Tips For Working With Bulky Chenille Yarn

Did you know that the word 'chenille' is French for caterpillar? That likely comes as no surprise to crafters, knitters, and crocheters who already know and love chenille yarn. It is hard to say no to this luxurious and soft fiber—even though it may be a challenging fiber for some projects. So, what is the best way to use lovely chenille yarn? 

Whether you knit or crochet, consider these tips for working with soft and bulky chenille yarn: 

1. Choose a Cast-on Carefully

The cast-on when working with chenille yarn makes a big difference. If crocheting with bulky chenille yarn, start with a foundation of single or double crochet stitches instead of the traditional chain. If you are knitting, opt for the 'long tail' cast-on method to prevent the loops from coming undone, or 'worming.'  

2. Take Time to Find the Right Hook

If you plan to crochet with bulky yarn, give yourself some time to find the right hook for the job. Usually, bulky yarns like chenille require a larger hook, size J or larger. Make a habit of crocheting a swatch to try out different hooks. The rule of thumb is to use the smallest hook that works for the gauge that you are trying to achieve—but don't crochet too tight. 

3. Keep Crochet Tension Loose

If you crochet with chenille yarn, it helps to loosen your tension. Go a bit looser than you usually crochet to accommodate and provide space for the stitches—they will even out during the blocking process later. If crocheting loosely is difficult for you, consider simply using a size larger crochet hook and relax your grip a bit.  

4. Try to Knit a Bit Tighter

However, knitting is different. Since chenille yarn does not have the stretch factor of other fibers, it won't loosen up or adjust with time. Since chenille can snap and break with too-tight tension, check the size of your needles, instead. In knit projects, you may want to go down a size in your knitting needles, perhaps even two sizes.

5. Join Ends Instead of Weaving Them

When it comes time to change colors or end the project, weaving in the ends may not be your best option. Instead of weaving, try joining the ends instead to prevent them from being exposed later in your project:  

• Tie the two yarn ends in a knot, leaving a couple of inches on each side.  
• With your fingers, pull the fuzzy chenille coating from the core strand close to where you placed the knot.  
• Tie a couple more knots in this core strand. 
• Trim closely to these tight knots.   

Don't worry; the knots will be concealed well against the fluffy texture of the chenille yarn and they won't reappear later in your knit or crochet project. 

6. Give Chenille Goods Love in the Laundry

When it comes to blocking and caring for chenille projects, use care. The yarn can break, and the strands can become bare if they are laundered or hung to dry. Dry clean finished goods, lay them flat to dry, and protect them by handwashing gingerly with a fiber-friendly blocking solution for the best results.  

After all, it would be a shame to complete a lovely chenille project just to have it fall apart or become damaged in the wash. Use these tips to create something special with soft and bulky chenille yarn, and to care for them properly afterward.  

For more info, contact a local company like Premier Yarns.