On this page
Short answer
Chenille is a fabric woven from chenille yarn: short fibres held between twisted core threads so they stand out all round, like a soft, fuzzy caterpillar (chenille is French for caterpillar). It feels velvety and has a gentle sheen that shifts with the light. A dense, well-made chenille is hard-wearing on sofas; a loose one can shed or pull. Check the rub count and the tightness of the weave, and care for it like a pile fabric.
How chenille yarn is made
A chenille yarn is made by holding short lengths of fibre, called the pile, between two core yarns and twisting them tight. The pile ends stand out all round the core, giving the yarn its soft, round, fuzzy body. That yarn is then woven into fabric, so the softness runs through the whole cloth.
Because the pile sits at different angles, chenille catches the light unevenly, which gives it a subtle, shifting sheen.
What chenille feels and looks like
- Soft and warm, with a velvety touch but more texture than velvet.
- Gentle sheen that changes as you move.
- Heavy and full, so it drapes well and makes plump cushions.
- Textured, which hides creases and everyday wear.
See Chenille vs Velvet vs Corduroy for how it compares with the other pile fabrics.
How durable is chenille?
Durability depends on how the yarn and the cloth are made. A chenille with dense pile, tightly twisted core yarns and a firm weave wears very well on sofas. A loose chenille can shed pile, pill, or pull into loops when snagged.
- Check the rub count: 15,000 to 25,000 for an everyday sofa, 25,000 or more for a family sofa. See Martindale Rub Test.
- Check the weave: press and pull the sample gently; the pile should stay put and the threads should not slide apart.
- Think about pets: a tight chenille is fair with pets; a loose one is easily pulled by claws. See Pet-Friendly Sofa Fabric.
Chenille in the JOTEX range
| Collection | Composition | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TEKUSU SHINZU | 96% polyester, 4% nylon | Chenille, 25,000 rubs, 23 colourways |
| SCOTT | 72% polyester, 28% cotton | Plain chenille, 24 colourways |
Polyester-rich chenilles resist humidity and fading better than cotton-rich ones, which suits Malaysian homes.
Where chenille works
| Use | Works? |
|---|---|
| Sofas and armchairs | Yes, with a suitable rub count and a tight weave |
| Cushions and throws | Excellent; soft and inviting |
| Headboards | Yes |
| Curtains | Yes, for heavy, cosy curtains; line them |
| Busy commercial seating | Only if rated for it; performance velvets or tight weaves are often safer |
Caring for chenille
- Vacuum weekly with an upholstery brush, gently, in the direction of the pile.
- Blot spills at once; never rub, which flattens and loosens the pile.
- Snip any pulled loop level with the surface; never pull it.
- Remove light pilling with a fabric shaver used gently.
- Have chenille upholstery professionally cleaned; avoid soaking it.
Watch out
Do not iron chenille or press it while damp. Heat and pressure flatten the pile permanently.
Chenille collections
Chenille fabrics in the JOTEX range, updated from the catalogue.
Browse all collections →
Frequently asked questions
What is chenille fabric?
A fabric woven from chenille yarn, in which short fibres are held between twisted core threads so they stand out all round. It feels soft and velvety, with a gentle sheen.
Is chenille good for a sofa?
Yes, if it is densely made with a suitable rub count: 15,000 to 25,000 for an everyday sofa and 25,000 or more for a family sofa.
Does chenille pill?
Loose or low-quality chenille can pill and shed. A dense, tightly twisted chenille pills much less. Remove light pilling gently with a fabric shaver.
Is chenille good with cats?
A tight chenille is fair; a loose one is easily pulled by claws. A short-pile velvet or tight flat weave is safer with cats.
What does chenille mean?
Chenille is French for caterpillar, after the yarn's soft, fuzzy, rounded look.
How do I clean a chenille sofa?
Vacuum gently, blot spills straight away without rubbing, and use a professional upholstery cleaner for deep cleaning.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.