Welcome back, DIY enthusiasts! We’re thrilled to share the second installment of our faux sheepskin adventure, building on the excitement of our initial project earlier today. This time, our creative journey took us to an absolutely legendary destination – a fabric store so immense, so brimming with textile treasures, it deserves its own spotlight. Imagine a place where every imaginable fabric unfurls before your eyes, offering endless possibilities for your home decor dreams. That place is Mary Jo’s Cloth Store, a true Mecca for crafters and designers alike, nestled just outside Charlotte, off I-85 at exit 21. Our visit, during a recent trip to see friends, was an experience we won’t soon forget, and it laid the groundwork for these incredibly chic and budget-friendly faux sheepskin throws, perfect for adding warmth and texture to any space.
Mary Jo’s isn’t just a fabric store; it’s a colossal 32,000 square-foot warehouse, a veritable football stadium of textiles, housing what felt like a million bolts of fabric. It’s the kind of place where if you can’t find it there, it probably doesn’t exist. From luxurious silks to durable upholsteries, quirky prints to classic solids, the sheer volume and diversity are breathtaking. Beyond the astounding selection, their prices are simply unbeatable. We spotted high-end designer prints for a mere $10 a yard that retail for $19 a yard back in Richmond. This kind of value makes large-scale DIY projects incredibly accessible and rewarding, transforming ambitious ideas into tangible realities without breaking the bank. Navigating these endless aisles of stacked fabric bolts was a joyful experience, especially with our wonderful friend Kristin, who graciously showed us around town (you might remember her charming bungalow from a past house tour).
The vastness of Mary Jo’s is a delightful sensory overload, a true paradise for anyone passionate about textiles. Every corner holds a new surprise, a unique pattern, or a texture you never knew you needed. It’s a place where inspiration strikes at every turn, from vibrant cottons to shimmering satins. My husband, John, in his characteristic fashion, always manages to unearth the most unusual items. During this visit, he found a roll of dental-themed fabric, complete with whimsical illustrations of teeth, floss, toothbrushes, and cheerful sayings like “smile!” It was a perfect testament to the store’s incredible variety and a moment of lighthearted fun amidst our serious fabric hunt. This store truly caters to every niche, proving that if you have a specific vision for your next DIY home decor project, Mary Jo’s is undeniably the place to make it a reality. It’s not just about buying fabric; it’s about the discovery, the inspiration, and the sheer joy of being surrounded by endless creative potential.
Despite the endless array of quirky and captivating patterns – from cats tangled in yarn to dogs nestled in baskets – we remained focused on our mission. Our primary goal was to find the perfect faux fur for our sheepskin throws, but we also snagged a yard and a half of exquisite nursery fabric. This beautiful material is destined to become a modified crib skirt, elegantly concealing the space between our crib mattress and the integrated slide-out drawer below – stay tuned for a future DIY tutorial on that project! For our faux sheepskin throws, we meticulously sifted through dozens of faux fur options, seeking out the ideal texture and color. We were looking for the densest, most luxuriously creamy ivory fur that not only looked but also felt remarkably similar to authentic sheepskin. After careful consideration, we found our winner: a yard of this gorgeous, fluffy faux fur, all for the incredible price of $14.99. This single purchase would soon transform into multiple stylish and cozy home accents.
Choosing the right faux fur is an art in itself, crucial for achieving that realistic, high-end look without the actual cost or ethical considerations of real sheepskin. We meticulously prioritized several key factors. First, density was paramount; we sought a thick, plush pile that would give the throws a substantial, luxurious feel. Second, the color played a vital role; a creamy ivory offers unparalleled warmth and versatility, blending seamlessly with virtually any existing decor style from modern minimalist to rustic farmhouse. Finally, the backing of the fabric is another often-overlooked yet critical detail. A sturdy, yet flexible, backing prevents excessive shedding, ensures durability, and contributes to the overall realistic drape. Our chosen fabric hit all these marks perfectly, promising a sumptuous end product. This strategic selection process allowed us to craft throws that would not only be aesthetically pleasing but also wonderfully soft and inviting, truly mimicking the natural charm of genuine sheepskin at a fraction of the cost, making them a perfect DIY home decor project.
One of the most exciting aspects of our fabric find was its generous dimensions. The faux fur came on a super long bolt, meaning that even though it was only three feet wide, our single yard purchase provided a rectangular piece nearly six feet in length. This unexpected boon allowed us to maximize our material, yielding three distinct faux sheepskin throws from just that one yard. This clever utilization brought the cost down to an astonishing $5 per throw, an absolutely incredible deal when you consider that even IKEA’s inexpensive real sheepskin rugs typically retail for around $25 each. To create our throws, we simply retrieved our trusty homemade paper sheepskin template, which we detailed how to craft in this morning’s post. With a thin, sharp Sharpie, we carefully traced the unique organic shape of our template onto the soft backing of the faux fur, repeating the process three times to ensure precise and uniform outlines for our new DIY home accessories.
Before committing to the final cuts on our precious fabric, I performed a crucial test cut on a small, inconspicuous edge of the material. This step is absolutely vital when working with faux fur to assess how much fluff might be released and, more importantly, whether the fabric’s integrity holds up to trimming without unraveling. Happily, the test revealed minimal shedding – just a few stray wisps with each snip, akin to giving a shaggy pet a much-needed haircut. Crucially, the faux fur did not unravel or come loose, even when I gently tugged on the trimmed edge. This successful test provided immense reassurance; it meant I could confidently proceed with cutting along my three Sharpie outlines, knowing the edges would remain neat and intact without needing additional binding or finishing. This simple yet effective process allowed us to create three fast, easy, and incredibly stylish faux sheepskin throws in a matter of minutes, saving valuable time and effort on edge finishing, a true testament to easy DIY home decor.
After the cutting was complete, my workspace (and my black shirt!) resembled a snowy landscape, liberally coated in fluffy, matted faux fur, not unlike the charming remnants of a sheepdog’s grooming session. This “floofy” aftermath is a common occurrence with faux fur projects, but thankfully, it’s easily remedied. To tackle the excess fuzz and ensure a clean, pristine finish, I gathered all three newly cut throws and tossed them into the dryer. A quick cycle on “extra low heat” was all it took. The gentle tumbling motion effectively shook out any remaining loose fibers and lint, leaving them perfectly de-floofed. The result was truly remarkable: when I pulled out our three surprisingly realistic-looking $5 faux sheepskins, they looked absolutely fantastic. This dryer method proved incredibly effective, leaving the throws soft, neat, and virtually free of shedding, meaning I wouldn’t be covered in white fur every time I brushed against them – a small but significant detail that greatly enhances their usability, appeal, and overall luxurious feel as DIY home accents.
It’s important to note the distinct character of these particular faux sheepskin creations. Unlike the more structured, “rug-like” versions we crafted in this morning’s DIY project, this approach yields much floppier and more flexible “throw-like” accents. This inherent pliability makes them ideal for draping and layering, adding a lovely lightness, softness, and inviting texture to various pieces of furniture. Their design makes them perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere. However, due to their flexible nature, they are not designed for floor placement, as they could easily create hazardous slipping scenarios, unlike their more rigid counterparts. Their strength lies in their versatility as decorative accents. Here, you can see one of our three new furry companions enhancing the storage bench in our dining area, instantly elevating its aesthetic. Please excuse the slight bluish-white cast in the photo; it’s a reflection of the sky through the window. For a more accurate representation of their true creamy ivory color, refer to the image of them in the dryer above, which captures their authentic warmth beautifully.
The beauty of these DIY faux sheepskin throws truly shines in their intricate details, making them an incredible addition to any home decor scheme. A close-up view reveals just how realistic and luxurious the edges appear – beautifully fluffy and soft, mirroring the authentic appeal of genuine sheepskin. Honestly, we doubt anyone would be able to distinguish these budget-friendly faux versions from their much more expensive real counterparts. The resemblance is eerily similar, which was precisely our goal. Achieving such a high-end look for a fraction of the cost is incredibly satisfying and speaks volumes about the power of smart DIY projects. These throws effortlessly add a touch of bohemian chic, rustic charm, or modern minimalist warmth to any space, proving that impactful home decor doesn’t have to break the bank. Their inviting texture makes any surface they adorn instantly more comfortable and stylish, inviting you to relax and unwind in your beautifully enhanced home.
Continuing our styling exploration, we artfully tossed the second faux sheepskin throw over the back of a nearby living room chair. The effect is simply stunning, demonstrating the versatility of these DIY home decor accents. It introduces a delightful layered, tone-on-tone texture that adds depth and visual interest to the seating area. The creamy ivory hue complements almost any color scheme, offering a sophisticated contrast without overwhelming the existing decor. This simple addition instantly transforms a standard chair into a cozy, inviting focal point, perfect for curling up with a book or enjoying a quiet moment. The inherent flexibility and softness of these throws allow for endless creative arrangements, making them a go-to accessory for adding warmth and a touch of luxury to various rooms in your home. They beautifully demonstrate how small, inexpensive details can have a profound impact on the overall ambiance and aesthetic of your living space.
Finally, the third throw found its perfect home elegantly draped over the back of a slipper chair in our cozy den. The result is undeniably soft, inviting, and utterly chic, proving that impactful home decor doesn’t require a hefty investment. It’s truly amazing how three simple, $5 upgrades can collectively inject so much character, warmth, and style into three distinct seating areas across our home. Each throw, though identical in making, takes on a unique personality depending on its placement, enhancing the comfort and visual appeal of its surroundings. From the dining area bench to the living room armchair and the den’s slipper chair, these faux sheepskin accents tie the spaces together with a cohesive, luxurious touch, creating a sense of understated elegance. They’re not just decorations; they’re invitations to comfort, transforming ordinary furniture into extraordinary sanctuaries for relaxation and style, highlighting the transformative power of DIY.
And there you have it – our second comprehensive DIY tutorial for creating incredibly convincing faux sheepskin throws. The process truly is as straightforward as it sounds, making it an accessible project for any home decor enthusiast. Embark on a hunt for some beautifully woolly white fabric – or even a pre-made white furry blanket if you stumble upon a great find at stores like TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, or Target. Once you have your material, whip up our free, easy-to-follow homemade paper sheepskin template, which provides the perfect organic shape. Then, simply trace that template onto the back of your chosen fabric (or blanket, if that’s the route you’ve taken) and carefully cut it out. Remember our clever finishing touch: a quick spin in the dryer on a low-heat setting will effectively de-lint and de-fluff your new throws, ensuring they’re pristine, soft, and ready for display. It’s an easy-peasy process that yields truly stunning results, adding a touch of luxury to your home on a budget.
Or, as we like to playfully call it, easy “fleece-y”! (Okay, we admit, that pun might be a bit cringeworthy, but we’re just so excited about our collection of budget-friendly, $5 furry friends!). These flexible, fun throws are incredibly versatile; we can’t wait to move them around our house, much like we used to do with our old IKEA versions, constantly refreshing our decor. They offer endless styling possibilities and can instantly transform the ambiance of any room. But here’s the absolute best part, the icing on the cake for these DIY faux sheepskin throws: unlike our previous IKEA sheepskins, these DIY fabric creations are completely WASHABLE! That’s right, easy care combined with stunning aesthetics and incredible affordability. Now, it’s your turn! We’d love to hear about your latest creative endeavors and smart home decor hacks. Have you recently discovered a fantastic fabric deal and used it to reupholster a chair, or perhaps crafted some quick, custom pillows? Have you ventured into making your own faux-fur throws, pillows, or blankets? Share your inspiring stories and budget-friendly tips with us in the comments – we can’t wait to read them!
Psst- Ready to dive into our first DIY sheepskin tutorial from this morning? Here’s a quick shortcut to catch up on all the details and expand your DIY home decor skills!