I built a table-top jack loom (4 shafts) about 20 years ago, and have just now (!) begun to use it. Have been kinda busy meanwhile. I wish to make chenille scarves for my wife and other relatives. Looking at posts which discuss the use of chenille, I see many references to the term "worming". In the context of weaving chenille, what exactly does "worming" describe? I want to make chenille scarves because they are, without a doubt, the most luxurious material we have seen at craft shows. Also, which would be better, cotton chenille, or rayon chenille? Thank you in advance for any help anyone can give.

 

Comments

Thu, 11/20/2014 - 22:11

laurafry

Rayon chenille has a much nicer hand IMHO than cotton for scarves. Using 1450 ypp rayon chenille at 16 epi, woven firmly will prevent worming. Worming is when the yarn tries to come out of the woven structure forming loops that twist back on themselves. A loosely woven cloth will worm more easily than one that is woven firmly. After wet finishing the cloth will soften and develop a wonderful drape. For everything you need to know about rayon chenille, buy Su Butlers book Understanding Rayon Chenille. Available from her website. Cheers Laura
Fri, 11/21/2014 - 11:40

Peg.Cherre (not verified)

I've woven with both rayon and cotton chenille.  Cotton chenille is warm and cuddly, but so is my bathrobe and I don't want to drape that around my neck. 

Be sure that you weave either tabby or diversified plain weave with rayon chenille.

Fri, 11/21/2014 - 19:40

Su Butler

Rayon chenille will worm, or form unintended loops on the surface of the cloth due to the yarn literlly walking out of the weave structure, if woven with too open a sett/beat.  You can weave almost any structure in rayon chenille with the exception of overshot.  If you are careful to sett properly, use a supplementary binding pick if required and beat well, you should be able to do a LOT with rayon chenille.  It does not have to be plain weave!!!  I have even done overshot with chenille as the tabby pick and a different fiber as the overshot patterning.  You can do twills if densely sett, tied weaves, satin patterns if woven as a tied weave etc.  The lovely hand and feel as well as sheen of rayon chenille beckons to be used in anything we can make work!   

As Laura mentioned I do have a book on the subject....PM me if you are interested in obtaining a copy.

Sat, 11/22/2014 - 17:38

rayg

Thanks to all of you for your replies. (Much better response than I got from the "other" weaving forum!) You have given me confidence to try using the rayon chenille, and helpful pointers for actually doing it.

Thanks again!

Sat, 11/22/2014 - 22:29

Peg.Cherre (not verified)

Of course Su Butler is correct.  I strongly recommend her book.  I only noted plain weave or diversified plain weave for someone who's never woven with rayon chenille before.