From the French for caterpillar
Everything worth knowing about chenille
Chenille is the fuzzy, light-catching pile yarn behind the softest blankets, bedspreads and sweaters you can buy. We test, compare and explain it all — so you buy the right chenille once, and keep it plush for years.
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What is chenille? Chenille (pronounced shuh-NEEL) is a yarn — and the fabric made from it — with short fibers twisted between two core threads so they stand out all around, like a caterpillar's fuzz. It can be cotton, polyester, rayon or acrylic, and it's prized for softness, warmth and light-catching color. Read the full explainer.
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What Is Chenille?
How the yarn is made, what it's made of, and why it feels the way it does.
How to Wash Chenille
The care routine that prevents shedding, matting and bald spots.
Chenille vs. Velvet
Two plush fabrics, very different behavior. Which one belongs in your home?
Free Chenille Blanket Patterns
Seven beginner-friendly crochet and knit patterns matched to yarn weight.
Yarn & crafts
Chunky chenille yarn made arm knitting and plush amigurumi possible. Our craft section covers what to buy and how to work with it.
Best Chenille Yarn
Our tested picks for blankets, baby projects and amigurumi.
Crocheting with Chenille Yarn
Hook sizes, tension tricks and how to stop losing your stitches in the fuzz.
Chenille Yarn Guide
The full hub: weights, fibers, brands and every yarn article on the site.
Blankets & bedding
This is where chenille shines. From chunky knit throws to heirloom-style tufted bedspreads, here's what's actually worth your money.
Best Chenille Blankets
Ranked picks for throws, king-size layers and gift-worthy knits.
Chenille Bedspreads
The classic tufted bedspread: history, sizing and the best ones made today.
Chenille Pillows
Throw pillows and covers that add texture without shedding everywhere.
Blanket & Bedding Hub
All bedding guides in one place, including baby blankets and quilts.
Fabric & apparel
Chenille Fabric Guide
Upholstery, drapery and by-the-yard chenille: durability, cost and uses.
Chenille Sweaters
Why the '90s staple is back, how it should fit, and picks that don't pill.