Faux fur is one of the most eye-catching fabrics on the market — luxurious, warm, and available in dozens of colors and textures. Whether you're making a cozy blanket, a show-stopping costume, or plush home decor, understanding faux fur fabric helps you choose the right type and work with it confidently. Here's everything you need to know.
What Is Faux Fur Fabric?
Faux fur (also called fake fur or fun fur) is a synthetic textile designed to look and feel like real animal fur. It's made by attaching synthetic fibers — typically polyester, acrylic, or modacrylic — to a knitted or woven fabric backing. The fibers are then cut, brushed, and sometimes heat-treated to create a realistic fur-like pile.
Unlike real fur, faux fur is cruelty-free, affordable, and machine washable. Modern faux fur has improved dramatically in quality — high-end versions are nearly indistinguishable from real mink, fox, or shearling.
How Faux Fur Is Made
Faux fur production involves several steps:
- Knitting the base: A stretchy knit backing is created (usually polyester jersey).
- Tufting fibers: Synthetic fibers are looped through the knit base, similar to how carpet is made.
- Shearing: The fiber loops are cut to a uniform pile height (or varied heights for a more natural look).
- Brushing & finishing: The pile is brushed to separate fibers and create a soft, fluffy texture. Some faux furs are heat-treated to add curl or wave patterns.
The result is a two-layer fabric: a dense knit backing and a soft fiber pile (the "fur" part).
Faux Fur Fabric Characteristics
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Fiber | Polyester, acrylic, or modacrylic (synthetic) |
| Pile height | Short (1/2") to long (3–4") |
| Weight | Medium to heavy (varies by pile density) |
| Texture | Soft, plush, fluffy — mimics animal fur |
| Backing | Knit fabric (has some stretch) |
| Warmth | Excellent — thick pile traps air |
| Washable | Yes — machine wash cold, air dry recommended |
| Shedding | Some shedding normal, especially when cutting |
| Standard width | 58–60 inches |
Types of Faux Fur
Faux fur comes in many styles, each designed to mimic different natural furs or serve specific purposes:
| Type | Pile | Appearance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shaggy faux fur | Long (2–4") | Wild, flowing, dramatic | Costumes, throws, statement decor |
| Short pile faux fur | Short (1/4–1") | Sleek, dense, uniform | Stuffed animals, linings, accessories |
| Mongolian faux fur | Long, curly | Curly, wild, textured | Pillows, fashion, photo props |
| Faux mink / fox | Medium (1–2") | Smooth, luxury look | Coats, vests, high-end fashion |
| Faux shearling | Short, curly | Resembles sheep's wool | Jacket linings, boot cuffs, bags |
| Minky / plush | Very short, dense | Super soft, velvet-like | Baby blankets, soft toys |
EOVEA's shaggy faux fur features a long, luxurious pile at 60" width — perfect for costumes, home decor, and statement pieces.
What Is Faux Fur Used For?
Home Decor
- Throw blankets — draped over sofas or beds for a luxury look
- Pillow covers — instant upgrade to any room (DIY faux fur pillow tutorial)
- Faux fur rugs — soft underfoot without real hide
- Table runners and accents — seasonal or year-round decor
Fashion & Costumes
- Coats, vests, and jackets — classic faux fur fashion
- Cosplay costumes — animal characters, fantasy creatures, furry suits
- Scarves, hats, and accessories — warmth with style
- Boot toppers and cuffs — add fur trim to boots and gloves
Crafts & Other Uses
- Stuffed animals and plush toys — realistic fur texture
- Pet beds and blankets — cozy, washable comfort
- Photography props — newborn photo backdrops, flat lays
- Upholstery accents — chair covers, ottoman tops, headboards
Faux Fur vs Other Plush Fabrics
| Feature | Faux Fur | Sherpa | Minky | Fleece |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pile height | Medium to long | Short, bumpy | Very short, dense | Low, even |
| Look | Mimics real fur | Mimics sheep wool | Velvety plush | Smooth, sporty |
| Warmth | Very high | High | Moderate | Moderate to high |
| Weight | Heavy | Medium | Medium | Light |
| Sewing difficulty | Intermediate | Easy | Moderate (slippery) | Beginner |
| Shedding | Yes (when cutting) | Minimal | Minimal | No |
| Price | $12–$25/yard | $8–$18/yard | $10–$20/yard | $5–$12/yard |
For a detailed sherpa comparison, see our Faux Fur vs Sherpa guide. For a more philosophical comparison with real fur, read Faux Fur vs Real Fur.
How to Sew with Faux Fur
Faux fur is rewarding to work with once you know a few key techniques:
- Needle: Heavy-duty universal needle, size 90/14 or 100/16
- Thread: Strong polyester thread
- Stitch length: 3.0–4.0mm (longer stitches prevent fabric bunching)
- Presser foot: Walking foot recommended (prevents layers from shifting)
- Seam allowance: 1/2" minimum — the thick pile needs room
Essential tips:
- Cut from the back side — use a razor blade or craft knife to cut only the backing, not the fur fibers. This prevents mess and preserves the pile. (Full cutting guide here)
- Cut in a single layer — faux fur is too thick to fold and cut double.
- Tuck fur into seams — use a pin or needle to push stray fibers into the seam as you sew. After stitching, pull trapped fibers out with a pin to hide the seam.
- Pin within the seam allowance — pins can get lost in thick pile. Use clips or long quilting pins.
- Reduce presser foot pressure if your machine allows — prevents the fabric from being flattened.
How to Care for Faux Fur
| Care Step | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Washing | Machine wash cold, gentle cycle (or hand wash for long-pile fur) |
| Detergent | Mild liquid detergent — no bleach, no fabric softener |
| Drying | Air dry flat (tumble drying can mat the pile) |
| Brushing | Brush gently with a wide-tooth comb or pet brush after drying |
| Ironing | NEVER iron faux fur — synthetic fibers will melt |
| Storage | Hang or lay flat — don't compress in bins for long periods |
For detailed care instructions, see our How to Wash Faux Fur guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is faux fur made of real fur?
No. Faux fur is 100% synthetic. It's made from polyester, acrylic, or modacrylic fibers designed to mimic the look and feel of real animal fur without using any animal products.
Is faux fur warm?
Yes. Faux fur is one of the warmest synthetic fabrics available. The dense, thick pile traps air between fibers, creating excellent insulation. Long-pile shaggy faux fur is especially warm for blankets and outerwear.
Does faux fur shed?
Some shedding is normal, especially with long-pile faux fur. Shedding is most noticeable when cutting the fabric. To minimize shedding, cut from the back side with a blade (not scissors) and shake the fabric outdoors after cutting.
Can you wash faux fur in the washing machine?
Yes, most faux fur can be machine washed on cold with a gentle cycle. For long-pile or delicate faux furs, hand washing is safer. Always air dry — heat from a dryer can melt and mat the synthetic fibers.
Is faux fur better than real fur?
Faux fur is cruelty-free, cheaper, easier to care for, and available in far more colors and patterns than real fur. Real fur is slightly warmer and more durable long-term, but for most craft and fashion projects, faux fur is the practical and ethical choice. See our full faux fur vs real fur comparison.
What is the best faux fur for beginners?
Short-pile faux fur (under 1" pile height) is the easiest to sew for beginners. It sheds less, feeds through the machine more easily, and seam alignment is more forgiving. For a dramatic look that's still manageable, medium-pile shaggy fur is a good step up.
Related Fabric Guides
- How to Cut Faux Fur Without Making a Mess
- Faux Fur vs Real Fur: Differences, Ethics & Quality
- Faux Fur vs Sherpa: Which Is Better?
- How to Wash & Care for Faux Fur
- DIY Faux Fur Pillow Covers
- Shop Faux Fur Fabric by the Yard
Shop all fabrics at EOVEA Fabric — premium craft and apparel fabric by the yard with fast USA shipping.
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