Fellmuster

Fellmuster is a term used in textile design to describe patterns or textures that imitate the appearance or feel of animal fur. In practice, it covers woven, knitted, or printed fabrics that evoke fur patterns, either through pile surfaces, short fibers, or clever printing. The term is most commonly found in German-language design discourse, where Fell means fur and Muster means pattern, and has been adopted into English-language textile writing to denote fur-like motifs. There is no single, formal definition, and usage can vary by designer or manufacturer.

In design practice, Fellmuster patterns may reproduce natural fur traits such as color variation and the formation of stripes or spots, though designers also use stylized or abstract renditions. Techniques to achieve Fellmuster effects include jacquard weaving to create raised pile with variegated color, embroidery and appliqué for texture, and printed designs that simulate fur patterns. The approach can be applied to a range of materials, from faux fur fabrics to synthetically textured leathers and performance textiles.

History and reception: Fellmuster has appeared in fashion and interior textiles since the late 19th and 20th centuries in some European catalogs, evolving with synthetic materials and fashion trends. Today it is often used as a descriptive label rather than a strict technical category, signaling a fur-inspired aesthetic rather than a defined manufacturing standard.

See also: Faux fur, animal print, textile design, pattern.