Chenille is a soft, fluffy fabric or yarn with a characteristic velvety pile that evenly covers the thread on all sides, making it resemble a fuzzy caterpillar (hence the name: chenille in French means 'caterpillar'). This pile gives chenille exceptional softness, warmth and a deep, 'velvety' sheen. The fabric is pleasant to the touch, retains heat well and has a rich texture, so it is knitted and woven into sweaters, cardigans, blankets, home textiles and trimmings. Chenille comes in cotton, wool, viscose or synthetics. It gives pieces a feeling of cosiness, luxury and tactile pleasure, and in recent seasons has undergone a fashion revival in warm knitwear. Chenille is the embodiment of soft, fluffy cosiness, in which the velvety texture of the yarn gives warmth, tenderness and a rich, touch-pleasant character.
