Register Login
support
shop
menu
close
  1. Home
  2. Knowledge hub
  3. Fabric guide
  4. Chenille
Chenille

What is Chenille?

Chenille is a textile term used for a distinctive soft, fuzzy yarn and fabrics made with or featuring this type of yarn. The name comes from the French word for caterpillar, referring to the yarn's characteristic hairy appearance. Chenille yarns traditionally contain short pile fibres held between twisted core yarns, creating a raised texture. Depending on how these yarns are used, Chenille fabrics can be dense and velvety, lightweight and flexible, or even openwork with decorative textured patterns. The Nooteboom Textiles assortment includes both fashion Chenille and heavier decoration qualities, each with different characteristics and applications.

Explore the Chenille Collection

Specifications

  • Construction: fabric made with characteristic Chenille yarns that create a soft, raised surface; the finished fabric may be woven or knitted, depending on the quality.
  • Composition: selected Nooteboom Textiles qualities include 65% polyamide / 30% polyester / 5% elastane, 55% polyester / 45% polyamide and 100% polyester.
  • Weight: selected fashion qualities weigh approximately 130 to 175 g/m², while heavier decoration qualities weigh approximately 345 to 360 g/m².
  • Stretchability: varies by construction; selected fashion qualities are classified as stretch, while the heavier woven polyester decoration qualities are non-stretch.
  • Abbreviations: PA = polyamide, PES / PL = polyester, EL = elastane.

What are the properties of Chenille?

Chenille is characterised by its raised yarn texture, which can create a soft surface, decorative relief or contrasting areas of open and dense construction. The appearance depends strongly on how the yarn is incorporated into the fabric: closely packed Chenille yarns produce a fuller, velvety effect, whereas selectively placed textured yarns can emphasise motifs in lighter or openwork fabrics. Some qualities have a gentle sheen, while others are predominantly matte. Lightweight stretch varieties may offer flexibility and movement, whereas heavier woven qualities provide greater body and stability. The raised fibres can be sensitive to abrasion, snagging and compression, so performance should always be assessed for the intended use.

What does Chenille feel like?

Chenille yarn has a characteristically soft, fuzzy or velvety touch, but the overall feel of a Chenille fabric can differ considerably. Dense decoration fabrics often feel plush, substantial and softly textured. Lighter fashion qualities may feel flexible and airy, particularly when the textured yarns are combined with a more open construction. In openwork fabrics, the decorative raised areas may feel soft while the surrounding mesh or ground fabric has a noticeably different texture.

Applications

  • Jackets: lightweight Chenille qualities can be used for soft, textured jackets and decorative outer layers.
  • Blazers: suitable fashion qualities can give casual blazers a distinctive, softly structured surface.
  • Skirts: selected clothing qualities may be suitable for skirts when the drape, opacity and stretch match the intended design.
  • Dresses: lighter Chenille qualities can be considered for textured dresses that benefit from a soft surface and sufficient movement.
  • Curtains and Drapes: heavier decoration qualities can create substantial curtains with a soft, textured appearance.
  • Cushions: decorative Chenille can be used for cushion covers when its abrasion resistance suits the intended use.
  • Home Decoration: heavier qualities are suitable for decorative panels, fabric-covered accessories and other interior projects.
  • Decorative Upholstery: selected Chenille fabrics may be suitable for upholstery, provided that the relevant abrasion, seam strength and durability requirements have been verified.

Wash Instructions

  • Washing Temperature: follow the care instructions of the specific Chenille quality; washable articles may require a gentle cycle at approximately 30°C, while certain decoration fabrics may have different cleaning requirements.
  • Drying Advice: air drying is generally preferable when permitted by the care label, as excessive heat may affect the fibres and surface texture.
  • Ironing Instructions: avoid direct pressure on the raised surface and use a low temperature from the reverse side only when permitted by the care label.
  • Dry Cleaning: use professional dry cleaning only when allowed by the instructions for the selected quality.
  • Special Considerations: avoid vigorous rubbing, wringing and excessive brushing, which can disturb the raised fibres or change the appearance of the surface.

Other Information

  • Certifications: selected Chenille fashion qualities from Nooteboom Textiles are certified according to OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Product Class I, while selected decoration qualities are certified according to Product Class II.
  • Sustainability Aspects: environmental impact depends on fibre composition, manufacturing processes, durability and care requirements; polyester and polyamide are synthetic fibres.
  • Shrinkage and Prewashing: test dimensional stability before cutting or production, especially when working with stretch qualities or fabrics combining different fibres.
  • Width: selected Chenille qualities from Nooteboom Textiles have fabric widths of approximately 145 to 155 cm, depending on the article.
  • Surface: Chenille has a raised, velvety yarn texture that may show directional variations in light reflection or pile appearance.
  • Colours and Designs: the assortment includes plain colours such as off-white, beige, black, navy, pink, petrol and red, depending on the collection.
  • Finishing: selected 100% polyester decoration qualities feature a water-repellent finish, which should not be assumed for all Chenille fabrics.
  • Seasonal Suitability: fashion qualities are particularly suitable for textured jackets and transitional clothing, while heavier decoration qualities can be used in interiors throughout the year.

What is the difference between traditional Chenille and openwork Chenille?

Traditional dense Chenille fabrics use closely arranged textured yarns to create a relatively continuous, soft surface. Openwork Chenille has spaces or a mesh-like ground between more substantial decorative areas, giving the fabric a lighter and potentially transparent appearance. Both may feature raised, fuzzy yarn effects, but they differ considerably in drape, coverage, seam handling and intended use. Openwork qualities are often more suitable for decorative fashion layers, whereas dense Chenille is commonly associated with jackets, curtains and interior textiles.

Within the Nooteboom Textiles assortment, Chenille Black, article 24158/069 is an example of a lightweight fashion quality with an openwork appearance. It weighs 165 g/m², contains 55% polyester and 45% polyamide, and is classified as stretch. Its exact yarn construction should be assessed separately rather than inferred from the product name alone.

What is the difference between Chenille and Velvet?

Chenille and Velvet can both have soft, raised surfaces, but the way they achieve this effect differs. Chenille is primarily associated with a fuzzy yarn construction, while traditional Velvet has a dense pile formed as part of the fabric construction. Velvet generally produces a relatively continuous pile surface, whereas Chenille can range from dense, plush fabrics to irregular decorative textures. The suitability of either fabric for clothing or upholstery depends on its construction and performance rather than its appearance alone.

What is the difference between Chenille and Bouclé?

Chenille and Bouclé are both textile terms closely associated with yarn texture, but they describe different effects. Chenille yarns have short fibres projecting from a central core, while Bouclé yarns typically feature loops or curls that create an irregular surface. Chenille usually has a softer, fuzzier texture, whereas Bouclé often displays more noticeable loops or small knots. Some fashion fabrics can combine several decorative yarn effects, making the categories visually similar.

What is the difference between Chenille and Teddy Fabric?

Chenille and Teddy fabric can both feel soft and textured, but they are not interchangeable. Teddy fabric generally has a pronounced curly or fleece-like pile that covers much of the fabric surface. Chenille is associated with the structure or appearance of its textured yarns and can be used in both dense and openwork constructions. As a result, Chenille does not necessarily have the same thickness, warmth or fluffy appearance as Teddy fabric.

Practical Tip

When cutting Chenille, check whether the surface has a visible direction and position pattern pieces consistently to avoid unwanted colour differences. Test the needle, seam strength and pressing method on a sample, taking care not to flatten or damage the raised fibres.

FAQ

Can Chenille fabric be transparent?
Yes, some lightweight Chenille fashion qualities have an openwork or mesh-like construction that allows light to pass through. The transparency depends on the size of the openings, the density of the decorative yarns and the colour of the fabric. For garments requiring coverage, test the material against the skin and consider a lining or an additional fabric layer.
Does Chenille shed fibres when cut or sewn?
Some Chenille fabrics can release fibres along cut edges or during handling because of their raised yarn structure. The amount depends on the construction of the yarn and how securely the fibres are held in place. Finishing the edges promptly and limiting unnecessary friction can help reduce fibre loss.
How do you prevent snagging in openwork Chenille?
Openwork Chenille can be vulnerable to snagging when jewellery, rough surfaces or sharp sewing tools catch the yarns or openings. Work on a smooth surface, handle the fabric gently and avoid pins or clips that damage the decorative sections. Testing the seam construction on a sample helps identify vulnerable areas before production.
Which needle should you use to sew Chenille?
For woven Chenille, a universal needle in size 80/12 can be a suitable starting point, depending on the weight and density of the fabric. For knitted or stretch qualities, a ballpoint or stretch needle may be more appropriate. Openwork constructions require particular care to avoid pulling or displacing decorative yarns, so test needle and stitch settings on an offcut.
Is every Chenille fabric suitable for upholstery?
No, Chenille refers to a yarn or fabric characteristic rather than a guaranteed level of durability. Lightweight fashion Chenille and decorative openwork qualities are not automatically suitable for furniture. Before selecting a Chenille fabric for upholstery, verify the relevant abrasion resistance, pilling performance, seam strength, snagging resistance and cleaning requirements.

Do you have a specific question about Chenille or an application?
Our AI assistant will help you immediately.

Ask a question

Back

Written by

Dave Van der Steen Nooteboom Textiles

Posted on

Placed in

Added to cart

Welcome back

0
ART.NR.

You still have 0 articles in your cart

View cart Continue shopping