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Merman Doll – A Boy Mermaid Softie for My Son

Sewing· Softie sewing patterns

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A boy mermaid, better known as a merman, in doll form! I loved sewing this handmade toy for my son - sewing things for boys can be a little trickier but no less fun.

I grew up as an avid reader and loved legends and lore. Carrying around a yellow steno pad, I was always writing stories about unicorns, dragons, and girls with special powers. These days I spend more time reading magical stories to my kids than writing them but I still have a soft spot for make believe! I had so much fun making a merman doll softie as a part of the ‘For The Love of Legends’ tour put on by the ladies at Phat Quarters fabric shop & Crafting Con.

The tour celebrates all those mythical beasts and beings, with lots of cute clothes and softies. There are over 25 participating bloggers – links to all of their work are at the end of the post!

I had SUCH a hard time narrowing down what I wanted to make. Without any fabric that fit the theme, I decided to sew up a softie instead. I spent some time browsing the patterns that are out there – I was especially tempted by this beautiful Selkie Doll from SweaterDoll. I sketched out a centaur, a griffin, a dragon, and a sphinx but ended up going with a very simple merman.

I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for – floppy arms that were easy to hold on to, a blend of wool and cotton, embroidered details, and able to ‘sit’ as well as lay flat. So I drew the pattern up myself! It was a nice change to just sew, instead of photographing along the way, testing the pattern, formatting the instructions, etc. I haven’t decided if I will offer this as a pattern down the road – but I definitely want to make him some fun accessories.

Merman softie

I experimented with sewing a seam along the middle, for ease of bending/sitting, but it looked wonky. I just left a gap in the stuffing in that spot, and will redistribute with my fingers as needed. I like that the doll can “sit” in a chair instead of just laying flat on his back.

embroidered boy doll face

I didn’t initially set out to make a merman, but once I started sketching and thinking about making it look like my daughter vs. my son… I realized they looked about the same! She has just turned one and has pretty much the same hair as he does. They both have long eyelashes and smirky grins! But my son immediately claimed the “fishboy” (apparently we haven’t read enough mermaid/merman stories?) and decided the doll’s gender.

The face and arms are interfaced cotton, with a wool blend felt tail and hair. I embroidered the face and scales, they add a nice tactile element.

baby with handmade toy

I handed him over to my daughter, who instantly started poking at the tail and then at her feet, saying “Dat?”. Basically the cutest thing ever. She might be checking everyone’s feet from now on, seeing if they are hiding a tail!

toddler toy sewing

Off he went, over her shoulder, into her brother’s room. Typical.

Handmade merman doll

I really love how he turned out, especially for a first draft of a pattern. I am thinking he needs some accessories though – maybe a felt crown? A kelp vest? If you have any ideas I’d love to hear them!

A boy mermaid, better known as a merman, in doll form! I loved sewing this handmade toy for my son - sewing things for boys can be a little trickier but no less fun.

Be sure to keep reading and see more mythical handmades!

400-wide
3/14
The Wholesome Mama•Skirt Fixation•Amazing Adventures Of Bubba and Bug•Bella Sunshine Designs•From-a-Box
3/15
Wild + Wanderful•The Fairy Dust Bin•GYCT Designs•The Kisses Co.•Call Ajaire
3/16
Handmade Boy•Mae & K•create3.5•Pear Berry Lane•Sewing Mama RaeAnna
3/17
The Inspired Wren•Rebel & Malice•Sew Starly•XO Jessica•Falafel and the Bee
3/18
PenSeb&Rox•Knot Sew Normal•Beatnik Kids•Lulu & Celeste•Swoodson Says•Friends Stitched Together

 

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Comments

  8. Donna says

    I love being able to design and sew and not worry about instructions, perfect pictures or drawings and all the other stuff that goes with pattern design. This is darling Stephanie! I am sure your kids will love it for a long time.

    Reply

  11. Allison Dey Malacaria says

    Fishboy! That’s such a great description from your son. I can’t wait to see what you add……seaweed cape…..crown of sea stars or coral? And thanks for linking to my Selkie pattern. Happy stitching!

    Reply

  13. KatieQ says

    Great idea! I love that you made a male version. Ariel’s father, King Triton, must have started out as a “merboy.”

    Reply

  14. Sherry bessonette says

    I so need one of these for my 3 yr old grandson!!! He has been wanting a mermaid boy all year I have searched high and low to no avail!!! Plz tell me you sell them and I can have by Christmas!!!!!

    Reply

  15. Barbara B Dantoni says

    I have lupus and RA plus fibermyalga so I can’t sew my son is deaf and autistic and loves mermen and mermaids is there anyway I could get a Merman doll already done please I didn’t find your site my son did

    Reply

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