How to Cut and Sew Fake Fur

With all the controversy surrounding real animal fur, you can use fake fur as an alternative on your sewing projects. Fake fur is easy to apply and the high-quality fakes can fool even the most discerning eye.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Purchase enough fake fur material so you can practice cutting and sewing. Although the material may be expensive, allowing extra material to practice on will ease the stress of trying to produce something right the first time.

2. Rub your hand across the fake fur and note the direction in which the fur lays. This is called the fur's "nap." For shorter fur, you'll have to look closely to tell the top from the bottom. When you find it, place a pin at the top of the fabric. Do this for each piece of fabric you work with

3. Turn the pattern pieces wrong side out and place them on the cloth side of the fur. Secure the pattern to the fur with fabric tape and trace along the edge of the pattern with a marker.

4. Cut the fur out using a razor or craft knife. Cut the fabric backing of the fake fur and not the fur itself to avoid having an obvious seam. Use pressure similar to scoring. Gently pull the fur apart.

5. Test which stitch works best to secure the fur together without matting it down. Once you have stitched the pieces together, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to smooth out the fur and hide the seam.

6. Clean your sewing machine thoroughly after sewing with fake fur; the strands shed easily and can get stuck inside the machine.