Shark Dog Fin Costume

by JOANN |

Item # 352041920P42

Intermediate Varies

Contact cement is used to attach foam to fabric and foam to foam.
To print the patterns, click on the "Download Project PDF" button (above). Enlarge patterns.
Trace patterns on to poster board. Cut.
Trace base with grommet holes and fin on to foam. If using power saws to cut, follow the cut line on the pattern to cut into the grommet holes. Contact cement the cut line back together before proceeding.

Mark strap pattern on one piece of fabric. Flip the pattern for the second side. Along the four long side sections add a second line 1/2" in from edge. This is the guide for finishing the raw edges. Cut out strap. On each side of the center bump out section cut from the outer raw edge to the line 1/2" in from the edge. Fold over one long edge to the line and zig zag stitch to finish. Fold as the fabric is being fed through the sewing machine. Repeat for all four long sides. Fold over ends the same and zig zag to finish.

Lay base foam in center of wrong side of fabric. The flaps of fabric that extend beyond the foam will be wrapped around the foam after the center is secure. These fabric flaps may be taped down to prevent them from rolling. Trace around the foam on to the fabric. Remove foam. Add contact cement to both the foam and the fabric. Press the foam in place. Flip the fabric/foam to press out any imperfections before the glue sets. Glue the flaps up and to the back of the foam. Lay a flap in place, trace onto the foam, then apply glue to the appropriate space on the back and edge of the foam. Press in place. Set aside.

Cut fin fabric, reverse pattern for the second side. With RST sew 1/4" from edges leaving the bottom open. Trim point and edges. Turn RSO. Gently push out point. Cover foam with fabric fin. Hold the fabric in place on the side seams by inserting one pin through fabric into foam. Work one bottom edge of fin at a time. Lift the fabric in the center. Apply glue to the bottom 1/2" of foam. Make sure that glue is placed along the entire bottom edge. Apply glue to the lowest 1/2" of fabric, WS. Carefully pull down the fabric and press in place lining up the bottom edge of the fabric with the bottom edge of the foam. If the fabric is not pressed firmly immediately it may be adjusted to remove any wrinkles. A large pink eraser will remove any stray spots of glue that may land on the fabric.

Fold the ends of the straps to the fold lines. Zig zag stitch around sides and end of folded areas. Try the strap on the dog to ensure a proper fit. Cut two 8" strips of both sides of Velcro. These should fit side to side on the strap. Zig zag stitch furry side pieces to one end fold of strap and loop side pieces to the other end of strap. Make sure that the Velcro is located on alternate sides of the fabric. The strap ends will overlap to secure the Velcro. Zig zag stitch in place.
Remove the fabric that covers the grommet holes with an X-Acto knife. Apply the grommets using E6000.

Try the strap on the dog and measure the distance from a collar loop to the grommets. When making the Velcro straps that attach to the collar some length adjustments may be needed.
Cut belting, two at 10". Fold over ends 1/4" and sew. Split one 4 1/2" piece of Velcro in half lengthwise. Sew Velcro to one end of each piece of belting, covering over folded end raw edges. Loop the end of belting, without Velcro, through one grommet. Sew to secure strap to base. Repeat.

Use pattern to mark location for fin at the front and back of the base. Use Sharpie marker and ruler to connect the marks. Cut and remove the fabric between the lines. Apply glue to the bottom foam edge of the fin and the foam line in the middle of the base. Press together. Let stand overnight.

This pattern is for a chest circumference of 26" - 30". Adjust the fold over on the straps to accommodate larger or smaller sizes. Velcro placement will need to be adjusted as well.
The use of a zig zag stitch will allow the stretch of fabric to remain the same. Practice the zig zag stitch on a scrap with a fold same as will be needed on the edges of the strap. Slightly stretch the fabric to avoid large ripples.
It is important to cut a straight line at the base of the fin for a tight bond to the base.