How to Sew Faux Fur Fabric: Everything You Need to Know
Sewing with faux fur fabric can seem intimidating — all that fluffy pile, the thickness, the fibers flying everywhere. But with the right techniques, faux fur is actually one of the most forgiving fabrics to sew. Small mistakes are hidden by the pile, seams disappear into the fur, and the results look incredibly luxurious.
This guide covers everything from choosing the right faux fur to cutting, sewing, and finishing your project like a pro.
Step 1: Choose the Right Faux Fur
Not all faux fur is the same. Your choice depends on your project:
| Pile Type | Pile Length | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Short pile | Under 1 inch | Stuffed animals, linings, trim |
| Medium pile | 1–2 inches | Blankets, jackets, accessories |
| Long/Shaggy pile | 2+ inches | Costumes, statement pieces, rugs |
| Animal print | Varies | Fashion, cosplay, home decor |
Browse our full range of faux fur fabrics by the yard to find the perfect match for your project.
Step 2: Tools and Supplies You'll Need
- Faux fur fabric — buy 10–15% extra for pattern matching
- Rotary cutter or sharp scissors
- Cutting mat (if using rotary cutter)
- Walking foot for your sewing machine (highly recommended)
- Polyester thread — stronger than cotton for synthetic fabrics
- Long pins or clips — binder clips work great for thick fur
- Wide-tooth comb — for releasing fibers from seams
- Lint roller — you will need this!
- Garbage bag — to catch fur fibers while cutting
Step 3: How to Cut Faux Fur (The Most Important Step)
Cutting is where most beginners make mistakes. Follow these rules:
Rule 1: Always cut from the BACK side
Flip the fabric over so you see the knit or woven backing. Mark your pattern pieces on the backing with a marker or chalk. This way you only cut through the backing, not the pile fibers.
Rule 2: Use a rotary cutter or the tip of sharp scissors
If using scissors, slide the lower blade along the backing and make small snips. Never use full scissor strokes — you'll chop through the pile and create a visible line. A rotary cutter is even better as it slices cleanly through the backing only.
Rule 3: Check the nap direction
Run your hand across the fur. It will feel smooth in one direction and rough in the other. All pattern pieces should be laid out with the nap running in the same direction — usually downward for garments (pile strokes toward the hem).
Rule 4: Cut single layers
Don't fold faux fur to cut two pieces at once. The bulk makes it inaccurate. Cut one layer at a time, then flip the pattern to cut the mirror piece.
Step 4: Sewing Machine Settings
- Stitch length: 3.0–4.0mm (longer than normal)
- Needle: Universal 90/14 or 100/16 for thick faux fur
- Presser foot: Walking foot (prevents the layers from shifting)
- Thread tension: Normal or slightly loosened
- Speed: Slow and steady — don't rush through thick sections
Can you sew faux fur with a regular sewing machine?
Yes! A standard home sewing machine handles most faux fur just fine. A walking foot attachment ($15–$30) is the only upgrade you really need. For very thick shaggy fur, you may need to manually turn the wheel through the thickest seam intersections.
Step 5: Sewing Techniques
Tuck the pile into the seam
Before sewing, use a pin or long needle to tuck the pile fibers away from the seam allowance. This prevents fur from getting caught in the stitching and makes cleaner seams.
Sew with fur sides together
Place pieces right sides (fur sides) together, just like regular fabric. Pin or clip along the edge. Sew with a 1/2 inch (1.3cm) seam allowance to give yourself room.
Reduce bulk at seams
After sewing, trim the seam allowance to 1/4 inch. For extra-thick fur, shave or trim the pile from the seam allowance area before sewing.
Release trapped fibers
After sewing each seam, turn the piece right side out and use a wide-tooth comb or pin to pull any fur fibers that got caught in the seam. This makes the seam invisible — the fur flows naturally over it.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
- Lining: Line garments with satin or polyester lining for comfort and to prevent shedding on clothes underneath
- Hems: Turn under and hand-stitch hems — machine-stitched hems can crush the pile
- Closures: Use hook-and-eye, snaps, or large buttons. Zippers work but can catch fibers
- Edge finishing: Serge or zigzag raw edges to prevent unraveling
Common Faux Fur Sewing Problems (and Solutions)
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Fur fibers everywhere | Cut over a garbage bag, use a lint roller, work in a space you can vacuum |
| Seams are visible | Comb out trapped fibers with a wide-tooth comb |
| Fabric shifts while sewing | Use a walking foot and binder clips instead of pins |
| Machine struggles with thickness | Use a larger needle (100/16), slow down, manually turn the wheel |
| Pile getting caught in seams | Tuck pile away from seam line before stitching |
Beginner-Friendly Faux Fur Projects
Start with these easy projects to build your confidence:
- Simple pillow cover — Two squares, four straight seams. Perfect first project.
- No-sew blanket — Faux fur on one side, polar fleece on the other, tied edges.
- Scarf or infinity loop — One rectangle, one or two seams.
- Pom-poms — Cut circles, gather edges, stuff with fiberfill.
- Pet bed cover — Simple envelope closure, machine washable.
Browse our faux fur fabric collection for the perfect material for your first project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What needle do I use for faux fur?
Use a universal needle size 90/14 for most faux fur. For very thick or dense faux fur, step up to a 100/16 needle. A sharp or microtex needle also works well for cleaner stitches.
Do I need a special sewing machine for faux fur?
No, a regular home sewing machine works for most faux fur fabrics. The only recommended upgrade is a walking foot attachment, which prevents the layers from shifting. Industrial machines are only needed for very heavy, ultra-thick faux fur.
How much faux fur fabric do I need?
Buy 10–15% more than your pattern calls for. Faux fur requires single-layer cutting and nap matching, which uses more fabric than regular materials. EOVEA sells faux fur by the yard with a 1-yard minimum per color.
Can I iron faux fur?
Never iron faux fur directly — the synthetic fibers will melt. If you need to remove wrinkles, use a steamer held 6+ inches away, or tumble on low heat in the dryer for 5 minutes with a damp towel.