Shaving Faux fur:
For Faux fur plushie makers, You should invest in a WAHl Kennel Pro, I bought two Andis clippers, both gave out after trimming faux fur for a few min. Also Make sure to keep your Clippers oiled and cleaned after using.
I recommend trim the Faux fur first before cutting out the pattern, so if you do cut too deep you can always make a new piece to replace it before sewing your plush together. Make sure to trim with the fur pile not against it, or you will just cut all the fur off, you want to trim it not make it bald.
Faux Fur:
Keep in mind being a plush artist gets very pricey, with Faux fur some fur colors are rare and you will sometimes only get one chance to get it before they discontinue that color. Even more so if your looking into getting Seal or beaver.
Buy swatches, no matter what buy a swatch before you consider order that fabric, Because some places might have the same name as another place you ordered from but it might be a whole different color.
Stuffing:
And don't just lay them in the plushie lol that dose no good, the pellets will swim all over the place you need to contain them in Nylon tulle, Make little Bags with the tulle and place them in the feet and butt of your plushie.
I use Premium polyester Fiberfill for the heads since its kinda stiff nice for holding shape, and cluster stuff for the body to make it soft and floppy.
Pattern:
When making a plushie out of Faux fur, you need to put arrows showing what way the pile is going, make sure to do this on every piece of the pattern puzzle or you will be really confused when it comes to cutting your fabric.
to know what way the pile should go on each piece, look at a real animal or a commercial plushie.
also wright down what color you want each patter piece to be so you will grab the color of fabric you need for each area.
Prototype:
for my plushie prototypes I use cheap funfur called Plush Faux Fur Fabric, you can find it on Fabric.com or maybe cheaper on etsy. its great for making Faux fur prototypes.
Make sure to always make a prototype before using good fabric, never get too impatient, it takes time to get your pattern where you want it, besides all the prototypes you make just helps you learn more and more about what to do right the next time.
Getting started:
I would start By trying some free patterns online they're all over the place or even buying ones you really like.
also don't be afraid to buy a cheap commercial plushie just to take it apart to see how it was put together, Trust me you learn soo much from them.
If your going into plush making to do commissions, make sure its something you really enjoy doing, Plush artist don't get payed that much after all the fabric and things they have to buy just to make each custom. So don't go in thinking your going to be rich just because plush artist have a high commission fee.
I'm not a Pro but I'm happy to share my experience thus far in my journey. Hope it helps anyone wanting to make stuffed animals with Faux fur.
