How to Repurpose A Fur Coat

Do you have a lovely old fur coat that's totally out of style?

You can recycle and repurpose that fur coat into a lovely throw for your home.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Needle
• Thread
• Backing material
• Sewing machine (optional)
• A vision

1. First, you need to look at your fur coat carefully.
   
   How big is it?
   
   What shape is it?
   
   How big do you want your throw?

2. What kind of a backing do you want on it?
   
   For a fur throw, I'd use something smooth (because of the fur) but luxurious (because it's fur!!)
   
   Also pick a nice color that will either compliment or contrast with your fur, depending on the colors of the room where you're going to use the throw.

3. Basically, you disassemble the jacket, then patchwork the pieces together in a pleasing pattern.
   
   Personally, I'd make the "nap" of the fur all go in the same direction with the end result being a rectangle with rounded corners. However, you may wish to make a more interesting shape.

4. Once you've figured out your shape, turn everything over and pin it all together. You want the seams on the back side. Make sure it all lays flat. The seams should be about 1/2 inch.

5. Carefully sew it all together, either by hand with a long and strong needle and quilting thread, or on your sewing machine.

6. The next step is to lay the fur over your backing fabric, right sides together. Pin all around the edges.

7. Then sew the front and back together, leaving at least a 6 inch (depending on how heavy it all is) space that isn't sewn. This is where you turn it all right side out.

8. Turn your throw right side out. Using a whip stitch, sew the opening closed.
   
   At this point, you can make some choices. You can either press it all flat from the back side (not too hot!) or you can carefully top stitch all the way around the perimeter with needle and thread or your sewing machine.

9. 
    
   Cozy!

   Now you've repurposed that old fur coat into an attractive throw for the foot of your bed, the back of your sofa, or to huddle under on a cold winter night.

Tips & Warnings

• Treat fur gently.
• If it's too heavy or awkward to turn inside out, you could simply whip stitch the backing to the fur and let it all be what it is.
• If you try to press the edges gently, LOW heat and BE CAREFUL! Fur stinks when you burn it and you don't want to ruin your new throw.
• If you really have no clue about sewing, practice on some old jeans or a comforter first. Don't make your fur throw your very first project!
• Some people are offended by fur, even if it's old and repurposed into a useful object. If you live with someone who feels this way, please be respectful of their feelings.

[razzberry-jam]

on 8/9/2009 Thank you!

[igislandgirl]

on 8/9/2009 Good instruction on how to repurpose a fur coat.