Looking for something soft and cozy? Chenille might be the fabric for you. But what is chenille fabric, exactly?
Let’s take a look.
What is chenille fabric?
Chenille is a type of yarn known for its soft, fuzzy texture. It falls into the category of soft yarn. Technically, though, it’s made from two different types of yarns called core yarns and pile yarns that are woven together in a special manner.
To get an idea of how the weave works, visualize the core yarns as a DNA spiral weaving back and forth. The pile yarns, meanwhile, are the shorter pieces that run crosswise through the spirals.
When the core yarns are twisted together, they trap the pile yarns, which then spring outward, resulting in chenille’s signature fuzzy appearance.
10 things to know about chenille fabric
1. Chenille fabric has versatile uses
Chenille is a popular choice for upholstery because of its soft, cozy texture, but you’ll also find it in blankets, towels, pillows, rugs, and much more.
Chenille comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, making it easy to match different styles and spaces.
2. There are several different types of chenille fabric
Chenille isn’t made from just one material. It can be created using silk, cotton, wool, rayon, polyester, or blends of these fibers. Each type has its own characteristics.
For example, silk chenille has a smooth, luxurious sheen, while cotton chenille is softer and more casual. Polyester chenille is known for being more durable and UV-resistant.
That said, cotton is probably the most popular fiber used to make chenille. It strikes a nice balance between softness, affordability, and versatility.
3. Chenille fabric has been popular since the 1970s
Chenille became popular in the 1970s when people started looking for fabrics that were both comfortable and stylish. Chenille bedspreads, in particular, were a huge trend.
Decades later, chenille is still loved and used by many people in various ways.
4. Polyester chenille is more UV-stable than some other types
Polyester chenille is more UV-stable than chenille that is made from natural fibers like cotton and semi-natural fibers like rayon.
That said, polyester chenille isn’t as soft and welcoming, in my opinion. Don’t get me wrong: It’s not horrible. But there’s something special about other types of chenille, such as cotton.
5. Chenille’s texture is thick, soft, and pairs well with velvet
Chenille’s texture is actually pretty similar to velvet, in that both have a soft, plush feel. It’s why they pair so well together.
Upholsterers sometimes mix chenille and velvet, for instance, in cushions and sofa covers, which is a nice way to add diverse texture without the fabrics clashing.
6. Chenille has a thick pile
Chenille’s pile (upright strands of yarn) is thick and dense. That’s what gives it its signature soft, fuzzy texture that people love.
The downside is the fabric acts a bit like a sponge, easily soaking up spills and stains, so it is a bit high maintenance and sometimes hard to clean.
7. It’s good to be cautious when cleaning chenille fabric
So, let’s talk about cleaning your chenille fabric. At some point, you might notice a stain, spill, or dirt, so what do you do?
Well, before applying any sort of cleaning product or even just water, check the clean code. Chenille fabric will either have a W for water-based products, an S for solvents, or an X for no cleaning.
Once you’ve confirmed the clean code, it’s still worth doing a quick test. Chenille has a tendency to shrink when it gets wet, so this step is really important.
Choose an inconspicuous part of your furniture, somewhere no one will notice, and see how the fabric holds up when you lightly dab it.
If the test goes well, you can try cleaning a slightly larger area to be sure it reacts the same way. Once you’re satisfied with your test and are ready to clean, always work in the direction of the chenille’s pile. Don’t rub, and avoid soaking the fabric.
Using a wet/dry vacuum can also be really helpful for pulling out moisture, dirt, and grime.
8. Chenille is generally quite durable
Despite its soft, fuzzy feel, chenille is surprisingly durable. Many types are designed to hold up well under daily use, especially when used for upholstery.
In fact, some chenille fabrics can withstand up to 60,000 rubs. This makes chenille a solid choice for furniture that sees a lot of traffic.
9. Chenille is a great fabric for couches and sofas
Chenille is a fantastic choice for couches and sofas for many of the reasons we’ve discussed already. Let’s rehash.
Positives:
- Soft and plush, perfect for lounging
- Warm and cozy feel
- Durable when made with high-quality fibers
- Holds its shape well over time
- Comes in a wide range of colors and patterns
- Works with both casual and elegant styles
However, it does have some downsides. Let’s recap.
Negatives:
- Absorbs spills, dirt, and pet hair easily
- Can be tricky to clean
- Lower-quality chenille can snag or stretch
- Requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best
In other words, if you’ve got pets, kids, or a busy household, you might be in for a bit of a struggle. I don’t want to scare you away from chenille, though. There’s a lot to love about it.
» MORE: 5 Best Pet Friendly Furniture Fabrics + Good for Kids
10. Chenille can be used for crocheting, knitting, and even sewing
Ok, so this one is about chenille yarn rather than fabric, but I couldn’t help but mention it, just to show off how versatile chenille really is.
Whether you’re crocheting cozy blankets, knitting scarves, or even sewing, chenille yarn is super soft and fun to work with. Just note that chenille can be a little tricky to work with. For example, when sewing, it has a tendency to slide.
However, if you address its challenges, chenille can result in some beautiful handmade projects.
Contact Redesign Upholstery
Thinking about using chenille fabric for your next upholstery project? We can help. Redesign Upholstery offers custom solutions tailored to your needs. We can work with any fabric you choose.
» MORE: Furniture Fabric: The Most Common Fabrics Used in Furniture
