Quick Answer
Sewing with faux fur isn't as difficult as many believe, but it does require specific techniques and tools. By separating myths from realities, you can achieve professional-looking results in your bag making projects. Focus on preparation, the right needle, and managing the pile, and you'll find faux fur is a rewarding material to work with.
Faux fur adds a luxurious, cozy touch to bags and accessories, but it also comes with a reputation for being tricky to sew. Many makers avoid it, believing myths that it's impossible to sew on a home machine or that it will shed everywhere. In this article, we'll bust those myths and give you the facts you need to confidently work with faux fur.
Whether you're making a plush handbag or a lined tote, understanding how faux fur behaves—and how to handle it—can make all the difference. Let's separate the myths from the realities so you can enjoy the process and love the results.
Myth: Faux Fur is Impossible to Sew on a Home Sewing Machine
Reality: With the right needle and settings, you can sew faux fur on a standard home machine. The key is to use a heavy-duty or denim needle (size 90/14 or 100/16) and a longer stitch length. Test on scraps first to find the best tension. Many bag makers successfully sew faux fur with a walking foot or a Teflon foot to prevent sticking.
Another tip is to reduce the presser foot pressure if your machine allows it. This helps the fur feed evenly without stretching. Remember to clean your machine after sewing faux fur, as the fibers can accumulate in the feed dogs.
Myth: Faux Fur Sheds Everywhere and is Messy to Work With
Reality: While some shedding is normal, you can minimize it with proper preparation. Before cutting, gently shake the fur outdoors or use a lint roller to remove loose hairs. When cutting, use a sharp rotary cutter or a craft knife to cut only the backing, not the fur fibers. This reduces shedding and keeps the pile intact.
For seams, you can trim the fur from the seam allowance after sewing to reduce bulk and prevent fibers from poking out. This also makes the seam lay flatter and look neater. With these steps, you can keep your workspace clean and your project looking polished.
Myth: Faux Fur is Only for Winter Projects or Coats
Reality: Faux fur is versatile and can be used in many projects beyond winter wear. In bag making, it adds a playful texture to handbags, backpacks, and even small pouches. Pair it with other fabrics like faux leather or cork for a trendy contrast. Faux fur also works well for home décor items like cushions and throws.
For bag making, consider using faux fur as an accent panel or as the main fabric for a statement piece. With the right zipper and hardware, you can create a unique, high-end look. The key is to choose the right weight and pile length for your project.
Myth: You Can't Use Zippers or Hardware with Faux Fur
Reality: Zippers and hardware work perfectly well with faux fur if you handle the pile. When installing a zipper, use a zipper foot and make sure the fur isn't caught in the zipper tape. You can also trim the fur away from the zipper area to prevent it from getting stuck.
For zipper pulls, choose ones that are easy to grip, like the Four Acorn Zipper Pulls, which are designed for #5 nylon coil zippers commonly used in bags. They come in various colors to match your project. Using the right hardware ensures your bag is both functional and stylish.
Four Acorn Zipper Pulls
Myth: Faux Fur is Hard to Care For and Maintain
Reality: Faux fur is relatively easy to care for. Most faux furs can be spot cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. Always check the care instructions for your specific fabric. For storage, keep your faux fur items in a cool, dry place and avoid crushing the pile. Use a garment bag or store them flat to maintain their shape.
When sewing with faux fur, you can also use a pressing cloth and low heat to press seams, but avoid direct heat on the fur. With simple care, your faux fur projects will stay looking great for years.
Faux Fur Myth vs Reality: Quick Verdicts
- Myth: Faux fur is impossible to sew at home: Reality: With the right needle, stitch length, and presser foot, you can sew faux fur on a standard machine. Test on scraps and adjust settings as needed. Use a heavy-duty needle and a walking foot for best results.
- Myth: Faux fur sheds uncontrollably: Reality: Shedding can be minimized by shaking the fur before cutting, using a sharp rotary cutter, and trimming seam allowances. Cut the backing only to keep the pile intact.
- Myth: Faux fur is only for winter projects: Reality: Faux fur is versatile and can be used in bags, accessories, and home décor all year round. Try using faux fur as an accent in your next bag.
- Myth: Zippers and hardware don't work with faux fur: Reality: With proper techniques, zippers and hardware work fine. Use a zipper foot and trim fur away from zipper tape. Choose quality zipper pulls like the Four Acorn Zipper Pulls for easy use.
- Myth: Faux fur is hard to maintain: Reality: Faux fur is easy to care for with spot cleaning and proper storage. Always check care instructions and store items flat to avoid crushing.
Products That Help with Faux Fur Projects
- Four Acorn Zipper Pulls: Use these zipper pulls with Sallie Tomato Zippers by the Yard, or any size #5 nylon coil zipper. This size zipper is best used on the top of handbags, backpacks, totes, laptop carriers, and more! Make single or double slide zippers with these pulls. Double slide zippers open from the middle out, which is ideal for luggage style bags, bowler bags, handbags, and more. Size: 1 3/8" from end to end. When working with faux fur, a secure and easy-to-grip zipper pull is essential. These pulls are designed for #5 zippers, which are commonly used in bags, and they come in various colors to coordinate with your faux fur project.
- Spring Zipper Bundle: This spring bundle will sprout your creativity in a fresh, positive way! These are #5 zippers. Sew with confidence using our Premium Zippers by the Yard, designed for bag making, accessories, home décor, apparel, and more. Cut the exact length you need to reduce waste, save money, customize your projects, and achieve a polished, professional finish every time! Plus, create double-slide zippers that open from the center, which are perfect for luggage-style bags, bowler bags, and backpacks. Having a variety of zipper lengths is especially useful when sewing with faux fur, as you can cut to the exact size needed for your project. This bundle offers a cost-effective way to stock up on quality zippers for multiple faux fur creations.
- Mustard Pebble Faux Leather: Get the look of luxury for less with our premium Faux Leather. This vegan material is a great alternative to genuine leather or cork fabric due to its price point, durability, ease of maintenance, and resistance to moisture. This premium faux leather features a refined pebble texture, offering the luxurious appearance and feel of genuine leather. Designed for durability and versatility, it is an excellent choice for bag making. Pairing faux fur with faux leather can create a stylish contrast in your bag designs. This pebble faux leather is durable and easy to maintain, making it a practical companion to faux fur for straps, panels, or accents.
Sewing with faux fur doesn't have to be intimidating. By debunking these myths and applying the right techniques, you can create beautiful, functional bags that showcase the unique texture of faux fur. Remember to choose the right tools and materials, and don't be afraid to experiment. Happy sewing!
