Everybody loves a good arts and crafts project but some people are much more dedicated than others. This is why we have whole television shows and channels dedicated to the subject, whether it be for building things, sewing things, or anything in between. With that said, it does seem that sewing and similar types of projects have gained quite a bit more popularity than other types of crafts, which may be due to their practicality. This popularity has brought with it a multitude of materials and different types of fabric, each one having different textures, styles, and purposes.
What Is Chenille?
Chenille is both a yarn and a fabric, as it represents a certain style or appearance of the material. “Chenille” is French for “caterpillar” and the style of this material is meant to represent the fur of that insect. Chenille can be traced back to the 18th century in France and it was introduced to Scotland by Alexander Buchanan in the 1830s. The chenille that Alexander Buchanan introduced was the most similar to what we know today as they used heat rollers to create the frizzy, soft effect; today, it may be more common to use a chenille cutter.
Chenille continued to grow in popularity and spread to different uses. In the 1930s, chenille was often used for blankets, carpets, bedspreads, and mats. Today, we see chenille used for a variety of purposes, including those from the 1930s, as well as clothing and letterman jackets (for the patches). It is also commonly used in quilts since the 1990s.
Making Your Own Chenille
Luckily, you can actually make your own chenille and don’t have to worry about buying it premade from the store. There are many ways that you can make it but the easiest and most convenient method is by using a chenille cutter. On top of a chenille cutter, it’s also advised to use a chenille brush to achieve the desired finish.
