Chenille Yarn
Plush-pile chenille from #5 bulky to #6 super bulky — the softest route to amigurumi and blankets that look and feel store-bought.
Does chenille yarn shed?
A little at the cut ends — that's the nature of a pile yarn — but how much depends on how tightly the pile is anchored to the core. Two habits keep it to a minimum: crochet a bit tighter than you would with a smooth yarn, and go down a hook size. Tight stitches also prevent worming, where loose loops of pile work themselves out of the fabric. Knot and weave ends firmly rather than relying on friction.
How do you wash chenille?
Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle, ideally in a mesh bag, and lay flat to dry. Skip the dryer — the polyester pile won't felt like wool, but heat can crush the nap and dull that just-made softness.
Choosing within the range
Velvety Chenille (#5) is the amigurumi favorite — dense pile, 77 shades. The two Cloud-Soft blanket chenilles (#5 bulky and #6 super bulky) are built for throws and cushions. Shimmie (#6) threads a sparkle filament through the pile for party and holiday makes.