You might have noticed that I have been re-publishing a lot of new free patterns lately – lucky you! The main reason is because I am currently off work for the summer holidays and have had a ton of extra time to look through through my pattern folders, rediscover some designs that got written up, tech-edited and then LOST (how does that even happen), leaving me with folders full of beautiful work that has just been sitting there on PC, all sad and that. So, I thought the best thing to do would be to spoil you with a lovely load of brand new designs – exclusives, if you will – ready to take you through the summer and into the winter with a load of wonderful new projects to try!
This is the second pattern I designed for Deramores that I am releasing back into the wild after some downtime. Unfortunately, when their doors closed in 2022, a lot of people lost access to patterns in their inboxes which was really sad, as there was no other option available at the time and no other way to access them! After this happened I was inundated with emails, private messages and – often angry – enquiries from people wondering what I had done with their downloads. So, if you were a previous customer and would like to get your hands on a selection of my favourite patterns that disappeared back in the day, here is the latest one, The Sirena knitted mermaid tail blanket, especially for you!
I really love this pattern. Although mermaid tail blankets had a brief viral phase a few years back and might seem a little bit old-fashioned to some people in rugged old 2026, kids really love these kinds of designs and it’s a fun, entry point into Fair Isle knitting for confident beginners. They are perfect for wearing when you get that I WANT TO BE A MERMAID TODAY feeling (don’t we all), and they are extra fun for sleepovers. They make interesting home decor items for children, and the size is highly customisable. I’ve also included some ideas for different colourways, too!
Please note that, as with most Deramores designs, the yarn used for this pattern (Deramores Studio DK) has been discontinued, but I’ve got your back with some perfect yarn substitutes.
Knitted Mermaid Tail Blanket: Free Pattern
Do you dream of being a mermaid? Whether you are looking for the perfect cozy accessory for your next movie marathon or a magical gift for a loved one, this knitted mermaid tail blanket is the ultimate project. Simple, colorful, and incredibly snuggly, it is the perfect way to transform your downtime into an underwater adventure.
Pattern Description
The Sirena Mermaid Blanket is designed to bring a touch of fun to your home decor. Featuring a beautiful color-block design and a structured fin, this blanket is as fun to make as it is to use. Kids adore these handmade mermaid tails for sleepovers and relaxation time, too!
Knitted Mermaid Tail Blanket: Free Pattern is beginner-friendly, utilizing simple stitches to create a luxurious, thick fabric. By holding the yarn double throughout, the blanket works up quickly on larger needles, making it a great larger-scale project for newer knitters. Whether you choose soft, girly pastels or bold, seashore tones, you will love curling up in this cozy, mermaid-inspired creation.
This pattern includes instructions for two sizes – Adult (Child 8-12 years). Adult size is given first, followed by Child size in bold and in parenthesis. Length is 104cm for both, to fit a person of approximately 165cm height, but can be
adjusted to fit a taller person by knitting more rounds during the final Yarn F section. Width is 65cm (45cm).
Table of Contents
Tips: Colour Planning and Suggestions
You will need seven different colours (Yarns A through to G) to complete the body and the fin. To ensure the colour transitions are harmonious, consider these three palette ideas:
- Sunset Sirena: Use a range of warm tones for a soft, cohesive look. Start with a deep burgundy or plum for Yarn A, and transition through reds, oranges, and soft pinks, finishing with a creamy white or pale peach for Yarn G.
- Seaside: Create a calm, serene feel by selecting seven shades of blue and green. Start with a deep navy or teal for the base, move through mid-tones like royal blue and emerald, and finish with a bright seafoam or light mint.
- High Contrast: For a modern, graphic finish, alternate between neutral and bold colours. Pair a charcoal grey or black with vibrant, saturated colours like mustard yellow, electric blue, or hot pink.
Why This Project is Perfect for Newer Knitters:
If you have mastered the knit and purl stitches and are feeling ready to break out of the flat rectangle phase, this is your perfect match. Here is why this pattern is a great fit for your growth:
- Confidence Building through Structure: You are working in the round, which eliminates the need for seaming later. Seeing your project grow in a 3D tube is super motivating.
- Simple Colourwork: The colourwork sections are broken up by plain knitting. This means you get plenty of practice with color changes without having to manage complex charts for the entire duration of the project.
- A High-Impact Result: Because you are holding your yarn double, the fabric grows quickly, what’s better than that?
The Skills You Will Master:
Working through this pattern will add several essential skills to your repertoire:
- Working in the Round: Moving from back-and-forth knitting to circular knitting is the gateway to making hats, cowls, and sweaters.
- Managing Color Changes: You will learn how to transition between colors smoothly.
- Carrying Yarn (Floats): This pattern teaches you how to carry a second color along the back of the work. This is a foundational skill for all stranded colorwork projects.
- The Kfb and K2tog: You will get comfortable with simple increases and decreases, which are the primary ways to shape knitted fabric.
| Materials, Tools & Skills | |
|---|---|
| ABBREVIATIONS | K: knit; P: purl; k2tog: knit 2 together; kfb: knit front and back; sts: stitches; WS: wrong side. |
| SKILLS | Knitting in the round, following a colour work chart, carrying yarn, increasing, and decreasing. |
| NEEDLES & TOOLS | 7 mm and 8 mm circular needles, yarn needle, stitch marker, scissors |
How to: Substitute Discontinued Yarns
| Yarn Substitutions & Requirements | |
|---|---|
| DK YARNS (Held Double) |
Paintbox Yarns Simply DK: 276m (302 yds) per 100g ball. Stylecraft Special DK: 295m (322 yds) per 100g ball. Lion Brand Heartland (Worsted/Light DK feel): 230m (251 yds) per 142g. |
| TOTAL YARDAGE |
Project requires: 1,120 yds (1,026m) total. *Calculation: 560 yds × 2 strands held together.* |
| WEIGHT NOTE | Holding two strands of DK together creates a Chunky/Bulky weight fabric. Ensure you swatch to meet the gauge for 7mm/8mm needles. |
Gauge and Swatching
| Gauge & Sizing Details | |
|---|---|
| SUGGESTED GAUGE | Approximately 12 to 14 stitches = 10cm (4 inches) in stockinette stitch using 8mm needles held double. |
| WHY IT MATTERS | Your gauge will affect the final dimensions and how much yarn you use. Always knit a small test swatch before you cast on your project. |
Emmaknitty’s Advice: Fair Isle Tips for Beginners
Working with multiple colors requires a little patience, but the results are always worth it! Use these tips to keep your work looking clean and consistent:
- Keep Your Tension Even: When switching between colors, be careful not to pull the yarn too tightly on the back of the work. If it is too tight, the fabric will pucker. If it is too loose, your stitches may look uneven.
- Manage Your Floats: Since you are carrying yarn over sections, ensure your “floats” (the unused yarn on the wrong side) are not too long. A good rule of thumb is to twist your yarns every 3 to 4 stitches to lock them in place, preventing loose loops that could snag on fingers or jewelry.
- Color Dominance: Keep the same color in the same position in your hand throughout the project. Usually, the color held to the left (if using two hands) will appear more prominent on the front of your work.
- Practice Your Swatch: Before starting on your project, practice the color-carrying technique on a small square. This will help you get comfortable with the rhythm of the work and help you check your gauge.
Pattern Instructions
Main Body
Yarn is held double throughout. Using 7mm circular needle and Yarn A, cast on 181 (121) sts and join to work in the round.
Join: Spread stitches evenly, ensuring they are not twisted. Slip the first stitch from the right-hand needle to the left-hand needle and knit them together. You should now have 180 (120) sts.
Ribbing: Round 1: [K1, p1] to end. Place stitch marker. Work 9 more rounds in rib.
Body: Change to 8mm circular needle and knit every stitch for 20 rounds.
Work in color block sections (following your chart for the first 2 rounds of each section, then knitting 17 rounds plain).
Fair Isle Chart:
- Yarn B: 2 rounds chart, 17 rounds plain.
- Yarn C: 2 rounds chart, 17 rounds plain.
- Yarn D: 2 rounds chart, 17 rounds plain.
- Yarn E: 2 rounds chart, 17 rounds plain.
- Yarn F: 2 rounds chart, 17 rounds plain (or until desired length).
Customization Note: The length is 104cm as written. To fit a taller person, simply work more plain rounds in this final Yarn F section before starting your decreases.
Decreasing:
- Next round: [K2tog] to end. (90 (60) sts)
- Knit 10 rounds plain.
- Next round: [K2tog] to end. (45 (30) sts)
Closing: Cast off leaving a 60cm tail. Weave through all cast-off stitches, pull tight to close, and secure.
The Fin
Use two colors (Yarn F and Yarn G). Change color every 6 rows. Carry unused yarn up the side by twisting yarns every few rows.
- Cast on: In Yarn F, cast on 56 sts.
- Decrease Section: K3 rows. Next row (WS): [K2tog] 3 times, knit to end (53 sts). K2 rows. Change color. Repeat from * 4 times (46 sts total).
- Center: In Yarn F, knit one row. Next row: [K2tog] 3 times, knit to end (23 sts). Knit 3 rows.
- Increase Section: Next row (WS): [Kfb] 3 times, knit to end (26 sts). K2 rows. Change color. K3 rows. Next row: [Kfb] 3 times, knit to end (29 sts). K2 rows. Repeat from * 4 times (56 sts total).
- Finish: Cast off all stitches.
Making Up
Sew the fin piece around the bottom edge of the tail in a circular shape. Weave in all ends securely.
I really hope that you loved this pattern! Don’t forget to tag me on social media, leave a comment and a heart on Ravelry if you enjoyed making it.
Wishing you a crafty day,
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