Repairing Your Fur: Where To Go For Coat Mending

where do I go to mend a fur coat

Fur coats are delicate items that require careful maintenance and repair. If you're looking to mend a fur coat, it's important to understand the potential causes of damage, which include heat, humidity, sunlight, and pests. While some minor repairs can be done at home, it is generally recommended to seek the services of a professional furrier to ensure proper mending and restoration. These experts can handle various issues, from worn edges and loose seams to relining and adding new pelts. Restyling is also an option for highly damaged coats, giving them a new lease of life. Proper storage and cleaning are crucial to preserving your fur coat, and professional services are available for these purposes as well.

Characteristics Values
Fur coat repair Professional furriers are recommended for repairing fur coats.
Basic sewing techniques can be used for minor repairs.
Fur coats should be cleaned and conditioned annually by a professional fur cleaner.
Fur coat storage Fur coats should be stored in a dry closet with room to breathe.
Hanging fur coats in a cloth bag helps to avoid dust and dirt.
Fur storage spaces should be dark, cold, and have 45-50% humidity.
Fur coat damage Common causes of damage include pests, heat, humidity, light, and everyday wear.
Fur coat rehydration Hair conditioner or fabric softener mixed with warm water can be used to rehydrate fur.

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Sewing a fur coat

Choosing a Design and Materials:

Start by selecting a design for your fur coat. You can find patterns for fur coats, especially faux fur, at fabric stores or online. Decide whether you want to use real fur or faux fur, and choose a style that suits your preferences. Determine how many skins or pelts you will need based on your chosen design.

Obtaining the Fur and Lining:

Purchase the fur and lining materials. If using real fur, ensure you match the furs so that the color, length, texture, and shine are consistent throughout the coat. For faux fur, buy the amount of fabric specified in your pattern. Also, buy a lining that complements the fur and is of similar thickness. Get a thread that matches the lining fabric.

Cutting and Sewing the Fur:

Use a furrier's knife or a very sharp penknife to cut the fur segments. Place the fur side up on a flat surface, and consider having an assistant hold both sides of the fur to improve your chances of a clean cut. Remember to cut only the fabric, not the fur, to avoid choppy spots near the seams. Cut out the pieces for the collar, front left and right sides, back piece, and sleeves.

Sew the front and back of the coat together at the shoulder seams. Pin and sew the sleeves into the armscyes, ensuring they are straight and well-pinned. Then, fold the coat over and match the side seams and under sleeve seams, sewing them in place.

Sewing the Lining and Final Touches:

Repeat the sewing process with the lining. Turn both the lining and the outer coat right sides out, then match them with right sides together. Stuff the sleeves into each other and pin the front, neckline, and hem seams. Stitch around the neckline, center front, and bottom of the coat, leaving a small opening at the bottom back for turning.

Turn the coat through the opening and tuck under the sleeve hem, catching the lining. Topstitch around the sleeves with matching thread. Finally, stitch the opening closed by hand or machine.

Add any final touches, such as pockets, buttons, or other embellishments. Ensure the coat hangs properly, and consider taking it to a cleaner for a final cleaning before wearing it.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Use a fur hook instead of buttons to fasten the coat.
  • If buttonholes are required, make a slash with a furrier's knife equal to the size needed for the buttonhole.
  • Sew strips of twill tape on the underside edges of button placements to prevent stretching.
  • Use a zipper foot when sewing seams in place.
  • When cutting fur, turn it upside down and use only the tip of your scissors to cut through the base fabric, protecting the fur.
  • Use a half-inch stitch when sewing faux fur to create a seamless appearance.
  • Double the seam allowance when working with fur to account for bulk and ensure the liner is not visible.

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Rehydrating a fur coat

When to Rehydrate a Fur Coat

Fur coats can lose their shine and become greasy over time, even if they are not frequently worn. Rehydration is necessary when a fur coat appears dry and brittle, as this can lead to tearing and further damage. Proper storage and conditioning are crucial to maintaining the condition of a fur coat.

Professional Furrier Services

Professional furriers have the necessary tools, needles, and threads to repair and rehydrate fur coats. They can determine whether the pelts need to be replaced or secured differently. Additionally, they can advise on the best methods for rehydrating the coat, such as using specialised fur conditioning products.

At-Home Rehydration

For those who wish to rehydrate their fur coat at home, there are several steps to follow:

  • Use a professional fur brush to brush and comb the coat, removing any dirt and debris.
  • Apply a cleansing powder to the coat, ensuring it is coated evenly.
  • Shake the coat to distribute the powder and then place it back in its bag for an hour.
  • After an hour, remove the coat from the bag and dust it off. Shake the coat again to remove any remaining powder.
  • If the fur is particularly greasy or oily, the process can be repeated, leaving the coat in the bag for 24 hours.
  • Once the desired results are achieved, brush the coat again with a professional brush to ensure no powder residue remains.

Other Tips for Fur Coat Care

  • Avoid using traditional methods, such as duct tape or glue, to repair tears in the coat.
  • Do not use hair dryers, clothes dryers, or hang the coat near heat sources like air conditioning systems.
  • Avoid using mothballs, as the strong odour can be difficult to remove, and they can create a dry atmosphere that is harmful to the coat.
  • Use a plastic or wooden broad-shouldered hanger to support the weight of the coat and prevent deformation.
  • Brush the fur using a specialised fur brush, working from the top of the coat to the bottom in the direction of the hair.
  • For light stains, mix one-part isopropyl alcohol with one-part water and apply directly to the stain.
  • Avoid spraying perfume, hairspray, or other products near the coat, as they can disrupt the natural balance of oils in the fur.
  • Remove the coat before sitting down or driving/riding in a car to avoid placing extra stress on the seams.
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Restyling a fur coat

There are many options to choose from when restyling a fur coat. You can change its style, for example, turning a fur coat into a vest, sheared jacket, reversible garment, handbag, pillow, or other accessories. However, you need to think realistically; you can't turn a short jacket into a full-length fur coat.

A fur restyling job isn't quick and can take several weeks, so it's best to time your restyling for when you know you won't need the coat.

If you're thinking of restyling your fur coat, it's important to set a budget and plan ahead so that you won't need your coat while it's being worked on.

Kluger Furs is well known for fur restyling and can provide remodeling or restyling services to turn your fur coat into an exciting new coat that fits your active lifestyle. They can do anything from simple alterations to a complete remodel, including:

  • Transforming a fur coat into a sheared, reversible raincoat
  • Shortening the length to a car coat
  • Adding a detachable hood
  • Narrowing sleeves for a more modern look
  • Softening the fullness of the shoulders
  • Adding length to sleeves with a turn-back cuff
  • Shearing and grooving a mink coat
  • Repairing or replacing linings
  • Adding or changing the embroidered monogram

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Repairing a fur coat at home

Fur coats are delicate and require adequate care if you want them to last for decades and retain their value, shine, and glamour. While it is best to take extra precautions when wearing a fur coat, accidents do happen, and repairs become necessary. Here are some ways to repair your fur coat at home.

Sewing

Tears and rips are common when it comes to fur garments. If you have a tear in your fur coat, the best way to go about repairing it is by sewing it yourself. Choose a thin needle so that you don't further damage your coat, and use a thicker thread so that the hold is strong and not prone to coming loose. Use the basic sewing technique, nothing complex or fancy. Keep in mind that this repair is temporary, and you will eventually need to consult a professional furrier to get the job done properly.

Patching with fabric

If you have a rip in your fur coat, another way to repair it at home is by cutting a patch of fabric, preferably from a cotton shirt, and placing it under the rip between the lining and the pelts. Then, use a hot glue gun to glue one side of the rip to the fabric, let it dry, and then glue the other side. This method will keep the coat flexible and is best for vintage furs that are not worth spending money on at a furrier.

Duct tape

If your coat is not worth repairing or you need a quick fix, you can use duct tape to stick the tear together. Pull the rip together, tape from the back, and then hold a hairdryer over it. Please be aware that once you do this, the duct tape will not come off without ripping the skin.

Restyling

If your original fur coat is highly damaged and needs extensive care, you can restyle it by asking your furrier to add matching or new pelts, change the length and style, and give it a new flair. This way, you will walk away with a repaired fur coat and a new one.

Preventive measures

To avoid having to repair your fur coat in the first place, there are some preventive measures you can take. Store your fur coat in a dry closet with room to breathe and hang it in a cloth bag to avoid gathering dust and dirt. Use a fur brush to detangle the furs, and avoid letting your fur coat drag on the ground or sitting on it. Prevent contact with heat and humidity by creating special fur storage spaces.

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Choosing a professional furrier

When choosing a professional furrier, it is important to select someone with extensive experience and training in handling various types of furs, such as mink, fox, chinchilla, and rabbit. This ensures that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to properly care for and repair your fur coat. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:

  • Experience and Training: Opt for a furrier with extensive industry experience and training. This ensures they have honed their skills over many years and can handle even the most delicate and intricate repairs.
  • Specialisation and Services Offered: Look for a furrier who specialises in buying, selling, and repairing fur coats. They should offer a range of services, including worn edge repair, loose button and seam fixing, and lining changes. Some furriers also offer restyling services, allowing you to give your fur coat a modern update.
  • Professional Tools and Materials: A professional furrier will have access to the proper tools, needles, and threads specifically designed for working with fur. This ensures that the repairs are done delicately and accurately, without causing further damage to the coat.
  • Ability to Source Matching Fur: In cases where additional fur needs to be added to your coat, a professional furrier will have the expertise and connections to carefully source fur that perfectly matches your coat. This ensures a seamless and discreet repair.
  • Customer Testimonials and Reviews: Check for testimonials or reviews from previous customers to get an idea of the furrier's reputation and the quality of their work. This can provide valuable insights into their level of craftsmanship, customer service, and satisfaction.
  • Location and Accessibility: Consider the location of the furrier and whether it is convenient for you to access. This is especially important if you plan to drop off and pick up your coat in person or if you need to bring it in for urgent repairs.

Remember, repairing a fur coat requires a specialised skill set and understanding of how to handle this delicate material. By choosing a professional and experienced furrier, you can rest assured that your coat will be handled with the utmost care and expertise.

Frequently asked questions

It is recommended that you go to a professional furrier to get your fur coat mended.

Some common ways your fur coat can be damaged include getting bald patches, becoming dull and dry, and becoming delicate. Bald patches can be caused by extensive use, friction with bags and belts, and pests. The natural oils in the fur can be disrupted by heat and humidity, giving it a dull appearance. Over time, the pelts' stitching can come loose, and hooks and belts can cause tears and rips.

You can search online for a professional furrier in your area. Alternatively, you can contact a local fur salon or store, such as Marc Kaufman Furs, which offers fur repair services.

If your fur coat gets wet, gently shake it out and hang it to dry in an area with good ventilation. You can also hang it next to a heater to ensure it dries thoroughly and help maintain its softness.

Minor repairs, such as sewing small tears or rips, can be done at home using a thin needle and a thicker thread. However, it is important to note that these repairs are temporary, and you should still take your coat to a professional furrier for a more durable solution.

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