Faux Fur Backing

Woven versus Knitted

There are two types of backing or scrim that is used in the manufacture of faux fur, woven and knitted. Woven fabrics are dimensionally stable due to the perpendicular weave of the fibers and are generally manufactured on a mechanical loom.

Knitted fabrics easily stretch and distort due to the loops of yarn introduced by the knitting process. Knitting is a fast process and requires greater amounts of very flexible yarn so typically Polyester is used. Stretching is very detrimental and shedding occurs quickly with knitted faux fur.

Weaving requires less yarn and is less damaging to the fibers, natural fibers like cotton can be used. Cotton provides an ideal substrate for faux fur because it breathes and wicks moisture away from the wearer.

The images below are 1/4-inch squares of faux fur backing magnified 10 times.

Woven Cotton Backed Faux Fur	Knitted Polyester Backed Faux Fur

The production of woven faux fur is measured in feet per hour versus feet per minute for knitted faux fur. The manufacturing cost is so much greater for woven faux fur that greater care and control goes into the raw material selection, processing and finishing. The difference in wholesale prices is three to four times greater for woven faux fur than for knitted faux fur.

Buyer Beware

When shopping for faux fur the consumer needs to consider both the backing as well as the finish of the faux fur to find the best value. The actual retail price offered for both types of furs online and at your local retail outlets can be very similar and often woven not costing more than 20% more. The small difference in price is usually not related to similar qualities or cost but to greater profit margins tacked onto the knitted variety.

Ask questions, request samples and compare! Faux fur when properly selected can provide a lifetime of enjoyment.