This month I’ve decided to make a 2-piece mermaid costume!
It’s perfect for a fun summer belly dance performance, but it’s also great for parties, festivals and halloween 😀
In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to make this really pretty, floating seashell bra top. Let’s get started!
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To make this DIY floating mermaid shell bra top, you need:
A bra base – I’m using a Dina bra base from my Dina bra course, since the cups are easy to shape into whatever shape I want, but you can use a regular foam bra as well.
Clear vinyl sheet – I’m using a 40 gauge clear vinyl sheet here. 40 gauge is about 1mm thick, and if you’re making this top as a dance costume, I recommend you get 40 gauge or similar. If you’re making this top as a halloween costume, then you might be able to get away with a little thinner vinyl. You only need about 10cm x 50cm (4in x 20in).
About 1m (1yd) of 2.5cm (1in) wide elastic – for making side straps
50cm (½ yard) of fabric – to cover the bra base and side straps with. I’m using the purple spandex and pink stretch lace for the bra cups and nude color spandex for the side straps.
2 pairs of hook and bar closures – You can also add a snap for extra security for the side straps.
Button thread
Decoration items – For this one, I gathered stones, beads and pearls in similar shades.
How to Make DIY Floating Mermaid Shell Bra Top
First, put on the bra base you’re using, and take these measurements.
Your shoulder strap measurement – this is from the top of one of the bra cups around the back of your neck to the top of the other one.
And your side straps measurement – this is from the bottom of one of the bra cups where the side strap is attached, around your back to the other side.
Then take your bra base, and trim off all straps. I’m using a Dina bra base that I made since the bra cup shape is already closer to the shape of the sea shell I want to make here. And as you can see, the bra cups have been extended for added coverage. You can learn how to make a base like this in my Dina bra course here.
Now trim off the center strap that connects the bra cups and keep it aside.
At this point, draw a rough shape of a seashell on one of the bra cups and cut the top edge according to the outline. If you’re using a regular bra, you can either extend the bra cups with foam sheets or layers of bra pads to increase the coverage, or not trim much. Just make sure you have enough coverage before trimming too much. Either way, you only need trim 1cm (3/8in) to make the scallop edge.
And trace the shape on the other cup as best as you can and trim the same way, so the cups are symmetrical.
And cover the bra cups. First, distribute the fabric evenly all over the cup, then clean up around the scallop edge. I find it helpful to use stretch fabric for this, and around the edges, cut the fabric close to the dips and gently wrap the fabric around the curved edges. I show how to cover bra cups also in the Dina bra course if you need a more detailed, step-by-step guidance.
Then stitch the fabric in place by hand or using a sewing machine, and I layered stretch lace on top. Repeat for the other cup.
Alright, let’s prepare all the straps now.
Take your vinyl sheet, and trace the center strap and add a 2cm (3/4in) seam allowance at both ends. And cut this part out. You can use a regular pen to trace, and you can wipe it off easily if you do so right away.
Also, cut 2 strips that are 2.5cm (1in) wide, and the length is ½ of your shoulder strap measurement plus 4cm (1 1/2in).
For side straps, I made stretchy side straps for comfort. But if you prefer ones that don’t stretch, go ahead and use those. It’s completely up to your preference. You can find exactly how to make the straps to fit you well in my Dina bra course, but these are basically 2 long pieces of elastic that go around your back, and 2 shorter pieces that connect the bra cups to the main straps. Make tubes out of the nude fabric and insert the elastic inside.
Take the center strap, and place it where the original strap was attached using the 2cm (3/4in) seam allowance. And double-thread your needle with button thread, which is thicker and stronger than regular thread, and sew the strap onto the bra cups.
Take your time and avoid sewing through the cup and fabric so the stitch won’t show on the front side.
Then take your side straps and attach them to the bra cups. If you have side straps like mine, sew on the longer ones at the bottom of the bra cups, then add the shorter ones like this.
Similarly, sew on the shoulder straps to the top of the bra cups. But here, I recommend you try on the bra at this point, and find a good position for your shoulder straps. Then using the 2cm (3/4in) seam allowance, stitch them to the bra cups.
Then sew on closures at the end of shoulder straps and side straps. Here too, try on the bra and mark where these straps should overlap ahead of time, so you can make sure the straps fit you well.
Now all you have to do is decorate!
You can decorate it as you like of course, but it’s nice to outline the seashell lines with rhinestone chain or strings of beads, to make sure the shape of the sea shell is clear. Starting from the center makes it easier to create a balanced shape.
Then decorate the rest in whatever way you like! I used peach color pearls for the outline, then added random shapes of stones and beads to represent beautiful colors and patterns on seashells and also glued on small rhinestones.
And now the mermaid shell bra top is complete! It’s so cute, and the clear straps create the cool floating bra look and make the bra top appear more lightweight. It would be really fun to make this top with your dance sisters for your next performance!
And in next week’s tutorial, I’ll show you how to make this seaweed armband that goes perfectly with this mermaid costume theme. And yes, the green mermaid skirt is coming up as well!
So stay tuned, and sign up for my newsletter below so you won’t miss the next tutorials!
I hope you liked this DIY mermaid shell bra top, and if you did, please share this tutorial with your friends!
And if you want to learn how to make the Dina bra from scratch, check out SparklyBelly.com/dina. You’ll learn exactly how to make a belly dance bra that’s sturdy and fits you well, which is a valuable skill for any belly dancers and costumers!
Oh, and you can make the bodystocking I’m wearing under the mermaid shell bra as well! Check out SparklyBelly.com/bodystocking 🙂 I’m loving these bodystockings!
Thanks for reading, and keep sparkling!
P.S. Pin this image for your costume design board! 🙂
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