Learning how to make a rabbit fur blanket can be difficult.
Most rabbit pelts come from those with short, thick, and velvety coats. The most sustainable pelts come from meat rabbits such as New Zealand, Californian, and Argente breeds.
Rabbit hides and fur can be crafted into blankets, bedspreads, hats, gloves, and even toys.
It is very warm, making it a great garment for people who spend a lot of time in intense cold conditions.
Sewing rabbit hide takes a lot of work, but it is very much appreciated by people like hunters, who need the insulation.
Step-By-Step Guide On How To Make A Rabbit Fur Blanket
Making a rabbit-fur blanket can be tricky, and sourcing materials can begin with hunting your rabbits to buying tanned rabbit hides.
Here is a step-by-step guide to making a rabbit fur blanket:
Step #1. Obtaining the hides
If you don’t want to tan your rabbit hide, you can always search for products that have already been tanned.
You can check out homesteading communities that raise rabbits and craft fairs because hobbyists often process rabbit pelts.
However, if you want to make blankets out of the most expensive rabbit hides, you may look for them in leatherworking stores instead.
Upon obtaining the hides, you have to make sure to store them in a cool and well-ventilated area until they are ready for use.
Cardboard boxes and paper bags work best if you place them in a basement closet.
Make sure to use mothballs or aromatherapy beads if your home has insect problems.
Step #2. Cutting the hides
Find a pattern for your blanket. If you can’t find one, search for one that is suited for fake fur or thick canvas.
You can also draw the pattern on sheets of paper and use scrap fabric to make a model of the original product.
Place the pelt fur-side down on a cutting board and pin the pattern on top of the hide.
When cutting, make sure that you pay attention to the grain or the direction in which the rabbit’s fur grows. It is best for the product when the fur is running in the same direction.
Cut the hide using a scalpel or a sharp knife because scissors could shear through the hair you want to keep. Scissors also create uneven lines to the finished product.
Step #3. Gathering the other materials
Once you’re done collecting and cutting the hides, you can collect the rest of the materials you need to create the blanket. You will need the following:
- About 50 rabbit skins
- 250 feet of cotton cordage
- Spindle
- Wood frame about 4 feet by 5.5 feet in diameter
Step #4. Prepping the hides
After cutting the hide, attach the fur to a plastic spindle made of a large electrical cord.
Attach your spindle to an object and hold it tight. Twist the fur strips by folding them in half, fur side out, and then rolling them up onto the spindle.
Step #5. Joining the skins
Join the strips by cutting small, ¾-inch slits in both ends of the strip of fur, one inch from the end of the strip.
Slip one end of the untwisted strip into the slit through the twisted strip and pull the untwisted strip through its slit. Pull tight to lock the two strips together.
Continue twisting and joining your skins together until you complete all skins.
Step #6. Twining the fur
Using your wooden frame, attach one end of the hides on top of your frame, and wrap the hides around and around until all hides are wound onto the frame.
Starting at the bottom of the frame, use the cotton cordage to twine the fur strips together every 1.5 inches from left to the right.
Using cordage about 18 feet long, start from the left-hand side of the frame to tie the middle of the cordage into the first strip of fur.
Twist the cordage once around itself on the other side of the strip and weave in and out of the fur wrapping.
Tie off the cordage ends to the fur strip at the far side of the frame and repeat the twining process every 1.5 inches until you reach the top of the blanket.
The twining process is important to hold the strips down in a uniform twisted shape.
(Optional) Step #7. Alternatively sewing the fur
If you opt to sew the fur instead of twining the hide to make the blanket, make sure you use needles to handle working with leather.
Lay the fur against fur and alight the edges you intend to sew instead. Pin them in place and maintain a tight grip on the hide.
If the edges are too thick, flatten the hides using a hammer.
Sew along the edges with a machine to create a small ridged seam, which is usually hidden when the project is complete.
Make sure to tie off ends to ensure that the hides don’t come undone.
Conclusion
It can be a tiring process if you are not sure how to make a rabbit fur blanket. However, if you know where to source your materials, you don’t have to hunt rabbits on your own.
It could be a fun project to do with heartwarming results!