Easter and Springtime are here. Aren't you happy about that? Just a few weeks ago I was looking at brown trees and now everything is blooming in my yard. The days are longer too and that makes me really happy. My latest design Chenille Chick is a bright and soft project that is perfect for this time of year. I think you could use it for baby shower gifts too. Maybe on quilts for little ones or pillows to decorate their bedrooms. So many options with this one because you customize it with the fabric colors.
Can you believe that this picture is the before? Chenille with your embroidery machine is easy to do but you do have to have a design that is digitized for specifically for chenille. Layers of fabric are stacked in your hoop and small channels are created. I have layered two different fabric colors. One is plain and the other has a pattern. Then you carefully cut in between them without going all the way down to the base fabric or stabilizer.
Your most important tools will be your scissors. I prefer to use small sharp curved ones. When you are cutting, the curve will help get around your hoop edges and under each layer of fabric. You really can't rush when cutting and each layer needs to be done one at a time so you don't make any mistakes. If you don't have patience with handwork, Machine Embroidery Chenille might not be your favorite thing to do.
Another tool you will need is a small metal brush or Chenille Brush. I like to use this one from Harbor Freight. They are a little sharp so be careful when using them. Your fabric can get damaged if you are too aggressive. I like to think of Chenille as a process. The first time you rough up the fabric edges, you will probably see long threads. These need to be cut away. Then you use the brush again and if more threads need to be cut, so on and so forth. You can also wash and dry the design with some large towels. All of this helps fluff that cut fabric.
The Chenille Chick Embroidery Design that I have sewn was turned into a pillow above. Notice how the layered pattern fabric peeks through and matches the ribbon color. You can put the ribbon bow on the top of the head like mine or at the neck for a bow tie. One more cute Idea would be to turn it into a stuffie toy. Cut out the design along the edge and leave a seam allowance. Add a back fabric and fiberfill for a plush lovey. Have I got you inspired yet? Watch the video below to see how the chenille is created. I hope you have enjoyed this post, share what you learn and are generous with what you create. Someone will appreciate your hard work.
