Hello all! I've been lurking here on and off for a few months, pretty much since I started getting some time at my sewing machine again for the first time in way too long. I think I'm an advanced beginner - maybe less advanced than I think, which tends to get me into trouble! Anyway, I'm happy to ask my first question, because I scored a yard of faux shearling, embellished with embroidery and sequins for 8 bucks on the remnant rack! Woo hoo! I was thinking about a purse, but I may have enough for a simple vest. Any idea how I finish the edges? Or do you think they would be OK raw?
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There are hundreds of suede backed faux shearlings available and all are quite nice to work with and all give good-looking results, even for beginners. I've made several coats from the faux shearlings and they sell quickly. The beauty of shearling and the characteristic hall mark of garments made from either fake or the real thing is the visible fur peeking out from the seams. I make my shearling garments with a scant 1/4 inch seamline, overlap the two pieces and topstitch along the seamline. For bags I place the two peices wrong sides together (that is, the fur sides) and sew. This is easy and looks professional. Use the longest stitch length you have to allow the fabric to feed smoothly. If there are any problems place tissue paper or tear away stabilizer between the machine and the fabric. Seam finishes are not needed as the both real and fake don't ravel at the cut edges. Watch the grain! The suede side has a definite nap. Most shearling patterns are single layer construction, but when there are facings they aren't interfaced or stiffened as the results would defeat the buttery soft drape and hand of the fabric. My coats stand up quite nicely without interfacings. Not only can bags and vests be made, but also coats, slippers, winter hats, mitts, and whatever else needs warming on cold winter days or nights. I think the pattern companies have a few faux shearling patterns for slippers and such, and the November Burdamode magazine has a coat made with a suede backed long haired fur, similar to the faux shearling -on the cover.
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