Faux Real: Mastering the Art of Sewing with Fake Fur

AvatarByJill Nammar Sewing

Soft, luxurious, and oh-so-cozy – fake fur is a popular fabric choice for adding a touch of glamour to any outfit or home decor. However, working with this material can be intimidating for those who are not familiar with it. From dealing with shedding to finding the right techniques, sewing with fake fur can seem like a daunting task. But fear not! In this article, we will guide you through the ins and outs of sewing with fake fur, providing you with tips and tricks to achieve professional-looking results. So let’s get ready to tackle those fluff balls and create stunning pieces with ease!

Sewing with fake fur can seem intimidating, but with the right techniques and tools, it can be just as easy as sewing with any other fabric. Fake fur, also known as faux fur, is a popular alternative to real animal fur for ethical and environmental reasons. It is also often cheaper and easier to work with. In this guide, we will explore the best practices for sewing with fake fur to help you achieve professional-looking results.

Choosing the Best Fake Fur

The first step in sewing with fake fur is choosing the right one for your project. Fake fur comes in a variety of styles, textures, and colors. When buying faux fur, look for high-quality options that mimic the look and feel of real animal fur. The most popular types of fake fur are made from synthetic fibers such as acrylic or polyester.

When selecting your faux fur fabric, pay attention to its weight and thickness. Thicker fabrics are more challenging to work with and may require special techniques. If you’re new to sewing with fake fur, start with a lighter weight fabric until you feel comfortable handling thicker options.

Another factor to consider is the direction of the faux fur fibers. Some fabrics have longer fibers that can be brushed in a particular direction while others have shorter fibers that make it more challenging to manipulate their direction.

Tools and Supplies

To achieve the best results when sewing with fake fur, you will need specific tools and supplies designed for this type of fabric.

1. Sharp scissors: A sharp pair of scissors is crucial when cutting fake fur because it has a tendency to shed excessively if cut with a dull blade. Many craft stores sell specialized scissors for cutting fabrics like faux fur.

2. Open-toed presser foot: An open-toed presser foot allows you to see where you are stitching more clearly, making it easier to stay on track.

3. Hand sewing needles: Hand stitching may be necessary when working with thicker fake fur or delicate sections of your project. Have a few hand sewing needles in different sizes and lengths on hand.

4. Tissue paper: Placing tissue paper between the fabric and the presser foot can help minimize shedding and prevent the fabric from getting caught in the feed dogs of your sewing machine.

5. Clips or basting tape: Unlike traditional pins, clips or basting tape will not leave holes or marks in faux fur, making them ideal for securing layers of fabric together.

Preparing Your Fabric

Once you have chosen your fake fur and gathered all the necessary tools, you’re ready to start preparing your fabric for sewing. The key to achieving professional-looking results is proper preparation.

1. Pre-washing: Most faux fur fabrics can be washed but check the label first to be sure. Pre-washing helps remove any excess dye, loose fibers, and wrinkles that could affect your final product.

2. Trimming: Before cutting any pattern pieces, trim the seams off the backside of the faux fur using scissors or a razor blade. This step will make it easier to sew without added bulk.

3. Marking: Unlike other fabrics, you cannot use traditional marking tools like chalk on fake fur because they will leave visible marks. Instead, use a removable pen or mark with pins on areas that will not be visible in your final project.

Cutting Faux Fur

Cutting fake fur can be tricky because its fibers get everywhere, so it’s essential to cut carefully to avoid mess and ensure accuracy.

1. Create a plan: Before making any cuts, study your project layout carefully and determine which direction you want the faux fur fibers to go in each section.

2. Flip and trace method: Instead of cutting directly on top of the finished side of the fabric, flip it over, and trace your pattern pieces onto the backside. This method will help you avoid cutting through the fur fibers and maintain their direction.

3. Recommended cutting tools: Along with traditional scissors, there are other cutting tools like a rotary cutter or electric fabric cutter that make cutting faux fur a bit easier. You can also use a razor blade to cut through the backing if you find it challenging to cut with scissors.

Sewing Techniques

Sewing with fake fur requires some specialized techniques to achieve professional-looking results.

1. Use a longer stitch: Set your sewing machine to a longer stitch length (around 3mm) when sewing faux fur. This will help prevent the fibers from getting caught in the feed dogs and reduce shedding.

2. Use clips or basting tape: As mentioned earlier, avoid using traditional pins on faux fur because they will leave holes and marks. Instead, use clips or basting tape to hold layers of fabric together while sewing.

3. Pull back fibers before stitching: In areas where you need to sew different pieces of faux fur together, use your fingers to pull back the fibers at least ¼ inch from where you are stitching. This step will ensure that the fibers do not get caught in your stitches

The Benefits of Sewing with Fake Fur

Sewing with fake fur can offer a variety of benefits to both beginners and experienced sewers. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy winter coat, a statement accessory, or even add some flair to your home decor, sewing with fake fur can provide an affordable and versatile alternative to real fur.

One of the main advantages of sewing with fake fur is that it is much more cost-effective compared to genuine fur. Real fur can be extremely expensive and may not be budget-friendly for those just starting out in sewing. Fake fur, on the other hand, is more affordable and readily available in a wide range of colors and styles.

Moreover, using fake fur also eliminates any ethical concerns that may arise from using real animal fur. Many people are against the practice of using real animal fur for fashion or home decor purposes since it involves the killing of animals solely for their pelts. By choosing to sew with fake fur instead, you can still achieve a similar look without contributing to animal cruelty.

Another advantage of sewing with fake fur is its durability. Real fur requires special care and maintenance, but fake fur is much easier to take care of. It can withstand regular washing and doesn’t require special storage conditions like real furs do. This makes it a practical choice for those who want their creations to last for years without having to invest too much time or money in maintenance.

Choosing the Right Type of Fake Fur

Not all types of fake furs are created equal. In order to achieve the best results when sewing with fake fur, it’s important to choose the right type depending on your project.

Faux rabbit hair or Mongolian faux lamb are popular choices if you want soft and fluffy-looking projects such as hats and scarves. For more realistic-looking faux furs that resemble animals like foxes or minks, opt for shaggy and thick pile furs. On the other hand, shorter pile furs with a more velvety texture work best for creating collars or lining garments.

When choosing the color of your fake fur, consider the overall look you’re trying to achieve. If you want your project to stand out and make a statement, bright and bold colors are great choices. For a more classic and understated look, opt for neutral colors such as black, gray, or white.

It’s also important to pay attention to the quality of the fake fur you’re purchasing. Poor quality fake furs can easily shed or have a plasticky feel which can make sewing difficult. Look for high-quality faux furs that have a realistic texture and soft feel to ensure that your project turns out well.

How to Sew with Fake Fur

Sewing with fake fur requires some special techniques in order to achieve professional-looking results. Here are some tips to keep in mind when working with fake fur:

1. Prepare your fabric: Before cutting your faux fur fabric, it’s essential to prepare it properly by brushing it out. Use a pet grooming brush or even an old toothbrush to gently brush through the fur in one direction. This will help remove any tangles or knots and ensure that the pile is going in one uniform direction.

2. Cut carefully: When cutting your faux fur fabric, avoid using scissors and opt for a utility knife instead. This will prevent any jagged edges or uneven cuts in the fabric.

3. Work with smaller pieces: Faux fur can be quite bulky which can make it challenging to work with larger pieces all at once. Consider breaking down your project into smaller sections and sewing them together later on.

4. Use thicker needles: Since faux furs tend to be thicker than regular fabrics, using thicker needles (between size 14-18) can make sewing easier. It’s also a good idea to use thread that matches the color of your fur as much as possible to avoid any visible stitching.

5. Sew slowly and carefully: Depending on the thickness and texture of your fake fur, it may be necessary to sew slowly to ensure that the stitches are even and the fabric doesn’t bunch up. Test out your machine settings on a scrap piece of faux fur before starting your project to determine the best speed and tension for sewing.

Additional Tips for Sewing with Fake Fur

– When attaching zippers or buttons, make sure to leave extra seam allowance since faux fur tends to take up more space compared to regular fabrics.
– If you need to iron any seams, use a low heat setting and place a thin towel or cloth in between the fabric and the iron.
– Get creative with your patterns and use the different textures and pile lengths of fake fur to add dimension and interest to your projects.
– Avoid washing faux fur in hot water or using harsh chemicals as this can ruin its texture.
– Consider lining garments made with fake fur since it can be scratchy against bare skin.
– Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques such as appliqué or hand embroidery when working with fake fur.

Conclusion

1) What type of needle should I use when sewing with fake fur?
It is recommended to use a universal or heavy-duty needle when sewing with fake fur. These needles have a sharper point and can more easily penetrate the thick fur fabric.

2) How do I prevent my sewing machine from getting clogged with fake fur?
To prevent clogging, it is important to regularly clean out any loose fur fibers that may get stuck in the machine. You can also try using a walking foot or a Teflon foot, which can help feed the fabric through the machine without getting stuck.

3) Can I wash and dry my finished project made with fake fur?
Most types of fake fur can be washed on a delicate cycle and air-dried. However, it is always best to check the care instructions on your specific fabric before washing.

4) How do I cut fake fur without creating a mess?
Fake fur is notoriously messy when cut, but there are a few tricks to minimize the mess. Use sharp scissors to make clean cuts, and try cutting from the back side of the fabric to avoid cutting through too many fibers at once. You can also place a sheet or towel underneath your cutting area to catch any loose fibers.

5) Do I need to pin my fake fur fabric before sewing?
Pinning can be helpful in keeping your fabric in place while sewing, but it can also leave visible holes in the faux fur. If possible, try using clips instead of pins to secure your fabric together before stitching.

6) What is the best stitch length for sewing with fake fur?
A longer stitch length (around 3mm-4mm) is recommended for sewing with fake fur. This allows for better movement of the long fibers while still maintaining an even seam. Be sure to do some test stitches on scraps of your fabric to find the best stitch length for your specific project.

In conclusion, sewing with fake fur can seem like a daunting task for those who are not familiar with the material. However, with the right tools, techniques, and patience, it is possible to create beautiful and comfortable projects using faux fur. It is important to choose the right type of fake fur for your project, as well as prepare it properly before sewing. Taking the time to practice and truly understand how to work with fake fur can result in stunning finished products that mimic real fur at a fraction of the cost and without causing harm to animals.

Some key takeaways to keep in mind when sewing with fake fur include using a sharp and heavy-duty needle, adjusting your machine’s settings, and utilizing special techniques such as hand basting or using tissue paper to prevent slipping. It is also important to note that working with fake fur may require more time and effort compared to other fabrics due to its bulkiness and tendency to shed. Therefore, patience is key when working with this material.

Additionally, understanding how fake fur is made can help demystify any worries about its ethical implications. Knowing that faux fur is typically made from synthetic fibers or recycled materials can alleviate any ethical concerns while still allowing you to enjoy the aesthetic appeal of real fur.

Ultimately, the world of sewing with fake

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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.