Faux Fur Fabric: History, Properties, Uses, Care, Where to Buy
Table of Contents
- 1 Introduction to Faux Fur Fabric
- 2 What is the History surrounding Faux Fur Fabric?
- 3 Properties of Faux Fur Fabric
- 4 How is Faux Fur Made?
- 5 Where is Faux Fur Fabric Made?
- 6 Common uses of Faux Fur Fabric
- 7 How to care for Faux Fur Fabric
- 8 Where to buy Faux Fur Fabric
- 9 Best Faux Fur Fabrics
- 10 The Best Faux Fur: A Buyer’s Guide
- 11 Conclusion
Introduction to Faux Fur Fabric
As the name hints, faux fur fabric essentially means fake fur fabric. It is a fabric knitted together using polyester and acrylic fibers to create numerous designs and color patterns. This fabric was used to replace real fur during the 1950s and has been popular since.
Fabric made to imitate real fur is a luxury market nowadays. Top brands like Calvin Klein and Giorgio Armani use it in their fabric lines to create various clothes. The versatile fabric allows these brands to be fur-free and eco-friendly, allowing for a wider customer base.
| Topic | Summary |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Faux Fur | Faux fur fabric is a synthetic alternative to real fur. |
| History of Faux Fur | Faux fur was initially created for economic reasons and later gained popularity as a fur-free and eco-friendly option. |
| Properties of Faux Fur | Soft, warm, durable, can become shabby over time, heavier than other fabrics, somewhat sturdy but not water or snow resistant. |
| How Faux Fur is Made | Faux fur fabric is made using various techniques like weaving, tufting, and silver knitting. The fabric is heated and treated with chemicals to improve its feel. |
| Where Faux Fur is Made | Faux fur fabric is produced worldwide, with China being the largest producer. |
| Common Uses of Faux Fur | Faux fur fabric is used for daily wear, home decor, and sewing projects. |
| Sewing with Faux Fur | Sewing with faux fur requires specific techniques, such as using a razor to cut and hand-basting seams. Longer stitches and appropriate sewing machines are recommended. |
| Care for Faux Fur | Faux fur should be stored in a cool, dry place, protected from direct sunlight. It should be brushed gently and stored in an open environment or bag to maintain its fluffiness. |
What is the History surrounding Faux Fur Fabric?
Ancient cave dwellers insulated themselves from the cold by covering themselves with animal fur, which has been around for a long time. Aristocrats and kings worldwide wore fur to symbolize their status, riches, and dignity.
Fake fur, interestingly enough, was not initially promoted as a more environmentally friendly alternative to real fur. What manufacturers saw in it was a simple method to generate money. This is because faux fur was a more affordable way for the average person to look like a member of the elite class.
From 1919 to 1928, animal fur products in the United States were subject to a tax imposed by the federal government. The fabric was also promoted because of this. In 1929, the first faux fur products were put on the market.
The alpaca found in the southern region of America has long been used to produce faux fur. Alpaca hairs were first replaced with acrylic polymers, but developments in technology didn’t allow for better-quality imitation furs until then.
Animal furs were successfully mimicked later in the 20th century through synthetic materials, such as polyester.
Properties of Faux Fur Fabric
- Soft and warm
- It is durable
- It may become shabby after some time
- It is heavier than other quilting fabrics
- A bit sturdy, adhesive
- Not water, snow resistant
How is Faux Fur Made?
Faux Fur fabric is made using various compositions of raw materials and techniques. The fibers can be converted into fabric using procedures like weaving, tufting, and silver knitting. The fabric is heated to keep its shape and stability. Then it’s triggered, which removes loose fibers.
A heated grooved cylinder combs the fabric. It’s called electrifying. Then they add chemicals like resins to improve the fabric’s feel. The fabric is heated again to keep it stable. Then more electrifying removes any loose cloth.
Where is Faux Fur Fabric Made?
The fur-substituting fabric can be found throughout the world. Since it’s made of polyester and acrylic fibers instead of real fur, it can’t be limited to a certain place. As is the case with other textiles, China is the largest producer of fabric, followed by Asian countries like India, which take up a large portion of the market share in the textile market.
Common uses of Faux Fur Fabric
Faux Fur fabric makes apparel and clothes for kids, women, and adults alike, acting as a substitute for luxurious fur fabrics; the fabric can also be used for home accessories and decorations.
Daily wear and home decor
Since it is such a warm fabric, it can be used for coats, scarves, and other winter apparel. Designers can also use the fabric to make unique patterned clothes for luxury wear. It can also be used to make sofa covers, pillowcases, bed covers, and other home accessories!
Sewing with Faux Fur
Sewing with faux fabric can be quite intimidating at first. However, ensuring you follow the correct procedure and method, you’ll achieve the desired results.
When cutting your fabric, you can’t use fabric scissors. Instead, you have to use a razor. Also, one should not cut through the entire fabric. Instead, you have to cut through the backing fabric.
When sewing with Faux Fur, you should use a hand-sewing needle and hand-baste your seams. Basting ensures that your sewing patterns and designs are fixed on the fabric and do not slide. Using a brush, remove any hair mounds caught in the seams once each stitch is completed.
Also, use longer stitches when dealing with Faux Fur fabric. The sewing threads can be of multiple types depending on the type of fabric. It’s best to stitch a lighter-weight fabric on top of your fur layer.
The sewing machines used should be like the Singer Quantum stylist 9985, which is among the best sewing machines used. A modern sewing machine will ensure efficient results and decrease the chances of damage to the fur.
Hence, you can get the best results for your faux fur fabric by using the right machines and sewing notions and supplies. So turn up the volume to your crafting room speakers and enjoy the sewing ride.
How to care for Faux Fur Fabric
- Put your Faux Fur fabrics in a cool and dry place since they may stick together in a wet environment due to the polyester fabric concentration in the fabric.
- Avoid direct sunlight; this will lead to the color of the fabric fading away.
- When cleaning the fabric, use a brush with soft bristles to avoid damaging the fur.
- Faux Fur should always be stored in an open environment or bag; otherwise, the fur may flatten.
Where to buy Faux Fur Fabric
Faux Fur fabric can be bought at different fabric and garment shops. Customers can also buy it through online retailers and websites like https://amzn.to/4b6kxLB and Amazon, which have the best Faux Fur fabric available—ranging from the Shannon Fabrics Grey Frost Faux Fur to the soft Shannon Fabrics Faux Fur Wolf Yard.
It can be sold in several ways depending on the seller;
- By yard
- By Inches
- Can be cut to order
When it comes to material, there are literally dozens of options available; satin, rayon, linen, muslin, jacquard, chenille, burlap, denim and chambray are just some of the different types of fabrics that you can choose from. While all of these materials are fantastic and can be used in so many different ways, if you’re looking to sew something cozy and warm or unique and totally eye-catching, then there’s a material that you simply must have: faux fur.
Faux fur can be used in so many wonderful ways. You can use it to create one-of-a-kinds home décors items, such as throw blankets and even area rugs and drapery; or you can turn it into a totally stunning and unexpected gown (with the help of a dress form, of course), a jacket, a shawl, or a muffler that will keep your hands toasty and warm on those cold, chilly nights.
Really, there are just so many different things that you can make with faux fur; the only limit is your imagination. But, if you’re interested in working with this material, you want to make sure that you are choosing a high-quality, durable fabric that doesn’t look cheap and chintzy. To help you on your quest to find the best fake fur, we’ve compiled a list of what we consider to be the best faux fur fabrics on the market.
Best Faux Fur Fabrics
| Image | Faux Fur Fabric | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Faux Fake Fur Solid Shaggy Long Pile Fabric - White | 99% |
| 2. Shannon Fabrics Grey Frost Faux Fur Mongolian Yard | 96% |
| 3. Faux Long Pile Fur Mongolian DARK CAMEL Fabric | 93% |
| 4. Shannon Fabrics Faux Fur Shag White Fabric | 89% |
| 5. Shannon Fabrics Faux Fur Wolf Yard | 85% |
1. Faux Fake Fur Solid Shaggy Long Pile Fabric – White
The Fabric Exchange’s high-quality shaggy, ling pile white fabric is the first option on our list of the best faux fur fabric. If you’re looking to make a welcoming area rug, a plush throw blanket, or even a jacket, with this material, whatever you make will surely be a statement piece!
This fabric is quintessential faux fur at its finest. The long pile is super plush and is so irresistibly soft that it just begs to be touched.
The stark white color works well with any style, such as modern, traditional, or even country chic. You’ll have a hard time not wanting to wrap yourself up in this cozy material.
It’s a completely synthetic fabric, so whether you have an allergy to authentic fur or you are against it for humane reasons, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that this fabric is completely synthetically made. The 4-inch pile is just perfect for a plush rug or throw blanket, or even a lavish scarf and hat set.
The width is 60 inches, which gives you plenty of room to work with; and, it’s sold by the yard and cut in one continuous length, so you can purchase the exact amount that you need. According to the reviews that we read, most of the customers who have used this product are very happy with it. Many people said that it was extremely soft and easy to work with.
What We Like About It
- Brilliant white color
- 4 inch pile
- 60 inch width
- Sold by the yard and cut in one continuous length
- Extremely soft
- Easy to work with
Reasons to Complain
- Some users stated that the fabric sheds a lot
- Others said that they didn’t receive the length that they had ordered
Final Verdict: If you’re looking for an opulent faux fur fabric, this Faux Fake Fur Solid Shaggy Long Pile Fabric in White from The Fabric Exchange is an excellent option. It’s extremely soft, lavish, easy to work with, and can be used in a myriad of ways.
2. Shannon Fabrics Grey Frost Faux Fur
Next up on our list of the best faux fur fabric is this Grey Frost Faux Fur from Shannon Fabrics.
It’s a blended material, made of 80 percent acrylic and 20 percent polyester, so it’s pretty durable and can be used for a variety of projects.
For example, you could combine it with faux leather to create a super funky upholstery fabric for chairs; or you could use it with velvet or wool and cashmere for a plush and totally one-of-a-kind jacket. However, do take note that it does need to be hand washed or dry cleaned, like most faux fur has to be cared for.
The width of this fake fur is 60 inches, so it’s wide enough on its own for various types of projects, or you could easily sew a straight line to connect a few pieces together and use some sewing bias tape to secure it.
The fabric is sold by the yard and cut to order, so you can purchase as much as you need. Based on the reviews that we read, it seems that most of the customers on Amazon who purchased this material are very happy with the quality, thickness, durability, and softness. They also say that it’s easy to work with.
What We Like About It
- Made of a blend of 80 percent acrylic and 20 percent polyester
- Deep pile
- 60 inches wide
- Sold by the yard and cut to order
- Durable
- Extremely soft
- Versatile
Reasons to Complain
- It does have to be hand washed or dry cleaned; however, that is to be expected with fake fur
- Some customers did say that it sheds quite a bit; however, many noted that the shedding wasn’t that bad
- Others said that the color is a bit darker than it appears in the picture
Final Verdict: If you’re looking for fake fur with a long pile in a gray color, then this option from Shannon Fabrics should most certainly suit your needs. It’s a Mongolian faux fur in a gray frost color and it has a super thick, deep pile.
Shop Now on Amazon for Fabric Check Today's Price on Amazons3. Faux Long Pile Fur Mongolian Dark Camel Fabric
We were so impressed with the faux fur fabric from The Fabric Exchange that we decided to list another option from this manufacturer on our list.
Like the previously mentioned material, this one is also a deep pile, but it is 1.5 inches thick as opposed to the four-inch thickness of the first option. Because it’s Mongolian fake fur, it also has a more natural look than the first option, which has a shaggy look.
The material is a dark camel in color, so it has an earthy color to it, which lends itself well to various types of projects; jackets, wraps, blankets, comforters, throw pillows, and more!
This fake fur is 100 percent synthetic, and it’s sewn onto a special backing that has a suede-like feeling, so it’s very well constructed, highly durable, and extremely soft. The width measures 58 to 60 inches and it’s sold by the yard and is cut to order in a continuous length of fabric.
According to the reviews that we read, most of the customers who have used this material are very pleased with it. Those who have purchased it used it for a variety of applications, such as costumes (such as the Lion from The Wizard of Oz or Chewbacca from Star Wars), home décor, and apparel.
What We Like About It
- Attached to a suede-like backing for added durability and softness
- Dense material
- Extremely soft
- Easy to work with
- Sold by the yard and cut in one continuous length
Reasons to Complain
- Some customers said that the color is a bit different than it appears in the pictures
- Confusion on the pile lengths; in one part of the description, it says that it’s 3 inches, while in others it says that it’s 1.5 inches. In reality, it’s closer to the 1.5 inch length
Final Verdict: Whether you’re looking to make a costume, home décor, or apparel, this faux Mongolian fur from The Fabric Exchange is a great choice. It’s very well constructed, has a nice pile, and the camel color works for a variety of applications.
4. Shannon Fabrics Faux Fur Shag White Fabric by the Yard
Shannon Fabric does faux fur fabric so well that we added another option from this manufacturer to our list of the best fake fur material. Wrap yourself in total warmth and softness with this Faux Fur Shag White Fabric by the Yard.
This material is perfect for throw blankets, comforters, pillow covers, apparel, stuffed animals, and so much more!
Like the other Shannon Fabrics fake fur on our list, this material is made of 80 percent acrylic and 20 polyesters, so it’s very durable and it won’t shrink. It’s also machine washable, which makes it extremely easy to care for.
In fact, one customer who purchased this material said that she has washed it several time and it has held up very well. The color is a beautiful sheer white, which works well with any décor or style.
The long shag pile is irresistibly soft. The width is a true 60 inches and it’s flexible, too, so it does offer some stretch.
This fabric is sold by the yard and cut to order. It’s also cut in a continuous length, so you don’t have to worry about getting individual 1-yard sections, which can pose problems for certain projects. The reviews on this fake fur fabric are overwhelmingly positive. Many of the users noted that it is very luxurious, well-constructed, and easy to work with.
What We Like About It
- Extremely soft
- 80 percent acrylic and 20 percent polyester
- Very durable
- Machine washable for easy care
- Sold by the yard
- Cut to order in a continuous length of fabric
- Pure white color
- 60 inches wide
- Very minimal shedding
Reasons to Complain
- Some customers said that they were not pleased with the packaging, as it was crammed into a box
- Others said that it wasn’t as thick as they were hoping it would be
Final Verdict: We were very impressed with the Faux Fur Shag White Fabric from Shannon Fabrics. It’s very well constructed, is extremely soft, has a deep pile, and the shedding is minimal. The best part is that it is machine washable, which makes for very easy care.
Shop Now on Amazon for Fabric Check Today's Price on Amazon5. Shannon Fabrics Faux Fur Wolf Yard
The last option on our list of the best faux fur fabric (but certainly not the least) is another material from Shannon Fabrics. This material is made to resemble wolf fur, and the pile, thickness, and texture really do mimic that of a real wolf’s fur! This fabric would be perfect for an area rug, a throw blanket, or even draperies in a room with a rustic design. You could also use it to craft a one-of-a-kind jacket, scarf, or hat. It would also be ideal for a wolf costume.
Made of a blend of 80 percent acrylic and 20 percent polyester, so it’s very durable and easy to care for; just toss it into the washing machine on a cold setting and let it air dry. The fabric is 60 inches wide and is sold by the yard and cut to order in one continuous length. Though there were only two reviews offered for this product on Amazon, both of them were five-star ratings.
What We Like About It
- Extremely soft
- Well constructed
- Easy to care for; machine wash and air dry
- Resembles real wolf fur
- 60 inches wide
- Sold by the yard
- Cut to order in one continuous length
Reasons to Complain
- There is a slight amount of shedding around the edges
Final Verdict: Whether you’re looking to make a wolf costume or you’d like to make unique home décor or clothing, Shannon Fabrics Faux Fur Wolf is a fantastic choice. It really resembles wolf fur and it is well constructed and easy to care for.
Shop Now on Amazon for Fabric Check Today's Price on AmazonThe Best Faux Fur: A Buyer’s Guide
There are so many different types of fabrics available that finding an option that will suit your needs shouldn’t be a challenge. If you’re looking to make a costume for Halloween or a play, you want to make a cozy and warm blanket, rug, or pillow, or you are interested in crafting your own plush clothing or accessories, then faux fur is a material that you are going to want to choose.
Like any other fabric, you want to make sure that you select the highest quality fake fur; but, how do you do that? In this part of our review, you’ll find some handy tips that you can use to find the best faux fur material.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Faux Fur Fabric
Like any other type of material you may be shopping for, there is a certain factor that you are going to want to take into consideration in order to find the best fake fur possible. Those factors include:
- Faux fur is available in a variety of different pile depths, ranging from less than an inch to several inches. Make sure that you select a pile that will suit the needs of the project you are planning to create.
- You should also consider the finish of the fabric. Options include dense shags or fine fur, for example. You want to make sure that the finish works with the project you are making.
- Unfortunately, fake fur does have a tendency to shed; however, the higher the quality of the fake fur, the less it will shed.
- You also want to select a fabric that is wide enough for the project you are looking to create. The standard width for material is between 58 and 60 inches; however, there are wider and thinner options available.
How We Chose the Best Faux Fur Fabric
To select the best fake fur material, we enlisted the help of professional seamstresses. Together, we assessed the quality of several different types of fake fur. We examined the material, inspected the quality, and worked with each option to find out how easy they were to craft. Based on our assessments, we determined that the five options mentioned in our review are the highest quality, most luxurious fake fur fabrics available.
Sources:
Conclusion
Fur substitutes such as faux fur are environmentally beneficial alternatives to real fur because they are produced without harming animals and are long-lasting and comfortable to wear throughout the manufacturing process.
Sources
