Named for the fuzzy caterpillar-like hairs, chenille yarns are regarded as novelty yarns in the design industry as they are uniquely suited to yield super soft cozy textiles.
This yarn is used to make luxurious, soft fabrics and rugs with great depth of color and shading, as well as increased durability.
Chenille yarn is widely used in the field of home textile (sofa cloth, wall paper, curtain fabric, etc.) and knitted garments because of its downy plumpness, soft handfeel, thick fabric and light texture, which is characterized by the fibers being held in the core yarn of the ensheathing, shaped like a bottle brush, so the chenille is soft to the touch and very full in appearance.
Chenille is unique in that the structure features two twisted core yarns with short cut piles in between. The cut piles then stand at angles that result in chenille’s signature softness, as well as it’s tendency to look iridescent. Quite the transformation from fiber to fabric.