Definition

Noun: 1. A soft, tufted cord used in embroidery: A type of thick, fuzzy thread or yarn characterized by a pile protruding all around, resembling a caterpillar. It is specifically manufactured for decorative stitching and textile embellishment.

Usage

• Chenille cord is a material, not an action. It is used as a direct object or described with adjectives.
• It is typically uncountable when referring to the material in general (e.g., "some chenille cord"). It can be countable when referring to specific types, lengths, or spools (e.g., "various chenille cords").
• Common verbs used with it include: .

Examples

• She selected a vibrant red chenille cord to outline the floral pattern on the pillow.
• For a raised, textured effect, try embroidering with chenille cord.
• The craft store sells chenille cord in a wide array of colors and thicknesses.
• This technique works best with a thicker chenille cord.

Advanced Usage

• Chenille alone (without "cord") is a broader term referring to the same fuzzy yarn/fabric. In embroidery contexts, "chenille" and "chenille cord" are often used interchangeably, though "cord" emphasizes its thread-like form.
  • The design was filled in using gold chenille.

Variants and Related Words

• Chenille (noun): 1. The soft, tufted yarn or cord. 2. A fabric woven from this yarn, often used for robes, bedspreads, or upholstery.
• Chenille needle (noun): A type of embroidery needle with a large eye and a sharp point, designed for threading and stitching with thicker materials like chenille cord.
• Tufted cord (noun): A general descriptive term for a cord with a fuzzy, piled surface.

Synonyms

• Textured yarn
• Fuzzy embroidery thread
• Pile cord

Notes on Different Meanings

• The word "chenille" is borrowed from French, where it means "caterpillar," due to the cord's resemblance to the insect's hairy body.
• Chenille cord has a very specific application in needlework and is not used in general cord or rope contexts (e.g., electrical cords, climbing cords). Its primary meaning is tied to decorative arts and crafts.

Noun

1. a soft tufted cord used in embroidery