Make a splash

With her sequinned tail and blue fishtail braid, Ilaria Caliri’s sweet mermaid is sure to swim straight into your heart! She’s hooked using simple double crochet stitches in a spiral, and is worked mainly in one piece. The finishing touches are fun to add at the end – take special care over her hair, made with two pretty ocean shades blended and braided together.

You will need

■ DMC Natura Just Cotton, 1 ball each in: Rose Soraya (shade N32) – Yarn A Gardenia (shade N36) – Yarn B Amaranto (shade N33) – Yarn C Aquamarina (shade N25) – Yarn D Turquoise (shade N49) – Yarn E Prussian (shade N64) – Yarn F■ 3mm (UK 11, US C/2) hook■ 2 safety eyes (approx 8mm in diameter)■ Sequins■ Tapestry needle■ Toy stuffing■ Adhesive tape■ Sewing needle, thread and pins