Chenille is the French word for caterpillar. When it comes to textiles, the phrase chenille shows a excellent where raised tufts of yarn from the base fabric create the appearance and experience of a caterpillar. Chenille bedspreads, bathrobes, curtains and different items were in particular in trend from the early to mid 20th century within the United States. Though chenille bedspreads and other gadgets are still synthetic to these days, collecting vintage chenille is growing in recognition.
Chenille bedspread manufacturing can hint its roots to an in advance American fashion: candlewicking. Candlewicking become a shape of embroidery famous in colonial times in which white candlewick threading became used to make designs on muslin sheets, particularly for bedspreads. Now fast ahead to 1892 when a young woman by the name of Catherine Evans visited a relative in McCuffy, GA who showed her such a ancient candlewick spreads. Catherine turned into inquisitive about it and when she returned domestic to Whitfield County, she endeavored to imitate the unfold together with her own handiwork.
Using a thicker yarn and a higher pile, Catherine’s innovative twist on candlewicking turned into dubbed chenille. She gave one in all her first chenille bedspread creations as a wedding gift in 1917 and it was the sort of hit that she soon located herself stitching one chenille bedspread after some other for $2.50 apiece. To meet the demand, she got own family and pals worried in making those bedspreads which gave rise to an entire cottage enterprise around Dalton, GA. These first chenille bedspreads, made by hand, are mentioned today through creditors as cottage chenille bedspreads.
Manufacturing subsequently replaced the cottage industry. The first chenille bedspread mass manufacturer changed into Cabin Crafts in Dalton, GA. Following suit turned into Retrac of Chattanooga, TN. Established fabric manufacturers who got in at the rising chenille fad were Morgan Jones, Bates, and Hofmann. These are all names that creditors search for nowadays.
Two main variations within the way chenille textiles are made are called needletuft and hobnail. Needletuft chenille has a high and loose tuft while hobnail has a small compact tuft. Tufting in which the ends of the yarn are clipped to create that caterpillar experience is easy called chenille.
At the crescendo in their reputation, from the 30’s to 50’s, vintage chenille bedspreads had been made in all extraordinary hues, patterns, and patterns. One of the most popular styles, and pretty fashionable these days, is that of a peacock. The popcorn style and the George and Martha Washington style are also notably favorite.