Mood DIY: How to Sew an Easy Faux Fur Vest

I always like dressing comfortably. So when something on trend is also great to wear all day, I am in love. Cue fur vests!

Vests and shawls are my go to garments for fall; layering is always a good idea when the weather is constantly changing. So when giant fur coats and sleeves and wraps began walking down the runway again, I knew I’d be making something — with faux fur, of course!

Fabrics used:

• 1 yard Shaggy Emerald Green Knit Faux Fur
• 1 yard Phantom Black Heavy Twill Lining

This was my first time working with fur, and so I wanted to make my pattern with as few seams as possible. I began with a rectangle like you see above, and cut two semi-circles into the sides for arm holes. Next, I just needed to cut straight up the middle into the center of the fabric and cut out a circle for the neckline. I laid my pattern along the full with of my fabric – 59″. Be sure to check which direction your fur goes in though. Luckily, I could brush mine whichever way I want, but other furs have a very obvious nap that could mess up your panel.

Since I was doing such a basic pattern for this, I decided to go with a faux fur with a little more character – a shaggy shearling in a rich emerald green!

When cutting fur, be sure to cut it through the backing with a razor or straight-edge. Cutting it with scissors will cut through the fur fibers themselves, creating a ton of fuzz and uneven lines.

Cut your pattern out from both your faux fur and your lining. Sew each of them up their respective sides. When sewing with fur, be sure to use a lot of pins, and double check that no fur is stuck in your seam allowance. Above you can see a cleanly pinned seam with all the fur brush inward. Below, you’ll notice that I haven’t finished pinning – the fur falling out of the opening would get caught in the seam if it’s left, creating uneven hems and making the fur appear matted. No matted fur allowed!

Lastly, the lining should be pinned to the fur. In the bottom hem, leave a 6″ opening for you to turn your vest right-side-out – much like when you make a pillow. This will need to be slip-stitched closed, but first make sure you sew your armholes closed!

In just under an hour you should have a brand new faux fur vest, perfect for all your rock star needs! What fur will you be using for yours?