Unleashing Your Inner Designer: Mastering the Art of Sewing Fake Fur

Faux fur has been a fashion staple for decades, and for good reason. Not only does it add a touch of luxury to any outfit, but it also helps to keep us warm during the colder months. However, purchasing real fur can often come with ethical and environmental concerns. That’s where the art of sewing fake fur comes in. Not only is it a more sustainable option, but it also allows you to create custom pieces that are truly one-of-a-kind. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of faux fur and provide you with all the tips and tricks on how to sew fake fur like a pro. From selecting the right materials to mastering techniques for a flawless finish – get ready to elevate your sewing game and create beautiful faux fur pieces that will turn heads wherever you go.

Introduction

Sewing fake fur can be a challenging task for even experienced sewers. Unlike other fabrics, fake fur is made up of synthetic materials such as acrylic, modacrylic, and polyester, and can be difficult to manipulate with traditional sewing techniques. However, with the right tools and techniques, sewing fake fur can be a rewarding and satisfying experience. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of how to sew fake fur and provide you with important tips and tricks to ensure a successful outcome.

Understanding Fake Fur

Before we dive into the process of sewing fake fur, it’s important to understand the fabric itself. Fake fur is designed to imitate real animal fur and provide warmth and texture without using actual animal pelts. It can come in various lengths, colors, and thicknesses to mimic different types of animal furs.

One of the key differences between fake fur and other fabrics is its pile or nap – the direction in which the fibers lie. Unlike regular fabric where all fibers lie flat and in one direction, fake fur fibers have a tendency to go in multiple directions. This presents a unique challenge while sewing as it can lead to uneven stitches or even jamming your machine if not handled correctly.

Another important aspect to consider when working with fake fur is its shedding tendency. Due to its construction using synthetic materials, fake fur tends to shed more easily than natural animal furs. This means that it can leave behind small fibers on your workspace or yourself while handling it.

Preparing Your Workspace

Now that you understand the nature of fake fur let’s move on to preparing your workspace before you start sewing.

– Choose a well-lit area

Sewing requires precision and attention to detail, so make sure your workspace is well-lit so that you can see all the minute details of your project.

– Clean your workspace

Because fake fur has a tendency to shed, it’s important to have a clean and clutter-free workspace. This will minimize the risk of fibers getting caught in your machine or falling onto your project.

– Use a vacuum cleaner or lint roller

Before you start sewing, use a vacuum cleaner or lint roller to remove any loose fibers from your workspace and fabric. This will prevent them from getting tangled in your stitches.

Tools and Materials

Now that you have prepared your workspace let’s take a look at the tools and materials required for sewing fake fur.

– Fabric scissors

Invest in a good pair of fabric scissors specifically designed for cutting through thick materials like faux fur. Avoid using regular scissors as they may not be sharp enough to cut through the dense fibers of fake fur.

– Tailor’s chalk or washable fabric marker

Using tailor’s chalk or washable fabric marker is the best way to mark your fabric while working with fake fur. Since it can be difficult to see markings on the fur, these tools will make it easier for you to keep track of where you need to sew.

– Sewing clips or pins

Sewing clips or pins are essential for keeping your fabric in place while sewing. However, avoid using standard straight pins as they can damage the backing of the fake fur and leave visible holes.

– Sewing machine with a walking foot

While sewing by hand is possible, it can be time-consuming and challenging when working with thick fabrics like fake fur. Therefore, using a sewing machine with a walking foot attachment is recommended for an efficient and smooth sewing process.

Cutting Fake Fur

One of the most intimidating parts of sewing fake fur is cutting it because one wrong cut can ruin the entire project. Follow these steps for precise and clean cuts without damaging the fabric:

1. Begin by brushing out any tangled fibers in the direction of the nap using a wire pet brush or wide-toothed comb. This will ensure that the fibers are lying flat and make it easier to cut through.

2. Lay your fake fur on a flat surface with the nap facing downwards. Remember to use a vacuum cleaner or lint roller beforehand to remove any loose fibers.

3. Use tailor’s chalk or washable fabric marker to mark the areas where you need to cut, avoiding cutting through the backing fabric.

4. Use your fabric scissors and cut carefully along the marked lines. It’s important to keep the scissors parallel to the backing while cutting, this will prevent accidental snips in the fur fibers.

5. Once you have finished cutting, run your fingers gently over the cut edges in the direction of the nap to blend them in with the rest of the fabric.

Sewing Techniques

Now that you have successfully cut your fake fur let’s take a look at some sewing techniques that will help you achieve professional-looking results:

– Adjusting machine settings

Before starting your project, adjust your machine settings according to the thickness of your fake fur. This may include using a longer stitch length, reducing tension, and using a larger needle size (at least 90/14).

– Sewing with a

Understanding Fake Fur Fabric

Fake fur fabric is a type of material that resembles real animal fur, but is actually man-made. It is a popular choice for clothing, accessories, and home decor items, as it offers a cruelty-free alternative to using real fur.

Fake fur fabric is typically made from synthetic fibers such as polyester, acrylic, or modacrylic. These materials are woven together to create a soft and fluffy texture that mimics the look and feel of real fur. Some fake furs may also be blended with natural fibers like wool or cotton for added durability.

One of the benefits of using fake fur fabric is its versatility. It can be found in a wide range of colors and patterns, making it easy to find the perfect match for any project. Additionally, fake fur fabric is relatively easy to care for and can be machine washed or dry cleaned.

Getting the Right Tools and Materials

Before you begin sewing with fake fur fabric, it’s important to have all the necessary tools and materials on hand. First and foremost, you will need a good quality faux fur fabric. Look for one that has a realistic appearance and feels soft to the touch.

In addition to the fabric itself, you will also need a rotary cutter or sharp scissors for cutting out your pattern pieces. Because fake fur fabric can shed quite a bit during cutting, it’s helpful to use scissors with serrated edges or sharp pruning shears. This will help prevent any unwanted fraying or shedding.

Other tools you may find useful include seam rippers (in case you make any mistakes), dressmaker pins or clips (to hold your pieces together), and a sewing machine with a heavy-duty needle (to sew through thicker layers).

Preparing Your Fabric for Sewing

If you’re new to sewing with fake fur fabric, it may seem intimidating at first due to its fluffy and often unruly nature. However, with the right preparation, you can easily sew any project with fake fur fabric.

To begin, lay your fabric out on a flat surface and carefully comb through it with a pet brush or wide-toothed comb to remove any loose fibers or tangles. This will help prevent your sewing machine from jamming and ensure a smooth sewing process.

Next, use your rotary cutter or sharp scissors to cut out your pattern pieces. It’s important to cut only through the backing of the fabric, and not the fur itself. This will help maintain the realistic look of the fake fur.

Choosing the Right Stitching

When it comes to stitching with fake fur fabric, there are a few options you can choose from depending on your preference and project.

For an invisible finish, you can opt for a hand-sewn ladder stitch where you sew through only the backing of the fabric and not through any of the fur. This technique is best for projects where the edges of the fur will be left exposed.

For projects that require seaming together multiple pieces of fake fur fabric, using a lockstitch on a sewing machine is another option. This creates a strong and neat seam that won’t unravel over time.

Adding Details to Your Project

Fake fur fabric is perfect for adding luxurious details to any project. Whether you’re making a jacket with faux fur trim or adding faux fur cuffs to a sweater, there are many ways to incorporate this material into your designs.

One creative way to add details using fake fur fabric is by creating faux pom poms for hats or embellishments for bags and accessories. Simply cut out circles of faux fur and sew them together, leaving an opening in the center for stuffing before closing it up.

Another fun idea is using small pieces of faux fur as appliques on clothing or home decor items. You could also use fake fur as a lining for bags or as accents on pillows and throws.

Tips for Sewing with Fake Fur Fabric

As with any type of fabric, there are some important tips to keep in mind when sewing with fake fur.

First, always sew with the fur side down on the sewing machine. This will help feed the fabric through smoothly and prevent the fur from getting caught in the machine.

Next, use a walking foot on your sewing machine if you have one. This will help ensure that both layers of fabric are fed through evenly, preventing any puckering or misalignment.

If you do experience some shedding while sewing, don’t panic. Simply stop and brush out any stray fibers before continuing. You can also try using a lint roller to pick up any extra fur that may have fallen onto your work space.

Sewing with fake fur fabric may seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. From understanding the different types of fake fur to choosing the right stitch and adding unique details to your project, you now have all the information you need to confidently sew with this furry material. So go ahead and unleash your creativity while also promoting

1. What type of needle should I use to sew fake fur?
A: It is best to use a universal or heavy-duty needle when sewing fake fur, as it is thicker than regular fabric.

2. Do I need to pre-wash fake fur before sewing?
A: No, there is no need to pre-wash fake fur before sewing as it does not shrink like other fabrics. However, you may want to spot clean any visible stains before starting your project.

3. How do I cut fake fur without creating a messy and jagged edge?
A: To avoid a messy edge, it is recommended to use sharp scissors and cut from the back of the fabric, following the direction of the fur. This will help create a cleaner and smoother edge.

4. How can I prevent my sewing machine from getting clogged with fake fur fibers?
A: It is important to regularly clean and maintain your sewing machine while working with fake fur. You can also place a sheet of tissue paper between the fabric and your machine to catch excess fibers.

5. Can I iron fake fur if it becomes wrinkled?
A: No, you should never iron fake fur as it can melt or singe the fibers. Instead, try using a hairdryer on low heat or steaming the fabric to remove wrinkles.

6. Should I backstitch when sewing with fake fur?
A: It is not necessary to backstitch when working with fake fur because it can create bulky layers and may be difficult to hide in the seam allowance. Instead, tie knots at the beginning and end of each seam for a secure hold.

In conclusion, sewing with fake fur can be a challenging but rewarding task. It requires proper preparation, technique, and patience to achieve professional-looking results. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully sew with fake fur and create beautiful and versatile pieces.

Firstly, it is important to choose the right type of fake fur for your project and handle it carefully during cutting and sewing. This will ensure that the fabric retains its softness and luxurious appearance.

Next, using the right tools such as sharp scissors, a dedicated needle, and a walking foot can greatly improve your sewing experience. These tools will help you navigate through the thick and bulky texture of fake fur.

Proper technique is also essential when sewing with fake fur. From pinning the fabric to using the right stitch length, each step should be done carefully to achieve clean and precise seams.

Additionally, taking extra precautions when pressing or ironing fake fur can prevent damage to its delicate fibers. Instead of heat, use steam to flatten out any wrinkles or kinks.

Lastly, it is crucial to properly finish off your project by trimming excess fur from seam allowances and using appropriate closures such as snaps or hooks instead of trying to create buttonholes.

Even though sewing with fake fur may seem intimidating at first, with

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.