Chenille for Dummies – All About Chenille Embroidery
What the fluff is chenille?
Let me introduce you to the fascinating world of chenille embroidery. Find out how to make Chenille, how to fake it, and why this technique can give your embroidery business the boost you were looking for! - So let´s jump right in! 😊
Where do you find it?
Chenille embroidery is most seen on:
- Sportswear
- Letterman jackets
- Varsity patches
- Home textiles
- Trendy fashion garments
What is Chenille Embroidery?
Chenille embroidery uses a single fluffy thread to create a soft, voluminous texture. There are two main styles:
- Moss stitch: upright loops
- Chain stitch: flat loops
Unlike standard embroidery that uses multiple threads, chenille embroidery uses only one. That means it’s crucial to secure the backside of your design before further processing!
To achieve true chenille, you’ll need a specialized chenille embroidery machine. ZSK, for example, offers the RACER H0118 model, which allows you to switch between standard and chenille embroidery modes. Simply remove the table to enter tubular embroidery mode - easy and versatile!
Find out more about our chenille machines!
And yes, getting your own chenille machine is totally worth it—it’s one of the coolest and most fashionable embroidery techniques out there right now! But if the budget or space is tight… no worries! You can still fake it like a pro!
How to Imitate the Chenille Look – 3 Easy Methods
Not ready to invest in a dedicated chenille machine? No problem! Here are three creative and easy ways to mimic the chenille look and test the market first.
1. Appliqué with Terry Fabric
Use terry fabric to simulate chenille. Here’s how:
- Start with a placement stitch to position the fabric.
- Place down your terry fabric. I would recommend you pre-cut the pieces or use ZSK's HotAirCutting Device instead of cutting it by hand on the machine – much cleaner and easier! 😊
- Stitch down the Appliqué with a double zigzag stitch or an E-Stitch. No software yet for creating your own stitch files? Well time for you then to check out our BasePac Premium digitizing software!
- Finish the edges with a dense satin stitch or decorative stitch to mimic the chain style of chenille.
This technique is great for a simple chenille effect, and you can mix it easily with standard embroidery!
It works on any ZSK embroidery machine without any additional setup. Limited to the colors of available fabrics, vs. The chenille machine that comes with minimum 6 or even 12 colors!
Pro Tipp: Experiment with fluffy towel textures for the best result!
No stitch software yet?
Try BasePac Premium for easy stitch file creation!
Product number 2: Z-009-5229
Product number 2: Z-009-5230
2. Faux Chenille with Fluffy Embroidery Thread and 3D Foam
Simply add some 3D foam and crazy stitches to get the look!
Here it is all about getting the right foam and stitch file! Make stitches in the following sequence:
- Lay down the foam first – No foam? No problem – get it from us!
- Stitch around with satin stitches
- Add a machine stop to remove the foam
- Add borders for a polished look.
- Now the magic happens! Fill the area with a few rows of random stitches. Those can be programmed and then chained up – check out BasePac Professional for this tool 😊
Pro Tipp: For the perfect 3D embroidery results we recommend using Organ NY 80 needles!
This method is super easy, offers more color options, and works on any ZSK embroidery machine. However, it creates a rough texture rather than true chenille.
Pro Tipp: Enhance the chenille look by using some fluffy thread instead of standard polyester thread.
3. Faux Chenille with Cording or Loop Device
My favorite of all fake chenille techniques! It is the closest you can get to real chenille without an actualy chenille machine. Plus you can also add cording embroidery to your product portfolio! All you must do is attach a ZSK Cord/Loop Device to a ZSK embroidery machine with F-head. It sews down thicker yarns to create raised loops, simulating chenille.
