Techniques

Adding a touch of class to any garment with fur yarn is not difficult, and leaves lots of room for experimentation. Feel free to try something new -- and most importantly, have fun!

Streaming Video Tutorials:

The easiest way to learn how to use fur yarn is to jump right in and try for yourself!  We have added video tutorials outlining some specific techniques demonstrated by Paula herself.

Video files are in Windows Media Format, they should automatically launch in Media Player. We have included videos formatted for dial-up and high speed internet users.

Techniques:

Cable cast on – this is the most commonly used cast on technique

Weaving cast on - used in Bell scarf kit, a similar to the cable cast on.

Hand knit-weave technique -used in the bell scarf, this is a very efficient way to use fur yarn and add stability to your knitting project.

Dial-Up Connection or High-Speed Connection

Joining Ends – How to sew two fur ends together.

Crochet Flower Hair Scrunchie – A great gift, here are step by step instructions on making hair scrunchies. (About 1.5 yards of Beaver Yarn)

Trimming with Beaver – adda touch of beaver to any garment using these techniques; a fun way to add elegance to any garment.

Trimming with Fox – add a luxurious row of Fox Yarn to any finished knit with these techniques.

One and One Hat – how to efficiently use Beaver Yarn to make an amazing drawstring hat.

Cast Off – Cast off technique that gives you a consistent flat edge.

Trimming Your Garment

Use a crochet hook that will penetrate the fabric. Start approximately 1 cm (1/4 -1/3 inch) in from the edge. A tighter fabric will require a smaller hook. A 3.5 crochet hook works best.

Make a slip knot loop 5 cm (2 inches) from the end of the fur yarn. Starting at center back or a seam, use the hook to pull it through the fabric. Lift the loop to the edge and pull yarn from the other side through the loop (ch 1).

Now tighten the slipknot. Chain one more stitch to lay across the edge of the garment. Insert the hook again through the garment, and pull more yarn through. Now there are two loops on the hook.

Wrap the needle with yarn and pull it through both loops to make a single crochet. Chain one again to space, and make another single crochet stitch. Continue around edge.

Another method to achieve trimming is to create a chain. Chain the fur yarn by starting with a slip knot, and chaining a length desired to trim any knit or woven fabric. Brush up the chain, then stitch on from the top with a needle and thread, wrapping around the fur chain, and stitching into the fabric below.

Joining Two Pieces of Fur

Separate the cotton filler from the fur strip, and trim the fur from one end back to approximately the length of the join (2 cm).

Place the trimmed edge against the leather side of the other piece. Using a glover's needle and cotton sewing thread, do two running stitches through both strips of leather.

Sew back one stitch, and do not go through the same hole, as the needle will cut the thread. Tie the thread in a reef knot, and tie the cotton filler together.

Sewing Down Ends

It is necessary to sew ends of fur down to prevent unravelling.

Weave the fur through a stitch on the wrong side of the garment. Separate cotton filler. With a glover's needle and sewing thread, sew down the fur ends, as shown above. Tie the cotton and sewing thread together in a reef knot, and cut the ends.

Fluffing and Cleaning