Chenille 12
Purpose-made recycled polyester thread for chenille embroidery
What exactly is Chenille embroidery?
The name chenille comes from the French word for “caterpillar,” inspired by its distinctive, fuzzy texture. Created by stitching loops of thread to form a three-dimensional surface, chenille embroidery has long been recognised for its bold, tactile finish, from varsity jackets to statement logos.
Quality chenille is defined by the details. Smooth, evenly formed loops create a dense, velvety surface with depth, softness and a premium finish.
Certified by OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, Annex 6, product class I.
Exceptional softness through technical innovation and precise loop formation
Manufactured from continuous polyester filaments, Chenille 12 offers the full appearance of a 12-weight thread while remaining smooth and lint-free.
Designed with a unique, looser twist and an open filament structure, its innovative fibre construction minimises abrasion, supports the use of finer needles, and delivers consistent, uniform loop formation.
Available for dispatch in 34 colours, with 20+ additional shades coming to the UK later this season.
How chenille embroidery works
Chenille embroidery uses specialist machine equipment to create its distinctive raised, textured effect. A purpose-designed needle, with an open hook, penetrates through the fabric to catch the rotating looper and draws it back through to create a continuous loop on the surface.
Traditional chenille embroidery uses two basic stitch types: moss stitch and chain stitch, each creating a different texture and finish.
Discover more about the chenille embroidery process and different stitch types in Wilcom’s guide below.
CHENILLE EMBROIDERY THREAD INFORMATION
100% Recycled Polyester Filament
- 12-weight thread with a smooth, lint-free construction
- Continuous polyester filaments for exceptional softness, durability and resilience
- Consistent loop formation creating a rich, velvet-like finish
- Suitable for use with size 90 needles, helping to reduce fabric stress and needle marks
- High-capacity cone delivers up to 400,000 stitches
- Available in 62 vibrant colours to inspire creative embroidery designs
Needle size *
90/14
Stitch density
0.9mm
dtex 550
den 500
5000m
cones
Premium performance, thoughtfully made
Today, true quality means considering a product’s impact on both people and the planet.
Developed with sustainability at its core, Chenille 12 is made from 100% recycled polyester derived from post-consumer PET bottles. By transforming plastic waste into high-quality embroidery thread, Madeira gives discarded materials a new purpose while helping to conserve valuable resources.
But sustainability is about more than the materials used. Chenille 12 is designed for lasting performance, delivering vibrant, durable embroidery that stands up to frequent washing and heavy use. Its longevity helps reduce the need for replacement, extending the life of both the thread and the finished embroidery.
For designers and end users alike, Chenille 12 brings together the premium quality you expect from Madeira with a more considered approach to material choice and product longevity, helping you create beautiful embroidery that is made to last.
