As KasLen Textiles' president, David Raminfard heads a Southern California company that sources quality fabric products that meet the needs of customers nationwide. Out of the fabrics that David Raminfard’s company stocks, patterned and striped chenille fabrics are among them.
Derived from the French word for "caterpillar," chenille is typically made from cotton, but can also be sourced from synthetic fibers, such as olefin, acrylic, and rayon. It has a “piled” appearance due to a fabrication process that involves yarn that is made by placing short fiber lengths in between two core strands of yarn, which are then twisted together. Because the short lengths stand out at a 90-degree angle from the core yarn, chenille has a tufted, multidimensional texture that adds a raised design to everything from vests to bathmats.
Soft and fuzzy, chenille does require care when being used to make clothing or upholstery. Care should be taken to avoid areas of surface bulkiness, with the fabric properly positioned such that the pattern is symmetrical in orientation. With shrinkage a potential issue, chenille fabric should be washed prior to cutting and sewing it.
