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How to Create Chenille Quilt Fabric
Chenille an existing piece of fabric is a great way to add interest to your fabric craft or quilt. It makes a soft and interesting design.
To make your own chenille, layer 4 to 8 layers of fabric (cotton, flannel, rayon, or silk) with the brightest and boldest fabric on top. Do not prewash. Spray baste between each layer, or pin baste when you are done.
Mark a diagonal line on the bias crossing the center of this piece. Using your walking foot, stitch all layers along that line, then stitch 1/4″ to 5/8″ on either side (alternating sides as you go) until the entire piece is quilted.
Carefully cut between the lines, without cutting the bottom layer of fabric, using shears, a slash cutter, or a specially designed mat with your rotary cutter. Square it up if necessary.
To make the chenille bloom once it has been slashed, throw it in the washer then the dryer. (Lint alert!) Be sure to staystitch the edges first if the piece is unfinished. To vary things next time, try a wavy line or try placing a motif on the top layer. No need to appliqué it, the stitching will hold it in place.
Slash Cutter
The perfect tool for creating curves and very narrow slash quilting. Make clean cuts between curved seams and narrow seams. Cutting between stitching lines becomes a breeze without any threat of cutting through the base fabric! This cutter has two inter-changeable guides; one for straight lines and one for curved slash cutting. Just insert the guide between two stitching lines above the bottom fabric and push. There is no need to use any cutting mat. Two types of guides are included to fit the space between the seams for narrow or wide channels.
Chenille Cutter
Making your own chenille fabric has never been easier! Designed for both right and left-handed use the revolutionary Chenille Cutter cuts multiple layers of fabric, as well as paper, cardstock, photographs, felt, fleece, and more! Features 4 channel guide sizes for narrow to wide widths and 24 new exposed blade edges all with one click. The ultra-sharp, double-honed edge blade is never exposed for extra safety. No scissors are needed!
Here is an instructional video from Olfa:
