Crafting A Luxurious Faux Fur Wedding Stole

A faux fur stole is a great accessory for a winter wedding, adding coverage and warmth to your look. You can make your own faux fur stole with a sewing machine, faux fur fabric, a liner, and some general sewing supplies. It's a simple project that can be completed in less than an hour and will look great at a wedding or a 1920s-themed party. You can style it as an elegant scarf or a glamorous cover-up for your dress.

Characteristics of a Faux Fur Wedding Stole

Choosing the right type of faux fur

When it comes to choosing the right type of faux fur for your wedding stole, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll want to select a fur that is soft and of good quality. This will ensure that your stole looks and feels luxurious. The nap of the faux fur is also important to consider—this is the direction that the hair of the fabric lies, and you'll want to keep this in mind when planning your project and cutting your fabric.

Another thing to consider is the colour of the faux fur. Wedding stoles are traditionally available in white, ivory, or light blush colours, but you can also choose a more unique colour like grey, brown, or even a bold shade like royal blue. If you're planning to wear the stole with a particular dress, you'll want to choose a colour that complements the dress. You may also want to consider the season—for example, a darker faux fur stole might be more suitable for a winter wedding.

The length and width of the faux fur fabric will also impact the overall look of the stole. If you want a stole that wraps nicely around your shoulders and connects in the front, you'll need enough fabric to achieve this. You can also add darts to the stole to help keep it in place and prevent it from falling off your shoulders. Additionally, consider the backing of the faux fur fabric—a soft fleece lining can add warmth and comfort.

When choosing the right type of faux fur, it's also important to think about the overall style you want to achieve. For example, a faux fur stole with pointed ends can look less bulky when overlapped, while a stole with a straight edge can give a more classic look. You can also style your stole with a pin or brooch to add a touch of glamour.

Cutting the faux fur

Before you begin cutting, it is important to determine the shape, width, and length that you desire for your stole. You can do this by wrapping freezer paper around yourself and adjusting it until you are happy with the dimensions. This will serve as your template.

Faux fur can be tricky to cut, and it is essential to cut it from the backing side. Using a box cutter or X-acto knife can make this process easier. Carefully cut through the backing, ensuring you only cut the backing and not the fur itself. Take your time with this step, as rushed cuts can result in uneven edges or accidental cuts in the fur.

Once you have cut the backing, you can use your freshly cut piece as a template to trace the shape onto your lining fabric. Choose a lining fabric that complements your faux fur. You can opt for a matching satin lining or something with a fun contrast.

After cutting the lining, it is a good idea to pin or clip the fur and lining together, ensuring that the right sides are facing each other. This will help you visualize the final product and ensure that your pieces align correctly.

Now, let's refine the shape of your stole. Using a rotary cutter or razor, carefully trim the edges of the faux fur to create a neat and uniform finish. This step will ensure that your stole has a polished appearance.

Finally, cut a small gap in the lining fabric. This gap will be used to pull the right sides of the fabric out after sewing, so make sure it is large enough for your hand to fit through comfortably.

Remember to take your time and work carefully when cutting your faux fur. These steps will ensure that your wedding stole has a professional finish and that you are happy with the final product.

Choosing a liner

When choosing a liner for your faux fur wedding stole, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the type of fabric you use is important. A common choice is satin, as it is smooth and elegant, providing a nice contrast to the soft and fluffy faux fur. You can either match the colour of your liner to the fur or go for a contrasting shade that adds a unique touch to your stole.

Another factor to consider is the length and width of your liner. It should be the same size as your fur piece to ensure that it is not visible from the outside when the stole is worn. If you want to add a fastening to your stole, such as a tab or a ribbon, you will need to cut a slightly longer piece of liner and sew it onto one end. This will be used to secure the stole in place when wrapped around the shoulders.

Additionally, you might want to add darts to your liner to help the stole stay in place and prevent it from slipping off. These are small triangular folds that you sew into the fabric to give it some shape and dimension. They are usually added about 8 inches from the centre back edges of the liner.

When cutting the liner, remember to use sharp tools like a rotary cutter or razor to get a clean edge. Scissors can also be used, but they may require more precision and time to cut through the fabric effectively.

Sewing the stole

Step 1: Drafting the Pattern

First, decide on the shape, width, and length of your stole. You can do this by wrapping freezer paper around yourself and adjusting it until you are happy with the dimensions. Pointed ends are recommended as they are less bulky when overlapped. Once you have your pattern, cut out the shape from the paper.

Step 2: Cutting the Fabric

When cutting faux fur, it is best to cut from the backing side using a box cutter or X-acto knife. Be mindful of the direction of the nap (the pile of the fabric) when planning your project. Cut the fur and the lining fabric according to your pattern. For the lining, you can use a matching or contrasting satin fabric.

Step 3: Sewing the Pieces Together

Pin or clip the right sides of the fur and lining together. Then, using a sewing machine, stitch around the perimeter, leaving a gap so you can pull the right sides back out. Use a universal needle, matching thread, and a slightly longer stitch. Faux fur is forgiving as the fur-like fibers can hide mistakes.

Step 4: Turning and Finishing

Once you have stitched the pieces together, turn the stole right side out through the gap you left. Hand stitch the remaining gap closed. You can style the finished stole with a pin to hold it in place.

Additional Tips:

• When cutting the faux fur, only cut through the backing. This is easiest to achieve with a razor blade or rotary cutter, but you can also use scissors by only cutting with the tips and making short snips.
• If you want to add some extra security to your stole, you can add darts to the pattern. These will help keep the stole from falling off your shoulders.

Styling the stole

A faux fur stole is a versatile piece that can be styled in multiple ways to elevate your look. Here are some ideas to help you style your faux fur wedding stole:

• Drape it around your neck: For a casual yet elegant look, drape the stole loosely around your neck, allowing the ends to hang down at the front or back. This style is perfect for a fall or winter wedding, providing warmth and glamour to your outfit.
• Secure it with a pin: Elevate the look of your stole by fastening it with a decorative pin, brooch, or clip. You can choose a statement pin that matches your wedding theme or personal style. This styling option is perfect for holding the stole in place while also adding a touch of sparkle or colour to your outfit.
• Wrap it over your arms: For a more functional approach, you can wear the stole by wrapping it over your arms, similar to a shawl. This style provides extra warmth and coverage, making it ideal for outdoor weddings or cooler climates.
• Belt it at the waist: For a unique touch, pair your faux fur stole with a stylish belt. Drape the stole around your neck and then cinch it at the waist with a belt, creating a stylish silhouette. This style is perfect for transitioning from the ceremony to the reception, offering a versatile and fashionable look.
• Pair it with a dress: A faux fur stole can be the perfect accessory to glam up your wedding dress or evening gown. It adds a touch of luxury and elegance to your outfit, making it ideal for formal occasions or special events during the winter season.
• Layer it with other pieces: Don't be afraid to layer your faux fur stole with other garments, such as a light jacket or cardigan. This is especially useful for transitioning between different temperatures throughout the day or if your wedding is held in a chilly location. The stole will provide an extra layer of warmth while also adding texture and dimension to your overall look.

Frequently asked questions