Pinched for sewing time? Add faux fur to existing accessories, or spice up last year's coat with a fur collar and cuffs. With just an afternoon's investment, you'll sport one of the season's most popular looks.
To create faux fur bands to trim gloves, hats, cuffs or hems, measure the circumference of the opening and add 1/2"; determine the desired band width and add 1/2". Cut the band using these dimensions, trim away the pile in the 1/4" seam allowances and finish the edges with a wide, closely spaced zigzag or a 3-thread overlock serger stitch. Finger-press the seam allowances under and slipstitch them in place. Slipstitch the bands in place on the garment right side.
To create an attached faux fur collar, use the garment collar to trace
a collar pattern, adding 1/2" all around--1/4" for seam allowances and
1/4" to ensure good coverage over the existing collar. Finish and attach
to the existing collar as noted above.
To create an easily removable collar, choose a low-pile faux fur and cut with the nap running down from the neckline. Create a pattern as noted above for the attached collar and cut one from the fur. Cut a second collar from the lining, trimming 1/4" from all edges except the neckline edge. With right sides together, seam the collar and lining using one of the traditional methods noted under "Smart Seams". When stitching, leave an opening for turning and catch one elasticized button loop near each end, at the center back, and evenly spaced in between. Turn and slipstitch the opening closed. Sew buttons at the garment neckline seam, and button the collar in place.
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