Decoration method
Chenille letters and patches sewn on teamwear
Chenille letters are the thick, looped-yarn letters and crests of the classic varsity jacket. The yarn is stitched into a raised pile on a felt base, cut to shape and sewn onto the garment. We make chenille letters and patches in house for jackets, hoodies and sweatshirts from 12 pieces per style, and we also sell chenille patches on their own, from 12 pieces per design. Each design is quoted.
01What chenille is
Chenille is a type of embroidery that loops yarn up through a felt base to form a soft, tufted pile, like a short towel. The chenille area is usually framed by one or more layers of felt cut slightly larger, so each layer shows as an outline.
Fine detail such as small lettering, outlines inside the design or a year is added with flat chain-stitch or standard embroidery on top of the felt. The result is a bold, textured mark that reads from across a room.
02Chenille letters and patches sold on their own
Chenille patches are sold without a garment, from 12 pieces per design, for decorators, retailers and brands that attach them in their own shop or offer them as an add-on. Tell us how they will be attached, sewn or pressed, and we quote the backing to suit.
03Garments that take chenille
Chenille is heavy and thick, so it needs a garment with structure under it. It suits varsity and bomber jackets, satin jackets, fleece hoodies and crewneck sweatshirts, and it also works on bags. It is not suited to lightweight jerseys, mesh or performance tees, where the weight pulls the fabric.
- Large chest or back letters on varsity and bomber jackets
- Left-chest crests and sleeve numbers on fleece
- Retro block lettering on hoodies and crewnecks
- Combined with tackle twill for layered varsity lettering
04Durability and care
Chenille is sewn down around its felt edge and lasts for years on a jacket. The looped yarn can shed a few loose fibers at first and will soften with wear. Wash cold and inside out on a gentle cycle, or dry clean the jacket, and air dry rather than tumble dry. Do not iron the chenille itself.
05Art requirements for chenille
Send a vector file with PMS references for the yarn, each felt layer and any embroidered detail, plus the finished size. Chenille works best with bold, simple shapes. Thin strokes, small counters inside letters and tight script fill in with yarn, so we simplify them or switch that detail to embroidery before the proof.
06How chenille letters are quoted
On a garment order, the blank garment is priced on our five quantity tiers and the chenille is quoted on top. The price depends on the size, the number of felt layers, the number of yarn colors, any embroidered detail and the backing. Standalone chenille patches are quoted by the same factors and the quantity.
We send a proof of the design, colors and size for your approval before bulk production.
07Chenille with tackle twill and embroidery
Chenille rarely works alone on a varsity piece. Tackle twill handles large flat lettering and numbers, embroidery adds names and small details, and chenille provides the textured hero crest or letter. We price all three together when you send the full artwork.
Q&AQuestions buyers ask
Do you sell chenille patches without garments?
Yes. Chenille patches are sold on their own from 12 pieces per design. Tell us whether you will sew or press them on, and we quote the backing to suit.
What is the difference between chenille and embroidery?
Standard embroidery lays flat thread on the surface. Chenille loops thick yarn up into a raised, towel-like pile on a felt base, so it is bolder and softer but cannot hold fine detail.
Can chenille letters go on a hoodie?
Yes. Mid and heavyweight fleece hoodies and crewnecks carry chenille well. Lightweight hoodies and performance fabrics can sag under it, and we flag that before production.
Why are chenille letters shedding a little?
New chenille can release a few loose fibers from the looped pile. This settles after the first wears and washes and does not affect the letter's shape.
Can chenille include small text or a year?
Yes, as embroidered detail stitched on top of the felt or the chenille. Very small text cannot be made in chenille yarn itself.