Fibers & Yarns
Novelty yarn
Bouclé, slub, chenille and ribbon
Specifications
| Count | Highly irregular |
|---|---|
| Structure | Bouclé, slub, chenille, ribbon, tape |
| Elasticity | Varies widely |
| Sett (plain weave) | 6 – 12 EPI |
| Shrinkage | Test it — often 5 – 15 % |
| Dye affinity | Depends on fibre content |
Technical parameters
| Warp suitability | Poor — use as weft |
|---|---|
| Strength | Low to moderate |
| Handling | Bulky, grippy or slippery |
| Best weaves | Plain weave, as a feature weft |
| Care | Read the yarn label |
Overview
Novelty yarns are engineered for texture rather than for strength: loops, thick-and-thin slubs, cut chenille and flat ribbon. They add surface interest quickly, but most of them cannot be used as a warp and most of them will not take a tight beat.
Typical figure for this stage: 40 – 70 ppi. Open the shed, pass the weft, beat it home. Rhythm and consistent beat make an even cloth.
Safety notes
Chenille and bouclé shed short fibre heavily: ventilate, wear a mask and clean the loom after. Some novelty yarns contain metallic or plastic elements that melt — keep them away from irons and dye pots. Fluffy yarns catch on rough hands and on the beater; keep your reed smooth.
Using it well
- Sample every novelty yarn before you commit: some felt, some pill, some shed everywhere.
- Use a smooth, strong yarn for the warp and let the novelty yarn be the weft.
- A little goes a long way — one or two picks of chenille can carry a whole cloth.
- Wind bobbins loosely or the texture will crush under tension.
Works with
Practise it in 3D
Run this stage as an interactive simulation, with the same figures this page quotes.
Open the simulator
