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A detachable faux fur collar is a practical way to change the look of a coat without permanently altering it. This DIY project uses a fabric pattern, faux fur, elastic loops, and buttons to create a removable collar that can be taken off whenever you want a simpler style. Choose a coat with a simple, symmetrical collar to make patterning easier.
Supplies for a detachable faux fur collar
Gather the following materials before starting. Check that the buttons are small enough to sit neatly inside the coat and large enough for the elastic loops to stay securely in place.
- A coat with a simple, symmetrical collar
- Faux fur
- White cotton fabric for the pattern
- Elastic, 1/8 inch wide
- Buttons
- Fabric scissors
How to make a detachable faux fur collar
- Prepare the coat and pattern fabric. Place the coat on a dress form if one is available; this can help keep it in position while you work. Lay the white cotton fabric over the coat and smooth it across the back neckline. Pin it in place, then continue toward the front, following the existing collar shape. Leave some extra fabric in the open space between the collar sections.
- Mark the collar shape. On the inside of the coat, pin the fabric about an inch from the edge of the collar. Trim excess fabric from the sides and the space between the collar sections so it is easier to shape the pattern. Keep pinning and trimming until the pattern shows the width and outline you want for the faux fur.
- Refine the pattern. Remove the pattern and check its shape. Two darts at the back of the collar, each about two inches from the center of the neck, can help round the pattern where needed. The finished collar can be larger or differently shaped than the coat’s original collar, provided it covers the underlying collar.
- Trace and cut the faux fur. Turn the pattern upside down and place it on the back of the faux fur. Trace the outline with a marker. Cut with fabric scissors, keeping the blade close to the base of the furry material so you cut the backing rather than unnecessarily cutting through the long fibers. Use small cuts and move the blade along the base as you go.
- Add elastic loops. Make small loops from the elastic and attach them along the inside curve of the collar, facing outward past its edge. Space them about every four inches. Size each loop to fit over a button, but keep it snug enough that it does not slip off easily.
- Sew on the buttons. Pin the faux fur collar in place on the coat. At each point where an elastic loop meets the coat, sew a button to the inside. Fasten the loops over the buttons to attach the collar.
Finishing and wearing your collar
Before wearing the finished piece, check that every loop is secure and that the collar sits evenly around the neckline. If you make more than one collar, use a separate pattern for each shape and check that its loops line up with the buttons on the coat. Follow the care instructions for both the coat and faux fur when cleaning, and remove the detachable collar first if the materials require different care.
A removable collar adds a new detail to a coat while keeping the original garment intact. Wear it for a more distinctive look, or take it off when you prefer the coat’s original style. With a well-fitted pattern and secure fastenings, a detachable faux fur collar offers a simple coat refresh. — Laura
