How to Make Fake Fur
Fake fur is the term used for a fabric that is designed to look like animal fur, but it's not. Fakes have a number of advantages over the real thing --- they can be dyed any color of the rainbow, can be modified to be warmer or cooler depending on the intended use, and cost a fraction of actual fur. They are created from a variety of materials; the most popular are acrylic polymers, which are difficult to make at home. However, if you'd like to make your own fake fur, our guide can show you how to create a fun furry look using feathers.
Instructions
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1
Select your feathers. Craft stores carry a variety of sizes and colors. You'll need to know what shade of fur you want before you get started. Choose large feathers tinted with color fast dye.
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2
Split the feather by cutting the shaft with the tip of a small craft knife. Move from the base of the feather to the tip, creating two even pieces that resemble large fake eyelashes. After you cut the base, you might find that it is easier to pull the two pieces apart by gently tugging with your hands.
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3
Choose a fabric and thread that are dyed a similar color as your feathers. Cut and sew the cloth to the desired size and shape.
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4
Baste the first feather onto the fabric using loose stitches to hold it in place. Place the spine of the feather along the very edge of the fabric.
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5
Sew the feathers into place by hand using small stitches and working around the fuzzy fibers. This will cause the fibers to stand upright, creating your fake fur.
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6
Baste the second feather into place, positioning the spine of the second feather so the length of it is in full contact with the first. Align the base of the second feather with the tip of the first.
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Repeat steps 4, 5, and 6, basting and sewing each feather by hand, alternating their positions by aligning base with tip, until the entire garment is covered with "fur."
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Tips & Warnings
This is the type of fake fur commonly used for handbags, belts, and decorative trim --- an entire garment would be very labor intensive.
This is a project that can require a great deal of time to complete, depending on how much "fur" is required. This type of fake fur is not washable.
