The Durability of Chenille Fabric
The word "chenille" is a term derived from the French that means “caterpillar” because of the yarn’s fuzzy texture. The construction method used to create the chenille is what makes the fabric durable. Although chenille is used in apparel, a heavier form of chenille yarn, referred to as chenille fur, is used for rugs.
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Chenille Description
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This soft-hand, fuzzy fabric is made from individual loft yarns, which refers to pile protruding from all sides of each yarn. A variety of different fibers are used to create chenille such as cotton, wool and silk, as well as rayon and polyester. Once the yarns are woven together it forms the chenille fabric appearance.
Construction Base
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Chenille is constructed by weaving a cloth in which the crosswise yarns, also referred to as filling yarns, are battened down tightly.The strong construction base is what makes this fabric durable.
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Making Chenille Fabric
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Although any fiber or blend is used to construct the tightly woven fabric base, the cloth also needs to be cut lengthwise into narrow strips. Each strip contains a few warp yarns, which are generally the same fiber used for the fabric base. In “Textile Fabrics and Their Selection,” Isabel B. Wingate and June F. Mohler write, “Each strip is twisted to form the yarn with the fuzzy ends of the cut filling yarns protruding.”
Identifying Chenille
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By running your fingernail along the chenille yarn, the pile that consists of filling yarn, slightly splits open. As the pile separates, the warp yarn is revealed, which is the main characteristic of chenille fabric.
Uses
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Designers implement chenille fabric in both woven and knitted women’s, men’s and children’s outerwear, creating a textured surface on the garment. The fabric is also used in sweaters, jackets and novelty skirts.
Home Décor
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Chenille is used in embroidered pieces as well as home décor items such as tassels and pillows. Special effects are created with chenille such as multicolored rugs, which is a term referring to several colors within one pattern. By varying the colors, sizes and fibers in the filling yarns of the chenille fur during construction, the rug appears multicolored.
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