Advantages of Faux Fur Fabric
Considering buying a faux fur piece of furniture? Read on to learn more about the benefits of faux fur fabric. This article will explain what faux fur is and what its pros and cons are. Here are the main pros and cons of this material.
Also read on to discover the advantages and disadvantages of faux fur. The main pros of faux fur fabrics are their durability and low price. However, you should be aware that it does not last forever.
What is faux fur fabric?
Before beginning your sewing project, it is important to learn the fabric’s properties. The pile of faux fur requires special care. Cut the fabric into rectangles slightly larger than the size you need. Use a self-healing mat to avoid leaving marks from scissors. An X-Acto knife works well as a cutting tool. Always cut the faux fur fabric in small sections and then flip them over so that you get mirror images of each piece.
Faux fur is made with polymers made from a combination of acrylic and polyester fibers. These fibers are lightweight and resistant to heat and insects. The backing is usually cotton, wool, or silk. Many faux furs are dyed to achieve a variety of colors. The process of weaving produces different cloth shapes. The process of dying faux fur can be slow, so be prepared to wait a while for the fabric to dry.
Fur is a precious material. Using faux fur as a fabric allows you to save money while still preserving the look and feel of real fur. Aside from being a sustainable material, faux fur is also cruelty-free. Because it is manufactured from synthetic fibers, there is no need for animal welfare laws or harmful practices. And, unlike real fur, faux fur is easier to stick through a pin. These are some of the reasons why faux fur is such a popular choice for sewing projects.
What is faux fur made of?
The production of faux fur is mostly automated. The process begins with the production of fibers. Then, the fibers are sheared to obtain the correct length and are heated to coax the fibers to form a specific direction. Then, dyes are added to the mixture, which produces a realistic looking product. The process can involve as many as seven layers of color and a brushing process to increase softness.
Some companies are moving toward bio-based faux fur. ECOPEL, for example, sources its fiber from Japan. It’s then converted into faux fur in China, where quality control is done by hand and with the help of eyelids. This process saves the planet while still providing quality faux fur products. There are some brands that are converting from real fur to bio-based to reduce their footprint. One company is Ecopel, which sources its fibers from hemp.
The benefits of using faux fur fabric
The main advantage of faux fur garments is their resemblance to real fur. These fabrics are characterized by their fluffy appearance. They are also heat resistant and have good resilience. In addition, they display good stability during laundering. The acrylic polymers used in the production of faux fur are highly resistant to heat, moisture, and abrasion. They also exhibit low moisture absorption, and dry quickly. They can be used for many purposes, including garments, blankets, and other soft furnishings.
Faux fur is produced through a process that is largely automated. The process begins with the production of fibers and varies depending on the desired look. Large blades are used to blend the material. This mixture is then submerged in acetone to convert it into a thick liquid. Once it has been soaked in acetone, it will be transformed into a fur-like material. Then, the material will be dyed.
The cons of using faux fur fabric
While the cons of using real fur are clear, you may not know about the advantages of faux fur fabric. Firstly, it’s a cheaper alternative to real fur. This material is made from synthetic fibers, which closely mimic the look of real fur. Furthermore, this material does not involve cruelty towards animals, which means you can wear it guilt-free. As a bonus, faux fur is also easier to care for.
Another positive side of faux fur is its sustainability. It reduces the use of animal-derived fabrics, and since animal-derived fur is banned in 10 countries, using it will reduce the amount of fur in clothing. Several NGOs have investigated fur factory farming for the past three decades, and a consistent body of research indicates that faux fur is not a major problem in this area. Furthermore, faux fur represents only 0.1% of the 80 billion garments produced annually, which means that there’s no documented environmental impact of its production.
History of faux fur fabric
While many people believe that the history of faux fur is largely about the creation of fake animal pelts, the material has been around for a much longer period of time. Our primitive ancestors used real fur to keep warm, as did rulers in ancient Egypt. Fur coats were often made of various animals, including rabbits and foxes. Today, faux fur is an extremely popular material for home goods, apparel, and accessories. Because of its durability and softness, it’s ideal for all kinds of applications, from accessories to home goods.
Fake fur was created in the late 1800s. Designers began to create plush imitations of animals like chinchilla, seal, and raccoon. Soon after, imitations became as popular as real fur. As real fur prices skyrocket, textile manufacturers began making women’s clothing out of it. One of the first companies to make faux fur fabrics was American-based, which led to the development of new designs and fabrics.
How to care for and clean faux fur fabric?
The first step in caring for your faux fur item is cleaning it. To clean it, you can use a mild detergent that is designed for soft fabrics, such as wool. Mix the detergent with cool water until the faux fur is free of any sticky residue. Remember, the larger the faux fur item, the more detergent you need. The amount of water to detergent should be indicated on the label. You can use detergents such as Woolite or Tide, as they have been designed to protect delicate fabrics and dissolve grease.
Taking care of your faux fur item is as easy as washing any other type of fabric. Simply use a mild detergent and tepid water to wash it. Don’t use a tumble dryer to clean your faux fur; the heat of the machine will damage it. Occasionally, you may need to iron it to get rid of deep creases. You can even iron it through a cotton towel if you can’t remove the wrinkles completely.
FAQ
Main faux fur fabric colors
- pink
- grey
- red
- yellow
- purple
- blue
- white
- black
- green
Main faux fur fabric brands
- Robert Kaufman
- APC Fabrics
- ben textiles inc.
- Fabric Merchants
- Sophia-Art
- TELIO
- SanVera17
- Lunarable
- Michael Miller
- Cotton + Steel
- Ambesonne
- Spoonflower
- eLuxurySupply