Furry Furnishings

If you're looking for something warm to cuddle up to this winter, Rita Hill's furry throws are easy to make and cost a fraction of the price of ready-made, shop bought ones. With the right fabric they can look spectacular, and they feel great, too!

You will need

2m faux fur (available in a variety of prices, colours and quality from around $10.95 per metre up to $68 per metre).

Note: if you want to make matching cushions, buy extra faux fur. 2m coordinating backing fabric (the same width as the fur). Rita used suede fabric to back the throws, and this ranges in price from $10.95 to $18.95 per metre. a sewing machine pins, matching thread, needle for hand finishing

Making your throw

1. Lay the fur and backing right sides together and pin, starting at the corners and working your way right around.
2. Machine sew all the way around, leaving a 30-40cm gap to allow you to turn the material right way around (snip excess fabric in the corners).
3. Turn the throw the right way round, poking out the corners with your finger as you go.
4. To complete the throw, pin the two layers together at the gap and hand-sew the gap.

Matching cushions

1. Cut a piece of fabric so it's just large enough to go around a cushion.
2. Fold the fabric in half, furry side in. Pin, then machine sew leaving a small gap.
3. Turn right side out through the gap and insert the cushion. Hand-sew the gap.

Rita's Tips

Choose backing material that feels nice against the skin. For low care, make sure the material's machine washable. Applying a stain repellent might be an idea, but do a patch test first on the fur.

Further information

Win one of Rita's furry throws, details in the May 2001 edition of the Burke's Backyard magazine, on sale at newsagents for $4.60.

Copyright CTC Productions 2001