in each stitch (12)

Round 9: *1 DC in next 3 sts, 2 DC in next st* (15)

Round 10: *1 DC in next 2 sts, 2 DC in next st* (20)

Round 11:  1 DC in each st.  (20)

Round 12:  *1 DC in next 2 sts., 2 DC in next st* (26)

Round 13: 1 DC in each stitch around (28)

Round 14:  *1 DC in next 2 sts, 2 DC in next st* (34)

Round 15:  1 DC in each stitch around (34)

Round 16:  *1 DC in next 3 sts, 2 DC in next st* (41)

Round 17:  1 DC in each stitch around (41)

Round 18: *1 DC in next 4 sts., 2 DC in next st.* (49)

Round 19:  1 DC in each st around (49)

Round 20: *1 DC in next 6 sts, 2 DC in next st* (56)

Round 21: 1 DC in each st. around (56)

Repeat round 21 until you have your desired length.  You can switch to HDC for the final rounds.  (I did this on the turquoise tail in the photo – just because HDC is my favorite stitch.)

Final Round: (shell ‘waistband’) 1 SC, *skip 1 stitch, 5 DC in next stitch, skip 1 stitch, 1 sc in next* around.  Slip stitch to first SC. (14 shells) Tie off; sew in tail.

 

Using same or contrast color (I used white.), make a chain long enough to weave around shell top and tie off to cinch in the waist for a custom fit on baby.  Use a yarn needle to weave in and out of the center of each shell.

 

Fins (make 2)

Leave tails slightly longer than normal – you will use these to gather and to sew on to the tail.

Chain 14

Round 1: starting in second chain from hook, 12 DC across (12), ch 2, turn

Round 2: DC2Tog twice, 8 DC across next 8 stitches, chain 2, turn

Round 3:  DC across (10), chain 2, turn

Round 4: DC2tog twice, 6 DC across next 6 stitches, chain 2, turn

Round 5: DC across (8), chain 2, turn

Round 6: DC2tog twice, 4 DC across next 4 stitches, chain 1, tie off leaving a long tail.

 

Using the long yarn tail, weave in and out through the last row of stitches to gather it.  Sew both pieces together at their short ends.  Sew to bottom of tail.  For additional shape and support, block piece.