Our two newest patterns have hit the shop and we have some awesome hacks to go a long with them. Our patterns are always packed full of options and the Isabel and Mama Isabel patterns are no exception. We still like to share easy and simple ways to change the pattern up even more! 

CASSIE SKIRT MASH

The Isabel patterns have a slimmer skirt, not tight, but not very forgiving either. If you want a fuller, more vintage vibe, you can use the 1/2 circle skirt pieces from our Cassie and Mama Cassie patterns! I LOVE this hack. The only downside is it’s going to take quite a bit of fabric for the dress length. You’ll need to cut 3 Cassie skirts on the fold (I do not suggest using the high-low skirt, just straight hem option) then use them in place of your Isabel skirt. They should fit together with no fuss and it is just stunning!

WRAP AROUND TIE HACK

The Isabel patterns have a side tie, but if you want more of a belted look to to have you ties wrap AROUND your body, this hack is for you. It’s very simple!! All you do is add your waist measurement to the short waist tie length. For example, I’m a size Indigo and the short waist tie is 20″. I add my waist measurement, 30″, to that for 50″. Instead of just pulling the short tie to the side and tying it, I’ll wrap it around my back, front and then to the side to tie. 

TULIP SKIRT ALTERNATIVES

If you think the dress tulip hemline feels a little short for your taste or you just want a different look, you can use this awesome hack! Cut 1 tulip skirt and 2 normal skirts. Place your tulip skirt in the front so you get the nice curved hem but still have the length from the straight skirt. 

If you want a tulip hemline on the top length, you can cut along the dress tulip line, curving when you get to the top cut line (show in yellow below). You could do 2 tulip fronts like normal or the tulip hack above. 

DUSTER CARDI HACK

This one is so cute and easy. You could wear this normally as the tulip maxi AND as a duster. All you need to do is create your tie casing on EACH side seam instead of one. Then pull the ties through the holes on the same side, tie in the back and tada! My daughter LOVED this so much.

Please share what you’ve made in the Made for Mermaids Facebook group– we love to see what you make and come up with! Also on Instagram #madeformermaids #isabelpattern #mamaisabelpattern 🙂