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Fur Fabrics is a category of textiles
that not much is known about. Although Fur Fabrics have many
and varied uses, throughout many industries, they have not been
readily available to the general public. As with most textile
types they are available in a myriad of qualities and colours.
What are Fur Fabrics?
The term 'Fur Fabric" is a descriptive name which is applied
to any fabric that has been man-made to replicate the look and
feel of animal fur. It is also known by the following generic
names:
Fake Fur;
Fun Fur;
Faux Fur;
Imitation Fur;
Simulated Fur;
Pile Fabric; and
Artificial Fur.
Fur fabrics can be made from synthetic
fibres such as acrylic, polyester, rayon and modacrylic, as well
as natural fibres, such as wool mohair, cotton and alpaca.
Construction
There are several construction types of Fur Fabric. The construction
refers to the method of making the fabric. Different constructions
have different characteristics; they are as follows:
Knitted: This is the most common and economical method
of manufacturing Fur Fabric. There is a slight harshness to the
backing, as it is latex coated to bind the pile and stabilise
the cloth. The knitted cloth has inherent stretchiness. It is
well suited to a broad range of uses.
Woven: This style of manufacturing is usually reserved
for higher-grade fabrics as it is a more complex and time consuming
process. As a consequence, woven Fur Fabrics are generally more
expensive. Although structurally of greater strength than knitted
Fur Fabrics they require more care to work with. This fabric
does not stretch.
Boa Knit: Not widely available. Some good Fur Fabrics
are made with this process. Recommended for experienced users
of Fur Fabric as it has a tendency to run. Some Stretchiness.
Tufted Pile: A very basic to low quality Fur Fabric used
widely as a low cost lining or utility grade. It has a woven
base and does not stretch.
Characteristics
When selecting Fur Fabrics, there are various attributes which
have to be taken into account they are:-
Pile Height: The height of the pile usually expressed
in millimetres or inches.
Density: The amount of fibres per square centimetre, this
usually means the more dense the pile the heavier the fabric
is, and the Fur Fabric is less likely to "show teeth",
that is the backing becoming visible when the fabric is rolled
or folded.
Nap: The direction that the pile runs. This must be taken
into account when cutting patterns, to make sure the nap is running
in the correct direction in all segments. Some Fur Fabrics do
not have a nap, and some fabrics have a distressed or crushed
finish, which means there is no set direction for the nap to
run.
Colour: Colour in Fur Fabrics is a little more complex
than in fabrics without a pile as there are several factors that
affect the tonings. First, the is the type of fibre used; such
as dull or bright, second, whether the fabric is polished or
unpolished, third, there can be a mixture of different coloured
fibres, fourth, the colour can be affected by the angle or colour
of the light as it strikes the surface of the Fur Fabric. The
colour of Fur Fabric on a roll always looks different to the
final made up article.
Width: The most common width for Fur Fabrics is around
the 140 - 150 cms range although in some special cases this can
vary.
Uses For Fur Fabrics
There are numerous uses for Fur Fabrics, the only limitations
are the users' imagination. Below is a list of some of the uses.
APPLIQUE
BEAN BAGS
BEDSPREADS
BED THROW OVERS
BOAT LINING
BOOT LINING
CAR SEAT COVERS
CAR LINING
CARAVAN LINING
CUSHION COVERS
DASHBOARD COVERS
DOG COATS
DRESSING GOWNS
DRESS TRIMS
FANCY DRESS OUTFITS
FLOAT BOOTS
FLOOR MATS
FURNITURE UPHOLSTERY
GOLF CLUB COVERS
HATS
HORSE COATS
INSTRUMENT CASE LINING
JACKETS
JACKET LINING
JACKET TRIMS
PARCEL SHELF COVERS
PET BLANKETS
PET MATS
POLISHING AND DUSTING MITS
SADDLE BLANKETS
SHOE AND SLIPPER INSERTS
SLEEPING BAG LINERS
THERMAL VESTS
THEATRICAL COSTUMES
THEATRICAL PROPS
THERMAL JACKETS
TEDDY BEARS
TOYS
UNDER BLANKETS
VESTS
Care Instructions
Fur Fabric generally has excellent resistance to soiling, a good
shake will often dislodge dirt and dust and it is recommended
to do this on a regular basis to keep the Fur Fabric looking
new. It is also of benefit to regularly brush the pile. If cleaning
is necessary please refer to the instructions below.
FUR FABRIC IS DRYCLEANABLE
MACHINE WASH AT 40C OR WARM, MINIMUM
WASH
COLD RINSE
SHORT SPIN
DO NOT RUB OR RING
DRY ON COOL
HAND WASH AT 40C OR WARM, COLD
RINSE
DO NOT RUB OR WRING
DRY ON COOL
BRUSH WHEN DAMP TO RESTORE PILE
(EXCEPT SHERPA)
DO NOT BLEACH
DO NOT IRON
DO NOT STEAM TREAT
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