Crochet mermaid tails are very trendy these days. Whether you're looking to make a fun blanket for your kid to snuggle up with, or you want to use it as home decor, we've got a great collection of crochet mermaid tail patterns here for you.
These projects are great for beginners, relatively easy to follow, and look like the real thing! We’ve got mermaid tail blankets for kids, teens, adults, and other great mermaid tail projects for the mermaid-lover in the family.
How Do You Size a Mermaid Tail Blanket?
All blankets come in all different sizes, and mermaid tail blankets are no different. These blankets are sized generally based on the age of the person who will use it. Here are some suggested blanket sizes to get you started, but you can always adjust these numbers and customize your blanket size however you want. The pattern you choose will also give a suggestion for what size the finished blanket should be.
Mermaid Tail Blanket Finished Size
| Age | Width | Length |
| Baby | 12 inches | 23 inches |
| Toddler | 16 inches | 30 inches |
| Child | 19 inches | 36 inches |
| Teen | 21 inches | 43 inches |
| Adult | 23 inches | 50 inches |
How Much Yarn Do You Need for a Mermaid Blanket?
The amount of yarn needed to crochet a mermaid tail blanket depends on the pattern you're using and the size of the blanket. Naturally, an adult-size mermaid tail blanket would need more yarn compared to a kid-size one.
Looking at a few of the free mermaid tail blanket crochet patterns below, yardage ranges from around 1,000 yards for a child’s blanket to 2,000 yards or more for an adult blanket. Of course you may need more skeins if your project includes different colors.
How Long Does it Take to Crochet a Mermaid Tail Blanket?
For an experienced crocheter, it will probably take approximately a day or two to complete your mermaid tail blanket but this estimate is dependent on several factors that can affect your speed.
Your skill level with crochet in general and the stitch used in the pattern you’re making play a role in how long it takes to complete a project. If you're a beginner crocheter still learning the basics of crochet, you're probably going to be slower in finishing your projects compared to an experienced crocheter. But once you start to get the hang of things, you flow more and each stitch finishes up quicker which will deeply affect your speed and momentum.
The size of mermaid tail blanket you are stitching and the difficulty of the pattern stitches can also make a project take longer. If you’re working and adult size with an intricate pattern, it will take longer than a child’s size made with a simple stitch.
Likewise the yarn weight used will be a factor, because projects worked in lighter weight yarns will take longer than those worked in chunkier fibers.
Best Yarn for a Mermaid Tail Blanket
It can be overwhelming to determine the best yarn for your crochet mermaid tail blanket. You’ll want to consider the care the yarn requires, how it feels, and make sure the yarn is in your budget before you pick the yarn for your project.
The pattern you choose will tell you what kind of yarn the designer used in their project. You should always match the weight of yarn given in the pattern, but you do not have to buy the exact same yarn. Most of these patterns use worsted weight yarn, but be sure to check the pattern before you buy. When it comes to fiber, here are a few of your options.
Acrylic Yarn
Acrylic yarn is relatively inexpensive, widely available in lots of colors, and it can be machine washed. It tends to hold up well to wear, especially when you choose premium acrylics or yarns marked anti-pilling.
Some of our favorite acrylic yarns include:
Cotton Yarn
Cotton yarn can come in any yarn weight, but in is more breathable than other types of yarn. It is also available in many colors and is easy to care for. Some cotton yarns can be a little harder on your hands, and a large blanket made with cotton yarn will be heavy.
Some nice cotton options include:
Wool Yarn
Wool yarn makes a great choice for mermaid blankets because it is warm. Some wool (labeled superwash) can be laundered in a washing machine. If you or the recipient of the blanket has sensitive skin, rub the yarn against the inside of your wrist to make sure it isn’t irritating before you stitch with it.
Here are some wool yarns we love:
Stitches for Mermaid Tail Blankets
Most mermaid tail blankets have a dense fabric to make sure your toes are extra warm and toasty (and don’t poke out of holes in the fabric). Here are some stitches that are commonly used in mermaid tail blankets as well as other mermaid tail projects.
- Single crochet: the single crochet (sc) stitch is one of the first basic stitches you learn when you start your journey as a crocheter. This stitch produces very close and dense fabric.
- Half double crochet: the half double crochet stitch (hdc) is another simple stitch that works up taller than a single crochet. It’s a little faster to stitch and make a fabric that’s a little tighter than double crochet.
- Double crochet: the double crochet or dc stitch is a very commonly used stitch that is widely used in many different kinds of projects. The finished fabric is less dense compared to single and half double crochets, but can still be warm.
- Shell stitch: another great option for mermaid tail patterns is shell stitch, because the shells have a similar look to mermaid scales. It's a simple stitch but looks really great when worked into a fabric.
- Crocodile stitch: the crocodile stitch is another widely used stitch in mermaid tail patterns. It looks like reptile or fish scales when finished and is perfect for mimicking mermaid tail scales.
If you want to check out more fun stitches to add to your future projects, we recommend browsing through our Ultimate Crochet Stitch Library! The 45 stitches you’ll find there are perfect for adding to projects or making your own designs.
Now that you know the basics, let’s take a look at some fun and easy crochet mermaid tail patterns and other projects.
25 Crochet Mermaid Tail Patterns
Mermaid tail blankets are probably the most popular mermaid tail patterns out there. We’ve collected patterns sized for kids and adults, perfect for when you want something a little fancier than a typical lap blanket.
Kid-Sized Mermaid Tail Blanket Patterns
These patterns are smaller in size to suit kids and teenagers who want a crochet blanket pattern that’s fit for a mermaid.
Crochet Mermaid Tail
Designer: Daisy Farm Crafts
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft
This pretty mermaid tail pattern is mostly made with double crochet shell stitches. The base of the tail is gathered to look more mermaid-like, and the fin is crocheted separately and stitched on.
Mermaid Tail Pattern
Designer: Gartur Stitch Farm
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick
This cute little mermaid tail will keep baby warm and makes a great gift to give at a baby shower or to use in a newborn photo shoot. This mermaid tail pattern uses chunky yarn and a shell stitch pattern that’s quick to stitch.
My Mermaid Crochet Snuggle Sack
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Bernat Blanket Brights
With this mermaid crochet snuggle sack, your kiddo will definitely be drifting into dreamland all warm and cozy on long and chilly nights! This one is a good size for a teenager but you can make it bigger or smaller as you like.
Mermaid Tail Blanket Crochet Pattern
Designer: DIY From Home Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft
This fun mermaid tail is worked in crocodile stitch. It comes in two sizes for kids and is shown in a solid color version and a blue and white, Dory-inspired version. Watch the video tutorial or you can buy a written version of the pattern.
Mermaid Tail Blanket Pattern
Designer: OTH Crochet Nook
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Bernat Pop & Caron One Pound
This tail is made extra warm by working with three strands of yarn held together. It’s worked from the top down with decreases to shape the bottom of the tail. The fin is stitched separately and stitches are worked in the back loop for extra pop.
Mermaid Tail Pattern
Designer: Elizabeth Cala, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Premier Yarns Premier Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted
Check out this mermaid tail pattern that you absolutely must add to your childrens' blanket pile. It comes in three different sizes, for toddlers, small kids, and bigger kids/adults. The original pattern included knit fins, but the pattern page has instructions for how to do them in crochet as well.
Mini Mermaid Tail
Designer: Lion Brand
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
This mermaid tail blanket pattern features gorgeous shells that mimic a mermaid's scales. It’s worked in three colors for extra glamor and sized for small and medium children.
Mystic Mermaid Cocoon
Designer: BHooked Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Ferris Wheel
Looking for a fun theme for a baby's photoshoot? Then check out this great pattern! It's super cute and makes a great mermaid costume or blanket for your newborn. This pattern is mostly worked with double crochet stitches and is made with self-striping yarn that adds to the ocean feel.
Rainbow Sparkle Mermaid Blanket
Designer: MJ’s Off The Hook Designs
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Roll With It Sparkle & Red Heart Super Saver
The shell stitch used on this mermaid blanket is lovely on its own, but the yarn used in the design really makes it that much more special. The pretty colors and touch of sparkle make it look touched by magic!
Mermaid Tail Cocoon Free Crochet Pattern
Designer: Amy B Stitched
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Premier Yarns Premier Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted
This pattern uses post stitches, clusters, and shells to make a blanket that’s full of texture. It’s not for beginners but if you are familiar with all the special stitches used you can give it a go. The fin and top are worked in a contrasting color, or keep it solid.
A Mermaid Tail Crochet Cocoon
Designer: Craft Again
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Big Cakes
Thisbaby-sized mermaid tail is worked from the bottom up in double crochet and shell stitches. A video tutorial is also available if you need extra help with the design.
Mermaid Tail Crochet Snuggle Sack
Designer: Jo-Ann Stores
Yarn weight: (6) Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Bernat Baby Blanket
Kick back and cuddle up with a book while tucked into this cozy, warm crochet mermaid tail blanket! This pattern is pretty simple to make, mostly using half double crochet. The tail is worked separately in two pieces.
Adult Size Mermaid Tail Blanket Patterns
Who says adults can’t also enjoy the fun and comfort of a crochet mermaid tail blanket? These fun patterns will take longer to make but they’ll wrap you in warmth and a little bit of under the sea magic.
Crochet Mermaid Tail Free Pattern
Designer: Hooked by Robin
Yarn weight: (3) DK & (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Swish DK and Brava Bulky
Three strands of yarn are held together to make this warm and cozy blanket. It’s worked from the bottom up, with a pouch for the feet, but the top is worked in flat rows to make it easier to get in and out of the blanket.
Mermaid Tail Afghan Pattern
Designer: Yarnutopia
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
As shown this blanket uses three colors of yarn, but you can make your scales any combination you like. The pattern comes in three sizes, including a large that’s suitable for people over 6 feet tall!
Wearable Afghan Mermaid Tail
Designer: Shelley Bunyard, via Make
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart With Love
This gorgeous take on the mermaid tail blanket uses 5 dc shells in stripes of alternating colors, making it a fun scrap project, too. The designer calls it “moderately difficult” but suitable for a determined crafter of any skill level.
Tunisian Mermaid Tail
Designer: NadiaKnits,via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Baby Soft
This mermaid tail pattern uses Tunisian crochet and a self-striping yarn for a pattern with lots of texture. The bottom fin is worked in two layers and is open through to the body of the blanket, so you can wriggle your feet into the tail fin for more realistic mermaid moves.
Crochet Mermaid Tail
Designer: BHooked Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Bernat Pop!
This design is made mostly with double crochet stitches, so it’s quick and easy to work for stitchers of any skill level. The best part might be the ruffled edging at the top, which looks like waves!
One Evening Mermaid Tail Blanket
Designer: Peanut and Plum
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Ice Yarn Magic Glitz
The designer says she was able to make the teen size of this blanket in about 3.5 hours, so if you stitch through a long movie you can make this one in a day. Even if you take more time, it’s such a pretty project, made in a multicolored yarn with a bit of sparkle.
Mermaid Lap Blanket
Designer: Felene Grammer, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft Party
This project uses crocodile stitch for a scale-like effect, and a yarn with a bit of glitter for extra mermaid magic. It is open at the back like a regular blanket with a closed tail at the bottom.
Mermaid Tail Blanket Pattern
Designer: Crochet Lovers via Youtube
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Brava Bulky
Want a video tutorial to help you make your crochet mermaid tail? Look no further. This easy project uses just single crochet and double crochet stitches, and it works for a variety of sizes because it’s open at the back.
More Mermaid Tail Patterns
Sometimes you want a project that looks like a mermaid tail but isn’t a blanket. Here are some free crochet mermaid tail patterns for scarves, bags, and more.
Mermaid Dreams Hooded Scarf Crochet Free Pattern
Designer: Willow Yarns
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Caron Colorama O’Go
Express your inner mermaid in your everyday wardrobe with this fun scarf made with self-striping yarn! The mesh stitch is quick and easy to work, and the designer used two coordinating colorways for even more colorful fun.
Crocheted Mermaid Tail Purse
Designer: 5 Little Monsters
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver Stripes
Looking for a fun accessory for the mermaid lover in your life? Check out this fun purse! It’s crocheted from the bottom up and is finished off with crocodile stitch edging at the top to look like scales.
Mermaid Fish Tail Treat Bags
Designer: 365 Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
Here's a fun way to store little treats and/or other small items whether party favors, make up items, or little trinkets you want to keep somewhere special. This pattern is simple and easy for beginners to follow. It also uses the crocodile stitch at the top of the bag to look like scales.
Mermaid Tail Cup Cozy
Designer: Cuppa Stitches
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
If you love mermaids and are looking for a quick and easy project to whip up, then you're going to love this pattern! Protect your tables from condensation with this cute mermaid tail cup cozy. It’s perfect for the beach or lake!
Mermaid Doll Outfit
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
Once you’ve stitched up a crochet mermaid tail blanket for the little girl in your life, why not add a mermaid outfit for her doll? The pattern is rated easy and uses different colors for the fins, body, and top of the outfit, and includes a crown, too. Perfect for playing Ariel!
Are You a Beginner Who Needs More Help with the Basics?
If any of these crochet mermaid tail patterns seem a little too difficult for your current crochet skills, don’t worry. Our Crochet Fundamentals course is here to help with all the tips and advice you need to boost your expertise.
These quick videos cover all the basic stitch techniques, working in the round, finishing projects, even ways to make money with crochet. It’s got everything you need to make your finished projects look just like the ones in the pictures.
