Cotton chenille. From the French for "caterpillar", for obvious reasons. A loose cut-piled weave which can be made in any fiber; fancy silk and wool versions are used for eveningwear and coats. Ordinarily, though, a decorator fabric in cotton or cotton blends. Bedspreads made from cotton chenille are enjoying a revival. If laundered at home, should be pressed on the wrong side; drycleaning is recommended so that the pile can be steamed out without flattening.
