Can I stop faux fur fabric shedding?

Don’t know if this will help, but I bought a glittery top recently and shop assistant told me to spray it lightly with hair lacquer. May help with your problem.

What exactly is the fabric you are using made of. ?

Is it just where it has been cut?

Otherwise, give it a gentle brush first, then perhaps use the hair lacquer.

Any suggestions for a (female) shepherd? I think they would wear a sheepskin for warmth but apparently they were a hardy lot in Judea in those days!

That’s a good question Nelliemoser, I didn’t think to make a note when I bought it. That’s a lesson learnt. It’s mostly from the cut edges Jalima1108. Good luck with your female shepherd. I’ve been looking at other nativity costumes as my dgd is in one at nursery too. They’ve told us they will let us know what costumes are needed nearer the time which strikes fear in my heart as I’m not one of those people who can run something up in an afternoon. Mumsnet have some simple nativity costumes using pillowcases to make a simple tunic with the minimum of sewing that can be adapted for the various characters. Just hope they don’t want her to be a donkey or a camel!

Thanks!

I think, if I am called upon, I'll stick to a long stripey waistcoat not a sheepskin one!

Have you hemmed or bound the edges with bias binding?

I think once it stops shedding where it has been cut it should be OK.

Although sheep do tend to leave their wool all around the place, fences etc!

Am going to try giving the cut edges a gentle brush and see if that gets rid of the loose fibres and stops the shedding. If not I will have to try bias binding. Thanks for your help. I’m definitely on a learning curve.

Can I just caution against using hair lacquer on a child's costume. It is highly flammable, so please perhaps try other methods first.

I was just about to say the same thing as Hermia46. Should be careful using hair spray on clothing. I would just brush it.
Have fun!

I've used faux-fur to make a blanket. It was only shedding during the making. I lined my blanket with a muslin kind of fabric. If you don't plan to put in a lining, try and put on bias binding, or - for a rougher finishing - you could stitch over the cut edges on the inside, maybe a large zigzag.

Seconding what Hermia46 said - careful of fire risk. In fact unless the fabric was sold specifically as flame resistant, be very sure that your granddaughter will not be anywhere there could be a naked flame or an electric fire with bars, candles etc.

I remember reading somewhere that spray starch might help, stiffens the hairs slightly and it would be much safer than using hairspray.
www.mysupermarket.co.uk/tesco-price-comparison/Laundry/Dylon_Spray_Starch_300ml.html

You can buy a liquid to stop edges fraying. I think it's called something like liquid selvedge. Copydex would probably work just as well.

Could you gently tumble dry it? This seems to release untold amounts of fluff on most things so should get the loose stuff off - just remember to empty the filters afterwards!

You made me chuckle marionk. That is so true.

My GD (7+) is also a shepherd ( or rather shepherd~ess) and is wearing white shirt, white leggings and a coloured tea towel on her head. held in place with a hair band! if this helps..

Thanks, hope to see them later and wondering if DIL has come up with some solution that lets me off the hook

I will say that DGD is a 'shepherd'!!

Try washing in fabric conditioner it's supposed to adhere to fibres and set them

No help here - but when I saw the headline on my mail, i thought "shedding" was a new word, like "cottaging". Imagine my surprise when I realised the child was still in primary school!!!

Years ago I made a donkey's head by cutting out something that was basically the same shape as an oven mitt but large enough to slip round the child's head and tie at the back. (Double layer of cloth) The ears were triangular pieces of stiffened cloth. Rest of the donkey was a pair of tights with a tail attached and a jumper both greyish brown.

There are better ideas at www.ehow.com/how_10031223_howto-makeityourself-donkey-costumes.html

There is something called Burn Block which can be used on fabrics, Christmas trees, toys etc. etc. and it really does prevent them from catching fire.

I don't know if it is available in the UK though

You can buy any sort of costume now at most supermarkets but all a shepherd really needs is one of granddad's stripey shirts with a bit of string tied round the middle, a tea towel for the head (more string), sandals and a walking stick for a crook. Maybe a loose waistcoat over the top if anyone has one.