How to Make Chenille Yarn
Chenille yarn is spun from two or more core yarns with soft fibers twisted at right angles to the central threads. This produces a fuzzy yarn that makes soft, velvety fabrics. It's perfect for sweaters and soft blankets, and also makes attractive decorative accents. The name "chenille" comes from the French word for caterpillar, and the texture of chenille yarn does suggest a furry caterpillar. You can make your own chenille-effect yarn using sewing thread and strips of fabric.
Things You'll Need
- Sharp dressmaker's scissors
- Brush
- Top-whorl drop spindle
- Fabric
- 2 reels of thick, strong sewing thread
Instructions
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1
Select the fabric you will be using to create the soft pile of your chenille yarn. Choose a fabric that is woven rather than knitted, soft to the touch and frays easily. Rayon fabrics are a good choice for this project, as they are soft and have smooth fibers that tend to fray. Cut or tear your chosen fabric into strips approximately 3/4 of an inch wide. Try to make the cuts as straight and even as you can, following the grain of the fabric. Use a good, strong sewing thread. (See References 1 & 3)
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2
Fray the edges of the fabric strips by carefully pulling away some of the warp threads—the long vertical threads—to leave the weft threads—the short horizontal threads—exposed. You want to leave a core of woven fabric with a soft pile on each side, roughly the same length on either side of the core. Do not remove too many of the warp threads as this will result in a strip that is too unstable for spinning. (See References 1)
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Take two of the fabric strips and tie the ends together with the sewing threads. Tie the fibers to the top of the spindle. Use a top-whorl spindle, as the higher speed is better for this kind of fiber. Drop and spin the spindle. Allow the fibers to spin into yarn. Feed a little more fiber through your fingers. Repeat this process until all the fiber is spun into yarn. Keep the spindle spinning continuously. (See References 1 & 2)
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Tips & Warnings
Spinning chenille requires a light touch; don't apply too much pressure with your hands and fingers. Make sure, however, that the yarn is tightly twisted, as chenille yarn is very prone to unravelling or shedding. Handle the ends of the yarn with care when cutting, so that they do not unravel. You may wish to tie an overhand knot in the cut ends of the yarn to keep it secure until you're ready to use it. Handle the yarn gently when you wind it. Do not wind too tightly or you will compress the pile. When weaving or knitting with your chenille yarn, you will also need to maintain a light, firm touch.
