Sew Like a Pro: Mastering the Art of Fur Fabric

Fur fabric has been a luxurious and coveted material for centuries, adding an element of warmth and sophistication to clothing, accessories, and household items. However, working with fur fabric can be intimidating and overwhelming for those who have never sewn with it before. Fear not, as we have compiled a guide on how to sew fur fabric with ease and confidence. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced seamstress looking to expand your skills, this article will cover everything you need to know about sewing with fur fabric. So grab some faux fur, thread your needle, and let’s get started on creating stunning and cozy pieces!

Choosing the Right Fur Fabric for Your Project

When it comes to sewing with fur fabric, it’s important to choose the right type of fur for your project. Different types of fur have different qualities that may affect the final outcome of your project. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a fur fabric:

1. Type of Fur

The first thing to consider is the type of fur you want to use. There are many different types of animal fur commonly used in fabrics such as mink, fox, rabbit, and faux fur. Each type has its own unique qualities, such as thickness, softness, and texture.

Rabbit fur is typically soft with a short pile and is commonly used for trimming and accessories. Fox fur is longer and coarser, making it suitable for outerwear or home decor projects. Mink fur is known for its luxurious feel and is often used in high-end fashion garments.

Faux fur, on the other hand, is a synthetic material designed to mimic the look and feel of real animal fur. It’s a great cruelty-free option for those who still want the look of real fur without using real animal products.

2. Pile Length

The length of the pile refers to how long the hairs on the fabric are. This varies from short (less than 1 inch) to long (over 2 inches). Shorter pile furs tend to be easier to work with and are more versatile for different types of projects.

Longer pile furs can be more difficult to handle when sewing as they tend to shed and tangle easily. They also require special techniques such as clipping or shaving the hairs before sewing.

Consider what type of project you are making and whether a shorter or longer pile would be more suitable for it.

3. Quality

The quality of the fur fabric is also an important factor to consider. Higher quality fur will typically have a softer feel, more consistent pile length, and minimal shedding.

When purchasing fur fabric, check for any defects or inconsistencies in the fur. You want to make sure that it is evenly dyed and has a smooth texture. If possible, feel the fabric before purchasing to ensure it meets your standards of quality.

4. Budget

Fur fabric can range from affordable to very expensive depending on the type and quality of the fur. Consider your budget when choosing a fur fabric for your project.

If you are on a tight budget, faux fur is usually more affordable than real animal fur and can still provide a similar look and feel. Alternatively, you can opt for smaller pieces of higher-quality fur for accents or trims instead of using it for the entire project.

5. Project Purpose

Before deciding on a fur fabric, think about the purpose of your project. Will it be worn directly against the skin or will it be used as outerwear? Will it be used for home decor such as pillows or blankets?

For projects that will be worn against the skin, consider using a softer and lighter weight type of fur such as rabbit or faux fur. For outerwear or home decor projects, you may want to opt for a thicker and more durable type of fur such as fox or mink.

Preparing Your Fur Fabric Before Sewing

Before sewing with any type of fur fabric, there are some important preparation steps you should take to ensure a successful project:

1. Lay Out Your Fabric Properly

Due to its unique nature, you should always lay out your chosen pattern pieces on top of your folded fur rather than cutting through both layers at once like you would with regular fabric.

The way you lay out your pattern pieces can also affect the final look of your project. Consider the direction of the fur’s nap (the direction in which the hairs lay) and whether you want it all to go in one direction or have a directional change for different areas of your project.

2. Mark Your Pattern Pieces Carefully

Instead of using traditional methods like pins or tracing paper, it’s best to mark your pattern onto the backside of your fur fabric with chalk or a wax pencil. This way, you won’t accidentally snag or damage the fur by poking holes through it.

3. Cut Your Fabric Using Special Techniques

Cutting fur fabric can be tricky, especially if you are working with a longer pile fur. The best technique is to use sharp scissors and cut through only the backing fabric, avoiding cutting through the actual hair of the fur.

For even cleaner cuts, consider clipping or shaving off excess hairs along your cutting line before sewing.

Sewing with Fur Fabric

Sewing with fur fabric may seem intimidating at first, but with some helpful tips and techniques, it can be quite easy and enjoyable.

1. Use a Longer Stitch Length

When sewing with fur fabric, it’s

Preparation for Sewing with Fur Fabric

Sewing with fur fabric can be a challenging but rewarding experience. This luxurious material adds elegance and warmth to any garment, making it the perfect choice for winter coats, hats, and accessories. However, sewing with fur requires some special preparation in order to achieve professional-looking results. In this section, we will discuss the steps you need to take before starting your fur fabric sewing project.

Choose the Right Type of Fur

Fur fabric comes in a variety of types, each with its own unique characteristics and properties. Some types of fur are better suited for certain projects than others. For example, if you’re planning to make a coat or jacket, you’ll want to choose a longer and thicker fur such as mink or fox. On the other hand, if you’re making pillows or smaller accessories, a shorter and softer fur like rabbit may be more suitable.

Inspect the Fur Fabric

Before purchasing your fur fabric, perform a thorough inspection to ensure that it is free from defects. Look for bald patches, tears, or discoloration that may affect the overall appearance of your finished project. Since fur fabric can be quite expensive, it’s important to carefully examine it before making a purchase.

Prepare Your Sewing Machine

Fur fabric can be quite thick and dense, so you’ll need a heavy-duty sewing machine that can handle this type of material. Before starting your project, make sure to change your sewing machine needle to a size 90/14 or larger and use a good quality thread that is suitable for heavyweight fabrics.

Practice Your Sewing Techniques

Sewing with fur requires some different techniques compared to standard fabrics. It’s recommended that you practice on scrap pieces of fur fabric first before starting on your actual project. This will help you get a feel for sewing with fur and allow you to make any necessary adjustments to your machine settings and techniques.

Sewing Tips for Working with Fur Fabric

Now that you’ve completed the necessary preparation steps, it’s time to start sewing with your fur fabric. Below are some tips to keep in mind that will help you achieve professional-looking results.

Pin or Mark the Fabric on the Wrong Side

When working with fur fabric, it’s important to avoid pinning or marking on the right side of the fabric. Pins can leave permanent holes, and markings may be visible on the finished product. Instead, use clips or tailor’s chalk on the wrong side of the fabric to indicate where seams or hems should be.

Use a Walking Foot Attachment

A walking foot attachment helps feed both layers of fabric through your sewing machine evenly. This is especially useful when working with thick and bulky fabrics like fur. If you don’t have a walking foot attachment, you can also try using a Teflon foot or wrapping tissue paper around the fabric and then tearing it away after sewing.

Trim Seam Allowances

After stitching your seams, it’s essential to trim down the seam allowances to reduce bulkiness. This will also help prevent unwanted ridges from forming on thinner fabrics like rabbit fur. Be careful not to trim too close to your stitching as this can cause seams to come apart.

Use Hand Stitching for Thick Seams

For very thick areas where multiple layers of fur are coming together, it may be easier to hand stitch these areas rather than trying to sew over them with a machine. Use an invisible stitch or ladder stitch for a seamless finish.

Caring for Your Finished Fur Fabric Project

Fur fabric requires specialized care in order to maintain its luxurious appearance. Here are some tips for keeping your finished project in top condition.

Hanging and Storage

It’s best to store your fur garments on a wide, padded hanger to help them maintain their shape. Avoid hanging them in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as this can cause the fur to dry out and lose its luster. If your garment has a hood or collar, it’s best to store it with these parts inside-out to avoid crushing the fur.

Cleaning

Fur fabric should not be washed like regular clothes. Instead, take your garment to a professional cleaner who specializes in cleaning fur. Most stains can be spot-cleaned with a mild soap and water solution, but complex stains should be left to the professionals.

Brushing

To keep your fur fabric looking fluffy and soft, brush it gently with a pet brush or soft hairbrush. This will help distribute natural oils throughout the fur fibers, keeping them looking shiny and healthy.

In summary, sewing with fur fabric requires careful preparation and attention to detail. By choosing the right type of fur, inspecting the fabric before starting your project, practicing sewing techniques, and

1. How do I prepare fur fabric before sewing?
A: Before sewing fur fabric, make sure to remove any loose and excess hair on the edges using a razor or thinning shears. This will ensure that your seams are clean and not bulky.

2. What type of needle should I use when sewing with fur fabric?
A: It is recommended to use a needle specifically designed for sewing with fur fabric, such as a leather or denim needle. These types of needles have a stronger tip that can pierce through the thicker and denser fur.

3. Do I need a special foot when sewing with fur fabric?
A: Yes, it is highly recommended to use a walking foot or Teflon foot when sewing with fur fabric. These feet help to evenly feed the thick and slippery fabric under the needle, resulting in smooth and accurate stitches.

4. How do I prevent matting or flattening of the fur when pressing?
A: To avoid damaging the delicate fur fibers, refrain from using high heat on your iron when pressing seams. Instead, use a low-heat setting or a press cloth between the iron and the fabric.

5. Can I wash my finished project made with fur fabric?
A: Depending on the type of fur used, washing may damage or ruin your project. If necessary, spot clean small areas with mild soap and water. Always test in an inconspicuous area first before washing the entire project.

6. How do I finish raw edges on fur fabric?
A: To prevent shedding, trim any raw edges of your faux fur closely to the seam allowance after sewing your project. You can also apply fray check or clear nail polish along the edges for added security.

In conclusion, learning how to sew fur fabric can be a fun and rewarding experience for anyone interested in DIY clothing or home decor projects. By understanding the important steps and techniques discussed in this article, one can confidently tackle any fur sewing project and achieve professional-looking results.

First and foremost, it is crucial to choose the right type of fur fabric for your project, considering factors such as fur length, thickness, and durability. Properly preparing the fabric by removing shedding hairs and creating a strong backing will ensure better sewing results.

Moving on to the actual sewing process, taking the time to cut and pin the fabric properly will help prevent any mistakes or unevenness while sewing. It is also important to use sharp tools such as scissors and needles specifically designed for fur fabric.

Another key point to remember is using proper sewing techniques like stitching from the backside of fabric and taking small stitches to avoid damaging the delicate fur fibers. Additionally, utilizing techniques like hand-basting or using tissue paper can further aid in achieving clean and precise stitches.

Lastly, caring for your finished product is just as important as sewing it correctly. Following specific care instructions based on the type of fur used will help maintain its quality and prolong its lifespan.

Overall, mastering how to sew fur fabric may take some practice, but

Author Profile

Jill Nammar

My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.