
Velvet Fabric at JOANN: Complete Types, Uses and Buying Guide (2026)
Velvet Fabric at JOANN: Complete Types, Uses and Buying Guide (2026) Velvet fabric is a soft, plush textile made with
Faux fur fabric is a synthetic pile fabric made to mimic the look and feel of real animal fur without using animal products. It is built on a knitted backing fabric with brushed synthetic fibers forming the pile surface, available in polyester faux fur, acrylic faux fur, and modacrylic fibers depending on the manufacturer and intended use. JOANN Fabrics carried faux fur fabric by the yard across the seasonal fabrics collection and holiday fabric display, stocking everything from short pile faux fur for trim work to long pile faux fur for statement coats and mascot costume material.
After widespread store closures and restructuring in 2025, searches for faux fur fabric joann, joann faux fur fabric, and faux fur fabric joann’s seasonal inventory moved online. This guide covers every faux fur type, pile height options, sewing tips, project ideas, care instructions, pricing, and where to buy faux fur fabric by the yard today through the full joann fabrics fabrics collection.
Faux fur is a synthetic pile fabric constructed with a knitted backing fabric either a warp knit base or weft knit base with fibers tufted into the backing and then brushed to create a realistic fur texture. The backing stability of the knit base determines how well the fabric holds its shape during cutting and sewing. The pile itself is made from polyester faux fur, acrylic faux fur, or modacrylic fibers depending on the grade and end use.
The pile height is the key specification that determines how realistic and dramatic the faux fur looks. High pile fur with long pile faux fur construction mimics bear, fox, or shag fur and is used for outerwear, rugs, and statement pieces. Low pile fur with short pile faux fur construction mimics mink or beaver and is used for trim, lining, and children’s costume fabric. Fabric weight per yard varies dramatically from 200 GSM for short pile versions to over 600 GSM for dense high pile options.
Faux fur crosses costume, apparel, home décor, and craft categories because of its plush fabric surface, realistic fur texture, and wide availability in both short and long pile options.
Common uses include:
Statement fabric material for fashion editorials and avant-garde projects
When people search types of faux fur fabric, they are typically comparing pile height, fiber content, backing construction, and sewing difficulty.
| Type | Fiber Base | Pile Height | Best Use | Beginner Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester faux fur | Polyester | Short to long | Costumes, trim, décor | Yes |
| Acrylic faux fur | Acrylic | Medium to long | Outerwear, home décor | Yes |
| Modacrylic faux fur | Modacrylic fibers | Short to medium | Realistic fur, trim | Medium |
| High pile faux fur | Polyester or acrylic | Long | Coats, rugs, statement pieces | Medium |
| Short pile faux fur | Polyester | Short | Trim, lining, children's costumes | Yes |
| Printed faux fur | Polyester | Short to medium | Animal prints, novelty costumes | Yes |
| Sherpa faux fur | Polyester | Short, looped | Lining, blankets, outerwear backing | Yes |
Polyester faux fur is the most widely available and affordable version. It has a plush fabric surface that holds color well and resists matting better than acrylic versions over time. JOANN stocked polyester faux fur as its core offering across the joann fabric department, covering both solid colors and animal print patterns throughout the year.
Acrylic faux fur has a slightly softer feel than polyester and takes on more realistic fur texture in longer pile versions. It is slightly heavier and more prone to static than polyester. Best used for home décor applications, plush outerwear fabric, and high pile statement pieces where softness matters more than durability.
Modacrylic fibers are a specialty fiber blend used in the most realistic faux fur products. Modacrylic mimics the sheen and movement of real animal fur more closely than straight polyester or acrylic. It is flame resistant which makes it a preferred choice for children’s costume fabric and mascot costume material where safety standards apply.
High pile fur has the longest and most dramatic fiber length. Dense fiber pile creates maximum visual impact for coats, rugs, and decorative pieces. Long pile faux fur requires careful handling during cutting and sewing to prevent pile from getting caught in seams. This is the correct choice for faux fur jacket material, fabric for faux fur rugs, and full costume suits.
Short pile faux fur is the most manageable option for sewing beginners. Low pile fur sits close to the backing and is easier to cut cleanly, sew accurately, and press without distortion. It works well for hood trim fabric, faux fur collar trim, faux fur lining inside boots, and children’s costume fabric where realistic fur texture is needed without the bulk of long pile versions.
Printed faux fur has animal print patterns, spots, stripes, or novelty designs applied to the surface. JOANN stocked animal print faux fur in leopard, zebra, tiger, and dalmatian patterns in the seasonal fabrics collection and holiday fabric display. Printed faux fur is the top choice for animal costume fabric and cosplay fabric requiring specific pattern markings.
Sherpa is a specific type of short pile faux fur with a looped pile construction that mimics natural sheepskin texture. It is lighter and more stable than high pile fur making it the most common faux fur used for jacket lining, blanket backing, and reversible outerwear projects. JOANN carried sherpa as a distinct product alongside standard faux fur in both home décor and apparel sections.
JOANN stocked faux fur in a wide color range across the seasonal fabrics collection with holiday-driven displays rotating every fall. Core colors available year-round included:
Customers searching white faux fur fabric joann or black faux fur fabric joann were typically looking for seasonal costume trim, while brown, gray, and green faux fur fabric joann options were popular for animal builds and novelty projects. Animal print versions including leopard, tiger, zebra, and dalmatian rotated through the holiday fabric display every fall alongside solid colors, giving costume sewers the full range of the seasonal faux fur offering in one location
| Pile Type | Pile Height | Weight | Best Use | Sewing Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short pile faux fur | Under 15mm | Light-medium | Trim, lining, children's costumes | Easy |
| Medium pile faux fur | 15 to 30mm | Medium | Outerwear accents, pillows, plush toys | Medium |
| High pile faux fur | 30mm and above | Heavy | Coats, rugs, mascot suits, décor | Hard |
| Sherpa | Under 10mm looped | Light | Lining, blankets, reversible pieces | Easy |
Pile height is the single most important specification when buying faux fur fabric by the yard. Short pile faux fur is easier to cut, sew, and style. High pile fur creates more dramatic visual impact but requires more careful handling at every step. For first-time faux fur projects, short pile or sherpa is the recommended starting point before progressing to high pile construction.
Faux fur has a plush fabric surface that feels soft, dense, and warm to the touch. Running your hand with the directional pile fabric feels smooth and silky. Running against the nap direction feels slightly resistant and pushes the fibers upright. This is the same fabric nap direction behavior as velvet the nap affects both appearance and comfort in finished projects.
Polyester faux fur feels slightly cooler and denser than acrylic versions. Modacrylic faux fur feels closest to real animal fur with a softer sheen and more fluid movement in the pile. High pile fur feels the most dramatic deep, cushioned, and almost cloud-like in density. Short pile faux fur feels firm and smooth in comparison, similar to a dense brushed fabric rather than a full plush experience.
For Halloween costume fabric and animal costume fabric, choose printed faux fur or solid short pile versions light enough to wear comfortably for extended periods. For mascot costume material and full character suits, high pile polyester faux fur gives the most realistic and dramatic result but adds significant weight and bulk. For beginners, the best faux fur fabric joann stocked was short pile polyester or sherpa because it offered easier seam handling and less bulk. This is why faux fur remained one of the most searched seasonal fabrics inside the JOANN Fabrics holiday fabric display every fall.
For faux fur home décor including decorative pillow fabric and luxury accent fabric, medium pile polyester or acrylic faux fur in neutral tones or animal prints gives a high-end look without the construction challenges of extreme high pile versions. For hood trim fabric and faux fur collar trim, short pile or modacrylic faux fur gives the cleanest finish at seam edges. For quilting backings and fabric appliqué projects, short pile sherpa is the most forgiving starting point for any faux fur application.
Cutting faux fur fabric correctly is the most critical technical step in any faux fur project. Never use standard fabric scissors to cut through the full pile from the front this creates blunt cut fiber ends that look obviously artificial at seam edges. Instead use small sharp scissors or a rotary cutter to cut through the knitted backing fabric only from the back side while the pile faces down.
After cutting, pull pile fibers free from the seam allowance by hand before sewing. This seam allowance trimming step keeps pile from getting trapped inside seams and creating visible bulk lines on the right side of the finished project. Always mark all pieces on the backing using chalk from the reverse side, and always confirm fabric nap direction before cutting. All pieces must have directional pile fabric flowing the same direction or the finished project will show obvious shading differences between panels.
Faux fur is more technical than standard woven fabrics but manageable with the right approach from the start.
For machine options suited to thick pile fabrics see the joann sewing machines guide
Cutting faux fur from the front through the full pile is the most destructive mistake in faux fur sewing. It creates blunt fiber ends that look fake and cannot be fixed after cutting. Always cut from the back through the backing only this single habit separates clean professional results from obviously handmade construction.
Skipping the pile trimming step at seam allowances creates thick lumpy seams that show through on the right side of the finished project. Shaving pile at seams before sewing takes two extra minutes per seam but produces a completely flat professional finish. Use small scissors to trim the pile down to the backing in all seam allowance areas before sewing pieces together.
Ignoring fabric nap direction when cutting is the third critical mistake. Faux fur is a directional pile fabric and all panels must have the pile running the same direction. Two panels cut in opposite directions will look like completely different shades of the same color when assembled always check every single piece and mark the nap direction arrow on the back of each pattern piece before cutting.
| Faux Fur Type | Price per Yard | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Short pile polyester faux fur | $8 to $15 | Easy |
| Medium pile faux fur | $12 to $20 | Medium |
| High pile long pile faux fur | $15 to $30 | Hard |
| Printed animal print faux fur | $10 to $20 | Medium |
| Sherpa faux fur | $8 to $15 | Easy |
| Modacrylic faux fur | $18 to $35 | Medium |
JOANN priced faux fur as a mid-to-premium fabric category with demand concentrated in October and November for Halloween costume fabric and holiday décor. The JOANN cutting counter handled high faux fur volume every fall with customers buying by the yard for costume and trim projects. During peak sewing season JOANN Fabrics regularly featured faux fur in weekly faux fur fabric sale promotions bringing standard polyester versions down 30 to 50 percent.
The JOANN remnant bins were one of the best sources for short cuts of faux fur at reduced prices ideal for hood trim fabric, faux fur collar trim, and small accent pieces needing only a quarter to half yard. The same faux fur fabric by the yard is now available online through Amazon across all pile heights, colors, and fiber types with customer reviews to help assess realistic fur texture and pile density before buying.
Faux fur boot cuffs and earmuffs from small cuts of short pile faux fur — ideal for using JOANN remnant bin pieces
| Fabric | Texture | Weight | Best Use | Machine Washable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faux fur | Deep pile, plush | Medium to heavy | Costumes, décor, outerwear | Yes, gentle |
| Velvet | Short pile, smooth | Medium | Formal wear, upholstery | Depends on type |
| Fleece | Flat, soft | Light-medium | Casual wear, blankets | Yes |
| Sherpa | Short looped pile | Light | Lining, blankets | Yes |
| Velour | Short knit pile | Light-medium | Loungewear, casual | Yes |
| Plush fabric | Medium pile | Medium | Toys, décor, costumes | Yes |
Faux fur sits above fleece and velour in pile depth and visual drama. Compared to velvet fabric, faux fur has a much longer and more dramatic pile but less structural precision for tailored garments. Compared to standard fleece, faux fur has significantly more pile height and realistic fur texture making it the correct choice for costume fabric and statement décor. For other fabric types across the full fabrics category see the complete fabric guides.
Faux fur was one of JOANN’s strongest seasonal fabric categories with demand concentrating heavily in September through December for Halloween costume fabric, holiday décor, and winter apparel fabric. The joann fabric department stocked faux fur in the seasonal fabrics collection with the holiday fabric display expanding significantly every fall to include wider color ranges, more animal prints, and specialty pile heights.
The JOANN cutting counter handled significant faux fur volume every October as costume sewers bought yardage for animal costume fabric, Santa suit fabric, and children’s costume fabric projects. JOANN remnant bins regularly featured faux fur offcuts at reduced prices which made small trim projects and accent applications very affordable. Weekly JOANN coupons of 40 to 50 percent off applied to faux fur during peak season bringing premium modacrylic versions into range for home sewers. This made faux fur one of the highest-traffic seasonal fabric types across the entire JOANN Fabrics seasonal fabrics collection year after year.
| Feature | JOANN Historical | Michaels | Hobby Lobby |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faux fur selection | Very wide, seasonal and year-round | Limited, craft fur only | Moderate |
| Pile height range | Short to high pile | Short pile only | Short to medium |
| Animal print options | Extensive | Limited | Basic |
| Modacrylic options | Yes | No | Rarely |
| White faux fur options | Multiple pile heights | One option | Limited |
| Price per yard | $8 to $30 | Higher | $8 to $20 |
| Coupon culture | 40 to 50% weekly | Occasional | 40% weekly |
| Fabric cutting counter | Yes, full service | No | Yes, limited |
| Post-closure access | Amazon | In-store limited | In-store |
JOANN had the deepest faux fur selection of any major craft chain with the widest range of pile heights, fiber types, and printed patterns. Michaels carries only basic craft fur fabric in limited colors. Hobby Lobby stocks a moderate faux fur range but does not match the seasonal depth and specialty pile heights JOANN maintained. Amazon now offers the widest online faux fur selection with customer reviews to help evaluate realistic fur texture and pile density before buying.
JOANN organized faux fur in the seasonal fabrics collection alongside other specialty fabrics, with faux fur volume expanding dramatically every fall as Halloween and holiday demand peaked. The joann fabric department kept year-round basics like white, black, brown, and gray faux fur on permanent bolts and rotated seasonal prints through the holiday fabric display each fall. The JOANN cutting counter handled faux fur carefully because the long pile required extra time to cut cleanly compared to woven fabrics.
Many customers searching faux fur fabric joann nearby during peak Halloween season were checking which locations still had specific pile heights and colors in stock. Customers frequently purchased multiple yards of faux fur fabric yardage for mascot suits and full character costumes requiring significant yardage across multiple pile types. The JOANN remnant bins were checked regularly by trim and accent buyers looking for short cuts of faux fur at reduced pricing for hood trim fabric and collar detail work. Many also used joann fabrics near me to find the nearest location with their specific color still available on the bolt.
Following widespread store closures and restructuring in 2025, faux fur fabric is no longer available at physical JOANN locations. While physical locations are no longer operating in many regions, the JOANN brand and product documentation continue to exist through online retail channels. The same faux fur fabric joann customers relied on for costume fabric, home décor, and winter apparel fabric is now available through Amazon, Hobby Lobby, and online fabric retailers.
Amazon carries the widest current selection of faux fur fabric by the yard including short pile faux fur, high pile faux fur, printed animal print options, sherpa, modacrylic faux fur, and solid colors in white, black, brown, gray, and green across dozens of shades. Many online retailers offer free shipping once minimum order thresholds are met. Bulk yardage purchases are available for mascot builders and costume production runs requiring significant yardage, and online yardage ordering lets you specify exact pile heights and cuts before shipping. Reviews faux fur fabric joann customers left online frequently mentioned pile density, backing stability, and shedding control as the most important quality indicators when choosing between options.
Fursuit builders need high pile faux fur in specific colors and pile heights that standard fabric stores rarely stock year-round. Amazon carries the largest online selection of fursuit-grade faux fur including long pile, extreme high pile, and specialty colors not available at physical craft stores. Online fabric stores that sell faux fur year-round provide better color consistency and dye lot matching than seasonal in-store selections. Several specialty retailers also stock fursuit-grade faux fur in wider color ranges than general marketplaces, giving builders the best access to consistent dye lots across multiple yards for large costume builds.
Knowing how to wash faux fur fabric correctly prevents matting and permanent pile damage. Use a mild detergent on a cool gentle cycle and avoid hot water which causes the pile to mat and lose its realistic fur texture permanently. Turn the piece inside out before washing to protect the pile surface during the machine cycle.
Never put faux fur in a hot dryer heat permanently damages brushed synthetic fibers and causes the pile to clump or melt. Air dry flat or hang to dry completely before use. Once dry, use a wide-tooth comb or pet slicker brush to restore the directional pile fabric by brushing in the nap direction to bring the pile back to full height.
Understanding how to dye faux fur fabric depends entirely on fiber content and heat tolerance. Polyester faux fur requires disperse dye applied at high temperatures which can damage the pile if not controlled carefully. Acrylic faux fur accepts acid dye or rit dye for synthetics more readily. Modacrylic fibers are the most dye-resistant and are generally not recommended for home dyeing. For color changes, fabric paint applied sparingly to the tips of the pile is the most accessible option for most home sewers.
Fabric softener can be used on machine washable faux fur in small amounts but it is not necessary and can sometimes cause pile to feel slightly greasy or limp after drying. A better alternative for restoring softness and reducing static in polyester faux fur is a light mist of water followed by gentle brushing while the pile is still slightly damp.
Faux fur is straightforward to maintain when you follow fiber-appropriate care for each version. Most polyester and acrylic versions handle regular cool gentle washing without issue. Modacrylic versions need more careful handling and often require hand washing or dry cleaning to preserve the realistic fur texture and flame-resistant properties of the fiber.
| Faux Fur Type | Washing | Drying | Brushing | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester faux fur | Machine wash cool gentle | Air dry flat | Brush with wide comb | Hang |
| Acrylic faux fur | Machine wash cool gentle | Air dry flat | Brush with wide comb | Hang |
| Modacrylic faux fur | Hand wash or dry clean | Air dry flat | Gentle brush | Hang in garment bag |
| Sherpa faux fur | Machine wash cool gentle | Air dry or low heat | Brush after drying | Fold or hang |
| Printed faux fur | Machine wash cool inside out | Air dry flat | Gentle brush | Hang |
A synthetic pile fabric made from polyester, acrylic, or modacrylic fibers on a knitted backing, designed to mimic real animal fur in texture and appearance without using animal products.
The main types are polyester faux fur, acrylic faux fur, modacrylic faux fur, high pile faux fur, short pile faux fur, printed animal print faux fur, and sherpa faux fur each suited to different applications from costumes to home décor
Yes, JOANN stocked faux fur fabric by the yard in the seasonal fabrics collection and holiday fabric display, covering short pile, high pile, printed animal prints, and sherpa in dozens of colors across the joann fabric department.
High pile faux fur has long dramatic fibers over 30mm for coats, rugs, and mascot suits. Short pile faux fur has fibers under 15mm and is easier to sew, better suited for trim, lining, and children’s costume fabric.
Most polyester and acrylic faux fur is machine washable on a cool gentle cycle. Air dry flat after washing never use a hot dryer as heat permanently damages the synthetic pile fibers.
Machine wash cool on a gentle cycle with mild detergent, turn inside out before washing, air dry flat, then restore the pile by brushing in the nap direction with a wide-tooth comb.
Yes, you can use fabric paint on faux fur, but it must be applied lightly to the tips of the pile to avoid stiffness and matting. Use a dry brush and work in thin layers to build color without saturating the fibers.
A small amount can be used but it is not necessary and can leave the pile feeling limp. A light water mist followed by gentle brushing while damp is a better alternative for restoring softness.
Use a heavy duty sewing needle size 90/14 or 100/16 for most faux fur. Standard needles skip stitches on the dense knitted backing fabric of high pile versions.
Short pile polyester faux fur or sherpa is the best starting point because it is easier to cut, sew, and press than high pile versions without sacrificing the plush fabric surface effect.
Seal all cut edges with a thin line of fabric glue or fray check applied to the knitted backing immediately after cutting to control fabric shedding before assembly.

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