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How to Weave Chenille

Chenille is French for caterpillar, and indeed, a strand of chenille does resemble a caterpillar. This soft, fuzzy yarn can be made of wool, silk, cotton or rayon, and is used to create scarves, sweaters, bathrobes, bedspreads and many other weaving or knitting projects. Chenille can also be used in weaving tapestries, in combination with other fibers or alone. Rayon chenille is used most frequently by weavers in making apparel since it's the softest of the chenille yarns.

Things You'll Need

  • Loom
  • Chenille yarn
  • Shuttle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure out the yarn you will need for the warp. Allow 8 feet for each strand on a 6-feet long scarf with a fringe. Multiply eight times the number of inches in the width of your project if you are weaving eight strands per inch. Once measured out, the warp can be strung.

    • 2

      Lay out the chenille on the warp using the same tension you used for measuring out the yarn. This way you'll ensure that you'll have enough of the fiber.

    • 3

      Tighten the tension bar and use a beater or comb to be sure that all of the strands are parallel. Using the basic basket weave, one thread over and one thread under, weave in a few rows of rags or fat thread to create the fringe. Once again, comb through the strands to be sure they are parallel and that there are no crossed over strings. If there are, just move the twist down to the tension bar using your finger.

    • 4
      A variety of looms can be used to create fabric and tapestries.

      Wrap the chenille yarn around the shuttle with a consistent tension. You're ready to weave.

    • 5
      The simple basket weave is most frequently used in creating scarves and shawls.

      Alternate the strands that are being lifted in this weave pattern. Move the shuttle under and over the yarn with an even tension and use the beater or comb to bring the fiber evenly to the bottom of the weaving. Continue this process until you have completed the project, carefully wrapping the yarn around the last warp strand, maintaining an even selvage.

    • 6
      The fringe adds to the look of the scarf.

      Remove the weaving carefully from the loom laying it out on a flat surface. Remove the header and tie off the fringe at both ends of the weft. Weavers may simply use an over hand knot and leave the fringe alone, or braid or twist the fringe.

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