Removing Lumps From Chenille Upholstery

Yarn makers use wool, rayon or cotton to make chenille yarn. From the fuzzy chenille yarn, textile manufacturers make chenille fabrics, which are used in bedspreads, upholster, rugs and other fabric items. Small lumps, called pilling, develop on knitted fabrics when the hairs from the fibers loosen and then bind together on the surface. You can remove the lumps using a disposable razor.

Things You'll Need

• Disposable razor

Instructions

1. Hold the shaver in your hand, as you would if you were shaving your face. Use a new, sharp shaver. A dull shaver may snag your fabric.

2. Position the blade edge on the upholstery, where there is evidence of pilling.

3. Move the shaver towards you, over the fabric, as you might move the shaver over your face.

4. Run your hand over the area you just shaved to pick up loose pilling debris. Repeat shaving the fabric until you remove all of the lumps.

Tips & Warnings

• There are power fabric shavers on the market designed specifically to remove the unsightly lumps.

• Carefully apply pressure when shaving as too much can cause you to nick the fabric, causing holes.

References

• The Everything Knitting Book”; Jane Eldershaw
• World Book, C-Ch; Chenille; Kenneth Fox
• How to Cheat at Home Repair; Jeff Bredenberg