Chenille Yarn

Chenille is named after the French word for caterpillar, which describes its fuzzy, segmented appearance before it is worked. The construction differs from other yarns: short fibers are locked into a twisted core, creating the pile effect. The result is a yarn that feels like velvet when crocheted up. Popular brand names in this space include Bernat Blanket yarn and Lion Brand Velvet, both of which are acrylic chenille.

Working with chenille requires some adjustment. It is harder to see individual stitches because the pile obscures the stitch definition. Beginners often find it helps to work under a bright light. Dropping a stitch in chenille is also tricky to fix, because you cannot easily unravel and reinsert the hook the way you can with smooth yarn. For this reason, chenille is often recommended for simple, repetitive patterns in single or double crochet rather than lace or cables.

Chenille is almost always machine washable and machine dryable. It pills over time with heavy use, but washing inside out in a mesh laundry bag extends the life of the fabric. Acrylic chenille is not heat-resistant; keep it away from hot irons and dryers set above medium heat.