Weaving with Chenille, the Caterpillar That Becomes a Butterfly

When you see this piece, its hard to imagine Chenille being anything but gorgeous and yet weavers have a love/hate relationship with this fiber.

 Chenille in French means "caterpillar", that worm-like insect that becomes a butterfly. Most caterpillars are small, and covered wth short hair that give them a fuzzy look. Chenille yarn is quite the same, which is soft and fuzzy. Chenille is manufactured by wrapping short lengths of fabric, called piles around a tightly wound core, thus producing its softness and characteristic look, often having an iridescent look.   

Weaving with chenille can be a challenge in that if the sett is not perfect the yarn "worms", wiggles out just like a caterpillar. Experienced weavers say don't change anything, the tension, the way you throw your shuttle, or how you wind your warp. It is the sett and most suggest 12 e.p.i, weaving at 12-15p.p.i. And that ugly "S" word is mentioned often...sample, sample, sample.  Use your own judgement as to which you prefer. (https://janestaffordtextiles.com/faq/weaving-with-chenille/)

This year our guild challenge was to produce something from Chenille. These are photos from the challenge. All are luxurious, colorful and dynamic pieces.

This jacket has an almost velvet look and soft texture of velour.


There are no caterpillars here, only Magnificent Butterflies.