Faux Fur Jacket Sewing: Patterns & How-To Guide

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Faux Fur Jacket Sewing Pattern: Your Ultimate Guide

Hey there, fashion-forward friends! Are you dreaming of a stylish and cozy faux fur jacket but can't seem to find the perfect one in stores? Or maybe you're just itching to unleash your inner creative genius? Well, you've come to the right place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about faux fur jacket sewing patterns, from choosing the right materials to mastering the trickiest sewing techniques. So, grab your needles, thread, and a healthy dose of enthusiasm – let's dive into the wonderful world of DIY faux fur jackets!

Why Sew Your Own Faux Fur Jacket?

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let's talk about why sewing your own faux fur jacket is such a fantastic idea. It's not just about saving money (although that's a definite perk!). It's about so much more:

  • Unleash Your Creativity: Sewing allows you to design a jacket that perfectly reflects your personal style. You get to choose the fabric, the lining, the closures, and all the little details that make a garment truly yours. Want a bold leopard print? A classic black bomber? The possibilities are endless!
  • Achieve the Perfect Fit: Let's be honest, finding clothes that fit perfectly off the rack can be a struggle. With a sewing pattern, you can customize the fit to your exact measurements, ensuring a flattering and comfortable garment. Say goodbye to sleeves that are too long or shoulders that are too tight!
  • Quality Control: When you sew your own jacket, you have complete control over the quality of the materials and the construction. You can choose high-quality faux fur that will last for years and use durable sewing techniques to create a garment that's built to withstand the test of time. No more flimsy, mass-produced jackets!
  • A Sense of Accomplishment: There's nothing quite like the feeling of wearing something you made with your own two hands. Sewing a faux fur jacket is a challenging but rewarding project that will give you a serious sense of accomplishment. Plus, you'll get to impress your friends with your amazing sewing skills!

Choosing the Right Faux Fur Fabric

The first key to a successful faux fur jacket is selecting the right fabric. Faux fur comes in a wide variety of colors, textures, and pile lengths (the length of the fur fibers), so it's important to choose one that's appropriate for your project. Here's what to consider:

  • Pile Length: Longer pile furs are more luxurious and dramatic, but they can also be more challenging to sew. Shorter pile furs are easier to work with and are a good choice for beginners. Think about the overall look you're going for and choose a pile length that complements your design.
  • Fabric Weight: Heavier faux furs will create a more structured jacket, while lighter furs will drape more softly. Consider the weight of the fabric in relation to the style of jacket you're making. A heavy fur might be great for a classic coat, but too bulky for a bomber jacket.
  • Fiber Content: Most faux furs are made from synthetic fibers like acrylic, modacrylic, or polyester. These fibers are durable, easy to care for, and mimic the look and feel of real fur. Pay attention to the fiber content when choosing your fabric, as it can affect its drape, texture, and care requirements.
  • Color and Pattern: This is where you can really let your personality shine! Faux fur comes in a rainbow of colors and a variety of patterns, from classic animal prints to bold, modern designs. Choose a color and pattern that you love and that suits your personal style.

When selecting your faux fur, it’s a fantastic idea to order samples before committing to a larger purchase. This allows you to feel the fabric, assess its drape, and see how it looks in person. It’s also a good opportunity to test different sewing techniques on scraps of the fabric before you start cutting into your main piece.

Finding the Perfect Faux Fur Jacket Sewing Pattern

Once you've chosen your fabric, it's time to find a sewing pattern. There are tons of great faux fur jacket sewing patterns out there, ranging from simple, beginner-friendly designs to more complex, couture-inspired styles. Here's how to find the perfect one for you:

  • Skill Level: Be honest with yourself about your sewing skills. If you're a beginner, start with a simple pattern that has clear instructions and minimal details. More advanced sewists can tackle more challenging patterns with features like linings, pockets, and closures.
  • Style: Think about the style of jacket you want to create. Are you looking for a classic coat, a trendy bomber jacket, or a cozy vest? Search for patterns that match your desired style. Fashion magazines, online retailers, and social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram can be excellent sources of inspiration.
  • Fit: Pay close attention to the size chart and finished garment measurements when choosing a pattern. It's always a good idea to compare the measurements to a garment you already own that fits well. You may need to adjust the pattern to achieve the perfect fit.
  • Pattern Format: Sewing patterns are available in both paper and digital formats. Paper patterns are printed on large sheets of paper and need to be cut out and traced. Digital patterns can be downloaded and printed at home on standard printer paper. Consider your preferences and access to printing when choosing a pattern format.

Look for patterns specifically designed for faux fur or other bulky fabrics. These patterns will often have features like wider seam allowances and simpler construction techniques that are better suited to faux fur. Don't be afraid to try independent pattern designers! They often offer unique and stylish designs that you won't find in mass-market pattern catalogs.

Essential Tools and Materials for Sewing Faux Fur

Now that you have your fabric and pattern, let's gather the essential tools and materials you'll need for your project. Here's a comprehensive list:

  • Faux Fur Fabric: Of course! Make sure you have enough fabric to cut out all the pattern pieces, plus a little extra for mistakes or adjustments.
  • Sewing Pattern: Choose a pattern that matches your skill level and desired style.
  • Lining Fabric: A lining will make your jacket more comfortable to wear and give it a professional finish. Choose a lining fabric that complements your faux fur and feels soft against the skin. Satin, silk, or rayon are good options.
  • Thread: Use a high-quality thread that matches the color of your faux fur and lining fabric. Polyester thread is a good choice for most faux furs.
  • Sewing Machine: A sturdy sewing machine is essential for sewing faux fur. If you have a walking foot attachment, that's even better, as it will help to feed the fabric evenly.
  • Needles: Use a heavy-duty needle designed for thick fabrics. A size 90/14 or 100/16 needle is usually a good choice.
  • Scissors or Rotary Cutter: Sharp scissors or a rotary cutter are essential for cutting out your pattern pieces accurately.
  • Pins: Use long, sharp pins to hold your fabric pieces together. Ball-head pins are a good choice for faux fur, as they are less likely to get lost in the pile.
  • Seam Ripper: Mistakes happen! A seam ripper will help you to undo any errant stitches.
  • Measuring Tape: A measuring tape is essential for taking your measurements and making pattern adjustments.
  • Tailor's Chalk or Fabric Marker: Use tailor's chalk or a fabric marker to transfer pattern markings onto your fabric.
  • Iron and Ironing Board: An iron is essential for pressing seams and giving your jacket a professional finish.
  • Hand-Sewing Needle: You'll need a hand-sewing needle for tasks like attaching closures and hemming.
  • Closures: Choose closures that are appropriate for your jacket style. Buttons, snaps, zippers, or hooks and eyes are all good options.

Consider adding a layer of interfacing to areas that need extra structure, such as the collar, cuffs, or facings. This will help your jacket hold its shape and prevent the faux fur from stretching out.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sewing a Faux Fur Jacket

Alright, guys, let's get down to the sewing! This is where the magic happens. Follow these steps to sew your own fabulous faux fur jacket:

  1. Prepare Your Pattern: Cut out your pattern pieces and make any necessary adjustments to fit your measurements. If you're using a paper pattern, trace the pieces onto pattern paper or tissue paper before cutting them out. This will allow you to preserve the original pattern in case you need it again.
  2. Cut Out Your Fabric: Lay your faux fur fabric out on a flat surface, with the fur facing down. Position your pattern pieces on the fabric, paying attention to the nap (the direction in which the fur fibers lie). It's crucial to cut all the pieces with the nap running in the same direction, or your jacket will look uneven. Use pins to secure the pattern pieces to the fabric and cut them out carefully using sharp scissors or a rotary cutter. Avoid cutting through the fur fibers; instead, try to cut the fabric backing only. This will minimize shedding.
  3. Transfer Markings: Use tailor's chalk or a fabric marker to transfer any pattern markings onto your fabric, such as darts, notches, and buttonhole placements. These markings will help you to assemble your jacket accurately.
  4. Sew the Darts: If your pattern has darts, sew them first. Darts are triangular folds of fabric that are sewn to shape the garment. Fold the dart along the marked lines, right sides together, and sew along the dart legs. Press the darts towards the center of the garment.
  5. Sew the Seams: Pin the fabric pieces together, right sides together, matching notches and other markings. Sew the seams using a straight stitch, using a slightly longer stitch length than usual (about 3mm) to prevent puckering. Be careful not to catch the fur fibers in the seams. You can use a seam ripper or a pin to gently pull any trapped fibers out of the seam after sewing.
  6. Press the Seams: Press the seams open or to one side, depending on the pattern instructions. Pressing the seams will help your jacket to lie flat and look more professional. Use a low to medium heat setting on your iron and press gently, avoiding direct contact with the faux fur fibers.
  7. Assemble the Lining: Sew the lining pieces together in the same way as the main fabric pieces. Leave an opening in one of the seams (usually in the lining back) for turning the jacket right side out.
  8. Attach the Lining: Pin the lining to the jacket, right sides together, matching seams and edges. Sew around the perimeter of the jacket, leaving the opening in the lining unsewn.
  9. Turn the Jacket Right Side Out: Reach through the opening in the lining and pull the jacket right side out. Gently push out the corners and smooth out the seams.
  10. Close the Opening: Turn the raw edges of the opening in the lining to the inside and press. Pin the opening closed and hand-stitch it using a slip stitch or blind stitch.
  11. Attach Closures: Attach your chosen closures to the jacket, such as buttons, snaps, zippers, or hooks and eyes. Follow the pattern instructions for placement and attachment.
  12. Hem the Jacket: Turn the hem allowance to the inside and press. Pin the hem in place and hand-stitch it using a slip stitch or blind stitch. You can also use a sewing machine to stitch the hem, but hand-stitching will give you a cleaner, more invisible finish.
  13. Give it a Final Press: Give your jacket a final press to smooth out any wrinkles and set the seams. Use a low to medium heat setting on your iron and press gently, avoiding direct contact with the faux fur fibers.

Tips and Tricks for Sewing with Faux Fur

Faux fur can be a bit of a diva to work with, but with these tips and tricks, you'll be sewing like a pro in no time:

  • Cut Carefully: As mentioned earlier, it's crucial to cut faux fur with the fur facing down and to avoid cutting through the fur fibers. Use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter and cut the fabric backing only. This will minimize shedding and give you a cleaner edge.
  • Use a Walking Foot: A walking foot is a special sewing machine attachment that helps to feed thick fabrics evenly. It has feed dogs on both the top and bottom, which grip the fabric and prevent it from slipping. This is especially helpful when sewing faux fur, as it can be slippery and bulky.
  • Use a Longer Stitch Length: A longer stitch length (about 3mm) will prevent puckering and help the seams to lie flat. Shorter stitch lengths can get lost in the fur fibers and make the seams look bulky.
  • Sew Slowly: Sewing faux fur requires patience and precision. Sew slowly and carefully, making sure to keep the fabric aligned and the seams straight.
  • Clean Up as You Go: Faux fur can shed a lot, so it's important to clean up as you go. Keep a vacuum cleaner or lint roller handy to remove any loose fibers.
  • Don't Be Afraid to Hand-Sew: Some steps, like attaching closures and hemming, are best done by hand. Hand-sewing gives you more control and allows you to create a cleaner, more invisible finish.
  • Test Your Techniques: Before you start sewing your jacket, it's a good idea to test your techniques on scraps of faux fur. This will allow you to get a feel for the fabric and make any necessary adjustments to your sewing machine settings or techniques.

Caring for Your Faux Fur Jacket

Once you've sewn your gorgeous faux fur jacket, you'll want to take good care of it so it lasts for years to come. Here are some tips for caring for your faux fur:

  • Read the Care Label: The care label on your fabric will provide specific instructions for washing and drying. Always follow these instructions to avoid damaging your jacket.
  • Dry Clean When Possible: Dry cleaning is the safest way to clean faux fur, as it will prevent the fur fibers from matting or becoming damaged. If your jacket is heavily soiled, take it to a professional dry cleaner.
  • Hand Wash If Necessary: If you need to wash your jacket at home, hand-washing is the best option. Fill a tub or sink with cool water and add a mild detergent. Gently swish the jacket in the water and rinse thoroughly. Avoid wringing or twisting the jacket, as this can damage the fur fibers.
  • Air Dry: Air-drying is the safest way to dry faux fur. Hang the jacket on a padded hanger or lay it flat on a clean surface to dry. Avoid using a dryer, as the heat can damage the fur fibers.
  • Brush Regularly: Brush your faux fur jacket regularly with a soft-bristled brush to remove any dirt or debris and keep the fur fibers looking fluffy.
  • Store Properly: Store your faux fur jacket in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use a padded hanger to prevent the jacket from losing its shape. You can also store it in a garment bag to protect it from dust and moths.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, guys! Everything you need to know about faux fur jacket sewing patterns. With a little planning, some patience, and these handy tips, you'll be rocking your own stylish and cozy faux fur jacket in no time. Sewing your own clothes is a rewarding experience, and a fabulous faux fur jacket is a statement piece that you'll be proud to wear. Happy sewing!