Sew Fake Fur (and Make a Muff!) (6661 Views)

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  Step 1 of 19

  Welcome to fake fur class! First, a few basics. Fake fur has a pile (hairs) that (usually) runs in one direction and a knit backing. Before you begin, take note of what direction the pile runs in, and figure out what direction you want it to run in on your project.

  Working with fake fur tends to send a lot of fluff into the air which will all eventually settle somewhere in the back of your throat. I recommend wearing a mask when you cut and sew. If you're like me and tend not to have such a thing handy, a remnant of lightweight non-woven interfacing tied over the nose and mouth with some scraps of ribbon or yarn works nicely :)

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  Step 2 of 19

  Mark a rectangle on the backing of the fur along the grain line. I used a permanent marker here. I decided that an issue of Burda was the perfect width ! My rectangle was 11"/28cm wide and 12"/31cm long.

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  Step 3 of 19

  Use a craft knife to cut out the rectangle through the backing of the fur. Try to avoid cutting the pile.
  

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  Step 4 of 19

  Gently pull along the scored lines to remove your fur piece.

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  Step 5 of 19

  Cut a piece of fabric the same size to use as the lining of the muff. Here I'm using some quilted embroidered taffeta. If you're using something lighter like satin or velvet, you may want to attach some batting to it to give the final product some shape, softness, and warmth.

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  Step 6 of 19

  Using scissors, trim the pile very short on the edges to reduce bulk and create a narrow seam allowance (approximately 1 cm/ 3/8"). Use a comb to help you separate the pile to be cut

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  Step 7 of 19

  It's a bit hard to see, but here I've started trimming the fur on the edges. The part below the scissors has been trimmed, and the part above the scissors has not.

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  Step 8 of 19

  Now we're going to make the seam that turns our rectangle into a tube by sewing the bottom edge of the fur to the top edge of the fur. First use a damp comb to comb the pile away from the edges. This will keep pile from getting trapped in the seam- the less pile that gets trapped in the seam, the more invisible the seam will be from the outside.

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  Step 9 of 19

  Pin the edges, right sides of the fur together. When working with fake fur, it's a good idea to use glass head pins, as they're less likely to get "lost" in the fluff.

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  Step 10 of 19

  Now stitch the seam with a 1cm/ 3/8" seam allowance, either by hand or machine, as you prefer. Congratulations, you've just made your first fur-to-fur seam! Do not iron the seam open- you might damage or melt the fur. Instead use your fingers to press the seam open a bit.

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  Step 11 of 19

  Make the same seam on the lining piece.

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  Step 12 of 19

  Turn the fur piece right side out and slide it into the lining piece so that the right side of the fur is against the right side of the lining.

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  Step 13 of 19

  Line up the edges of the fur piece and lining piece, making sure the seams are aligned as well. It's starting to look like a muff, isn't it? Pin the edges together on one side of the muff only.

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  Step 14 of 19

  Stitch the side seam that you just pinned. You've now made your first fur-to-fabric seam!

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  Step 15 of 19

  Now turn the lining to the outside...

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  Step 16 of 19

  ... and push it into the inside of the muff. The fur and the lining should now have the wrong sides together.

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  Step 17 of 19

  On the side of the muff that hasn't been stitched, turn under the seam allowances on the lining and the fur. Pin in place and stitch the lining and the fur together by hand.

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  Step 18 of 19

  At all of the seams, use a comb or a blunt object like a small crochet hook to gently pull any trapped hairs free.

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  Step 19 of 19

  Ta-da! Your muff is now done! Use it to spice up your winter outfits and add a chic and vintage touch. Get creative too- thread a long velvet ribbon through the muff and tie it around your neck with a big bow. Or make it out of wacky purple fur with a dalmation-print lining! Sew a silky white one lined with white velvet for a winter bride. Add a secret pocket on the inside, or make small muffs lined with polar fleece for the little fashionistas with cold hands in your life. Whatever you do, just be sure to come back and show us what you made, ok? Happy sewing!