How to Make a Faux Fur Pillow

Creating your own faux fur pillows is an accessible way to infuse luxury into your living spaces without a hefty price tag. These plush accents offer texture, warmth, and versatility, fitting seamlessly into modern, bohemian, or rustic interiors. With basic sewing skills and readily available supplies, you can produce professional-looking results in under an hour.

Why Choose Faux Fur for Pillows?

Faux fur replicates the opulence of real fur while being cruelty-free, durable, and easy to maintain. It adds a tactile element that elevates sofas, beds, and chairs, providing both aesthetic appeal and comfort. Unlike smooth fabrics, faux fur’s pile hides minor imperfections, making it forgiving for novice sewers.

Available in various piles—from short and sleek to long and shaggy—faux fur suits different styles. Shorter piles work for subtle elegance, while longer ones create dramatic fluffiness. Its insulating properties make it ideal for seasonal decor, especially during cooler months.

Essential Materials and Tools

Gathering the right items ensures a smooth crafting process. Focus on quality to achieve plump, long-lasting pillows.

• Faux fur fabric: 1/2 yard for an 18×18-inch pillow. Opt for pieces from reputable suppliers like Joann Fabrics for consistent pile and backing.
• Pillow insert: 18×18 inches or matching size for a full look. Polyfill-stuffed homemade versions are budget-friendly alternatives.
• Thread: Heavy-duty, color-matched to blend with the fur.
• Sewing essentials: Machine with zipper foot, pins or clips, scissors or craft knife, measuring tape, and applique scissors for pile trimming.
• Optional: Invisible zipper for removable covers, enhancing washability.

Budget tip: A single 1/2-yard cut yields one standard pillow, costing under $20 total.

Selecting the Perfect Faux Fur Type

Not all faux furs sew alike. Consider pile length and backing type:

Test pile direction—sew with it lying down for smoother results.

Preparation: Measuring and Cutting

Precision here prevents puckering. For an 18-inch pillow:

1. Measure fabric: 36 inches long (cross-grain) by 18 inches wide (straight-grain) for a zipped envelope style, allowing 1/2-inch seams.
2. Cut smartly: Mark lines on the backing. Snip 1-inch starter cuts and tear across to preserve pile, minimizing fuzz. Avoid regular scissors on long pile.
3. Trim edges: Brush fur from raw edges with a stiff brush or comb for clean seams.

Pro tip: Lay fabric pile-down on a cutting mat; use a craft knife for razor-sharp edges without scattering fibers.

Step-by-Step Sewing Guide

Follow these instructions for a zipped pillow cover—removable for easy cleaning.

Attach the Zipper

Center an 18-inch invisible zipper along one short edge.

• Place zipper right sides together with fabric edge; secure with clips (pins snag fur).
• Sew close to teeth using zipper foot, straight stitch.
• Fold fabric to align opposite edge with zipper; stitch similarly.

Sew the Sides

Unzip halfway. Match long sides, tucking fur inward.

• Push pile away from edges; sew 1/2-inch seams, reinforcing corners.
• Snip corner tips (not through stitches) for sharp turns when flipping.

Finish and Insert

1. Turn right-side out through open zipper; poke corners with a chopstick or pencil.
2. Brush trapped fur from seams using fingers or a pet brush.
3. Insert form; zip closed.

Total time: 45 minutes. Hand-sewing alternative: Fold fabric into a tube, sew three sides, stuff, and ladder-stitch shut.

Advanced Variations for Custom Looks

Elevate basics with these tweaks:

• Reversible pillows: Pair faux fur with suede or velvet; sew right sides together, leaving a turning gap.
• Lumbar shapes: Cut 11×14 inches plus seam allowance; rip fabric for straight edges on shaggier types.
• Envelope closure: Overlap back panels for no-zip access, ideal for beginners.
• Body pillows: Extend to 18×58 inches; fold and sew for elongated luxury.

Experiment with patterns like cheetah print on fur backing for eclectic vibes.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sewing faux fur can shed or bunch—here’s how to fix it:

• Fur caught in seams: Brush vigorously post-turning; use applique scissors to trim.
• Puckered edges: Loosen tension; sew slowly with longer stitches.
• Shedding mess: Vacuum workspace; cut outdoors or over a lint roller.
• Uneven pile: Comb with a metal dog brush before and after.

If machine jams, switch to walking foot for thick layers.

Care and Maintenance Tips

Spot-clean with mild soap and water; avoid full immersion to protect backing. Fluff daily and vacuum gently with upholstery attachment. Store flat to prevent matting. Most machine-washable on delicate if zipped.

Styling Ideas for Your New Pillows

Mix sizes on sectionals for dimension. Pair shag with neutrals for contrast or layer with knits for hygge. In bedrooms, stack on duvets; outdoors, use weather-resistant inserts sparingly.

• Sofa vignette: 2-3 pillows in cream and gray.
• Bed accent: One lumbar at foot.
• Chair pop: Single bold color.

Cost Breakdown and Sourcing

Shop sales for 50% off fabric deals.

FAQ

Do I need a sewing machine?

No—hand-stitch for simpler projects, though a machine speeds it up.

Can beginners make this?

Yes; fur forgives errors, and steps are straightforward.

How do I cut without mess?

Slice backing with a craft knife or tear after small snips.

Is faux fur machine-washable?

Most yes, on gentle cycle; air dry.

What size insert for 1/2 yard fabric?

18-inch square fits plumply with 1/2-inch seams.