What Is Chenille Fabric?
02 Oct 2024
Chenille is a modern textile with optimal performance characteristics. From the material of this article, you will learn its properties and description, when it appeared, what it is, where it is used, and what kind of care it requires.
Chenille is a dense texture textile used in the decoration of furniture, interiors and garments. It consists of natural and artificial fibers and can be combined and synthetic. It is called an alternative to flock and corduroy.
However, compared to them, the material is thicker and heavier. It is a kind of jacquard, differing from it in higher quality. It has a peculiar weave, characterized by strength, durability, and pleasant tactile sensations.
Warm and velvety to the touch, resembles a cloth with a particularly short pile. When it is directed in one direction or another, it slightly changes its hue. Modern chenille is resistant to fading, rubbing, and wrinkling. It does not shed during use and can be draped in large piles. It will quickly become soaked when exposed to water.
Ecological, hygienic, breathable, cheaper than other materials. Resistant to the absorption of foreign odors, aesthetically pleasing appearance. At the same time, the material requires care.
Its texture on the front and back sides is different. On the front surface, there are more fluffy hairs, and they are more pronounced. On the underside, the material is less textured.
Chenille is a dense texture textile used in the decoration of furniture, interiors and garments. It consists of natural and artificial fibers and can be combined and synthetic. It is called an alternative to flock and corduroy.
However, compared to them, the material is thicker and heavier. It is a kind of jacquard, differing from it in higher quality. It has a peculiar weave, characterized by strength, durability, and pleasant tactile sensations.
Warm and velvety to the touch, resembles a cloth with a particularly short pile. When it is directed in one direction or another, it slightly changes its hue. Modern chenille is resistant to fading, rubbing, and wrinkling. It does not shed during use and can be draped in large piles. It will quickly become soaked when exposed to water.
Ecological, hygienic, breathable, cheaper than other materials. Resistant to the absorption of foreign odors, aesthetically pleasing appearance. At the same time, the material requires care.
Its texture on the front and back sides is different. On the front surface, there are more fluffy hairs, and they are more pronounced. On the underside, the material is less textured.
What Is the History of Chenille?
It is not known when the first chenille fabric appeared. According to one hypothesis, its name has Latin roots. According to another version, it was first produced about 200 years ago.
It was produced by hand using a complex technology, so it was expensive. It could afford only representatives of wealthy estates. It differed from the materials known at that time by its special weave and texture.
Its homeland is considered to be the USA. The name may have come from the French word chenille, meaning “caterpillar”. To get a soft thread, the fiber was spun and then twisted. The main thread was then spun onto it.
The result was a thread resembling a caterpillar, and the fabric acquired an unusual texture. The technology of manufacturing implied coloring. The density of the natural material differed.
Common features were bulkiness, velvety, and similarity to velour. However, this textile was softer. With the development of industry, the work began to be carried out on specialized equipment.
Today, chenille textiles are created by weaving one or more threads. Current threads pass between the main threads on a serpentine trajectory. Due to the lack of fasteners on the sides, a soft textured fabric is formed. Modern manufacturers, in addition to the chenille base, can use threads of other raw materials, through which it is possible to increase the strength characteristics of the material.
It was produced by hand using a complex technology, so it was expensive. It could afford only representatives of wealthy estates. It differed from the materials known at that time by its special weave and texture.
Its homeland is considered to be the USA. The name may have come from the French word chenille, meaning “caterpillar”. To get a soft thread, the fiber was spun and then twisted. The main thread was then spun onto it.
The result was a thread resembling a caterpillar, and the fabric acquired an unusual texture. The technology of manufacturing implied coloring. The density of the natural material differed.
Common features were bulkiness, velvety, and similarity to velour. However, this textile was softer. With the development of industry, the work began to be carried out on specialized equipment.
Today, chenille textiles are created by weaving one or more threads. Current threads pass between the main threads on a serpentine trajectory. Due to the lack of fasteners on the sides, a soft textured fabric is formed. Modern manufacturers, in addition to the chenille base, can use threads of other raw materials, through which it is possible to increase the strength characteristics of the material.
Types of Chenille Fabric
Chenille can be classified by color, composition, density, and type of weave. It is based on a double weave or fluffy threads, which are obtained in different ways. They can be woven into the base, and attached to it using a stream of hot air (glued). The warp is made of non-fluffy fibers. The glue backing is good because it does not allow the threads to pull out of the overall weave due to accidental mechanical impact. The woven one is worse in this respect. Despite the quality, its threads slip out from puffs. The type of weave determines not only appearance but also consumer characteristics. Each weave is characterized by its own pattern. For example, twill has diagonal stripes. Jacquard has a complex pattern. Satin is characterized by a rare weave of warp and weft threads. Tapestry varies and can be both sparse and made in satin technique. The best option is considered the jacquard method. Such a matter has a soft textured base and a flat embossed pattern. To improve the characteristics of the fabrics are impregnated with compositions that make the material resistant to mold and fire. The number of threads in the fabric can be up to 18. The more of them, the greater the weight of the cloth. The fabric is dyed either ready-made or before weaving.
By composition
Modern chenille fabrics differ in composition. Natural materials are produced from cotton. Thanks to this, the textile transmits air well and does not irritate the skin. It does not electrify but is less resistant in operation.
Synthetic fabrics are made of polyester and viscose. The addition of viscose fibers reduces the environmental friendliness of chenille. However, this is compensated for by its greater durability, attractive cast, and practicality.
Polyester varieties are considered the strongest and most durable. Can have a characteristic glow, more resistant than others to burnout.
In addition to basic inclusions, the material may include acrylic, which improves the properties of the woven fabric. It is always bright, matted, and with a slight shimmer.
By color and design
Color solutions of the material can be very diverse. In the palette of shades, there are many neutral, bright, muted, dark tones. Popular colors are burgundy, gray-pink, terracotta, brown, and gray.
Each base color has several tones of different temperatures and degrees of saturation. In-demand colors are cyan, blue, lilac, mélange, and sandy blue.
The design of textiles also varies. In addition to solid-colored fabrics, brands offer to the attention of buyers materials in stripes, and squares, with monogrammed ornaments, floral and floral motifs, and diamond patterns. Popular variants of colors of leading manufacturers - cloths with damask patterns, geometric and abstract designs. The colorfastness of fabrics is different. In production, it is tested by grouting on dry and wet bases. Optimal values are from 5 and more. If they are lower, the textile will quickly fade in use.
By density
Chenille has different degrees of resistance to mechanical stress. Its density is standard and small. The more complex the weave, the denser the material. Denser variants have less hygroscopicity and breathability. At the same time, they serve more than 6-7 years. Particularly dense chenille made of artificial fiber attracts dust. It creates a favorable environment for the appearance of fungus and harmful bacteria. High density can cause the tearing of products at the seams under high load. This can happen due to low air permeability.
By durability
Due to the structure and the type of yarns used, the intensity of use varies. The lower the values, the less stress it can withstand. The British Standards Institute has developed its own classification. According to it, the material is designed for delicate, everyday, intensive use. There are significant differences between them. This criterion is determined by the Martindale and Wiesenbeck tests. In the course of their performance, the fabric is fixed on a platform, and subjected to friction with an abrasive disk or a woolen cloth attached to a metal disk. Fabrics of the first group are designed for 5000-15000 abrasion cycles. The indicators of analogs for daily use are from 15000 to 20000 cycles. Variants with special durability can withstand more than 20000 cycles. The higher the value, the better. Matter with high values is suitable for use in places with the greatest concentration of people. For example, they are used in salons, private hospitals, and office premises. Such materials are resistant to deformation and loss of attractiveness of the original appearance.
Areas of application
Chenille is used for furniture upholstery, and it is used to make drapery fabric for curtains. Furniture fabrics perform the function of covers of a non-removable type. Sofa modifications are used for seats, backs, and armrests.
Such a material has low elasticity and different thicknesses, which determines the structure of the cloth. Its coloring depends on the style of the furniture. In addition to basic covers, it is used to upholster sofa cushions included in the set. In addition, soft plaids, towels, and tablecloths are made of chenille. These accessories are specific, but perfectly complement the interior in different styles. Home textiles of chenille have a lower density. Bedspreads and plaids from it are made without stitching. They complement the interior together with furniture and curtains. These products have a good look and a very appreciable weight. The material can be used as a kind of partition. Due to its texture and density, it has noise-insulating properties. In addition, it is used as a decoration in various design projects. Portiere fabric is used to cover walls, it is used as panels and canopies.
Chenille can be used in rooms of different types and purposes. It looks good on living room windows, in the bedroom and children's bedroom textiles, office and study furniture. It is suitable for studio (open) apartments.
In the hands of craftswomen, chenille becomes a material for crafts. Needlewomen sew out of it fluffy and warm robes on the smell. Less often it is used to sew aprons.
By composition
Modern chenille fabrics differ in composition. Natural materials are produced from cotton. Thanks to this, the textile transmits air well and does not irritate the skin. It does not electrify but is less resistant in operation.
Synthetic fabrics are made of polyester and viscose. The addition of viscose fibers reduces the environmental friendliness of chenille. However, this is compensated for by its greater durability, attractive cast, and practicality.
Polyester varieties are considered the strongest and most durable. Can have a characteristic glow, more resistant than others to burnout.
In addition to basic inclusions, the material may include acrylic, which improves the properties of the woven fabric. It is always bright, matted, and with a slight shimmer.
By color and design
Color solutions of the material can be very diverse. In the palette of shades, there are many neutral, bright, muted, dark tones. Popular colors are burgundy, gray-pink, terracotta, brown, and gray.
Each base color has several tones of different temperatures and degrees of saturation. In-demand colors are cyan, blue, lilac, mélange, and sandy blue.
The design of textiles also varies. In addition to solid-colored fabrics, brands offer to the attention of buyers materials in stripes, and squares, with monogrammed ornaments, floral and floral motifs, and diamond patterns. Popular variants of colors of leading manufacturers - cloths with damask patterns, geometric and abstract designs. The colorfastness of fabrics is different. In production, it is tested by grouting on dry and wet bases. Optimal values are from 5 and more. If they are lower, the textile will quickly fade in use.
By density
Chenille has different degrees of resistance to mechanical stress. Its density is standard and small. The more complex the weave, the denser the material. Denser variants have less hygroscopicity and breathability. At the same time, they serve more than 6-7 years. Particularly dense chenille made of artificial fiber attracts dust. It creates a favorable environment for the appearance of fungus and harmful bacteria. High density can cause the tearing of products at the seams under high load. This can happen due to low air permeability.
By durability
Due to the structure and the type of yarns used, the intensity of use varies. The lower the values, the less stress it can withstand. The British Standards Institute has developed its own classification. According to it, the material is designed for delicate, everyday, intensive use. There are significant differences between them. This criterion is determined by the Martindale and Wiesenbeck tests. In the course of their performance, the fabric is fixed on a platform, and subjected to friction with an abrasive disk or a woolen cloth attached to a metal disk. Fabrics of the first group are designed for 5000-15000 abrasion cycles. The indicators of analogs for daily use are from 15000 to 20000 cycles. Variants with special durability can withstand more than 20000 cycles. The higher the value, the better. Matter with high values is suitable for use in places with the greatest concentration of people. For example, they are used in salons, private hospitals, and office premises. Such materials are resistant to deformation and loss of attractiveness of the original appearance.
Areas of application
Chenille is used for furniture upholstery, and it is used to make drapery fabric for curtains. Furniture fabrics perform the function of covers of a non-removable type. Sofa modifications are used for seats, backs, and armrests.
Such a material has low elasticity and different thicknesses, which determines the structure of the cloth. Its coloring depends on the style of the furniture. In addition to basic covers, it is used to upholster sofa cushions included in the set. In addition, soft plaids, towels, and tablecloths are made of chenille. These accessories are specific, but perfectly complement the interior in different styles. Home textiles of chenille have a lower density. Bedspreads and plaids from it are made without stitching. They complement the interior together with furniture and curtains. These products have a good look and a very appreciable weight. The material can be used as a kind of partition. Due to its texture and density, it has noise-insulating properties. In addition, it is used as a decoration in various design projects. Portiere fabric is used to cover walls, it is used as panels and canopies.
Chenille can be used in rooms of different types and purposes. It looks good on living room windows, in the bedroom and children's bedroom textiles, office and study furniture. It is suitable for studio (open) apartments.
In the hands of craftswomen, chenille becomes a material for crafts. Needlewomen sew out of it fluffy and warm robes on the smell. Less often it is used to sew aprons.
How to Care for Chenille?
Chenille yarn should not be washed frequently. It is best to wash them by hand or take them to a workshop for chemical treatment;
· The washing water should be warm;
· Drying should be done only in a horizontal position with the garment fully spread out on a flat surface;
· Do not iron things made of plush yarn - the lint will immediately crumple and will not straighten, and the fabric will stretch greatly;
· Store only in folded form with no load on top . When hung, the garments are stretched wide at the shoulder seams and along the length with deformation of the side joints.
· The washing water should be warm;
· Drying should be done only in a horizontal position with the garment fully spread out on a flat surface;
· Do not iron things made of plush yarn - the lint will immediately crumple and will not straighten, and the fabric will stretch greatly;
· Store only in folded form with no load on top . When hung, the garments are stretched wide at the shoulder seams and along the length with deformation of the side joints.
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