Plush yarn, often sold as chenille or velvet yarn, is a soft polyester pile yarn used for baby blankets, cuddly toys, cushions and throws. It is thick, so projects grow quickly, yet light for its size. Well-known options include Himalaya Dolphin Baby (93 colours), Wolans Bunny Baby (96 colours) and Alize Velluto (55 colours), all 100% polyester and OEKO-TEX certified.

Himalaya Dolphin Baby and Wolans Bunny Baby are very similar: both are 100% polyester chenille at 100 g / 120 m with a 4.5 mm hook on the band (Bunny Baby lists 4.5–8 mm), so they are often swapped in patterns for toys and blankets. Alize Velluto is much thicker at 100 g / 68 m on an 8–10 mm hook, which suits chunky blankets that need to grow fast.

Worming is when loops of chenille pop out of the fabric, and it usually comes from loose tension, especially in knitting. Work at a firmer gauge with a smaller hook or needle, choose garter stitch or single crochet over stockinette, and avoid ripping back the same yarn again and again. Crochet is less prone to it than knitting. YarnArt Dolce lists a 4–6 mm hook; staying at the smaller end gives a firmer fabric.

Start with the size on the ball band: Himalaya Dolphin Baby lists 4.5 mm, Alize Velluto 8–10 mm and Alize Softy Mega 10–12 mm. For blankets, the band size gives a soft, drapey fabric. For toys, use the small end of the range or one size below, so the stuffing stays hidden. If the fabric feels stiff or the hook is hard to push through, go up half a size.

Most polyester chenille can go in the machine on a gentle cool cycle, but always check the care symbols on the ball band first. Put the blanket in a large laundry bag or duvet cover, use a mild detergent and a low spin, then dry it flat or on a low-heat setting. Avoid hot tumble drying and ironing, which can flatten or melt the pile and leave the blanket looking matted.

A little, mostly at cut ends and when the yarn is pulled hard or ripped back several times; some brands shed more than others. Tie a small knot close to each cut end, weave ends in with a blunt plastic needle rather than a metal one, avoid tugging the yarn, and frog as little as possible. The same care helps with velvet-type yarns such as Himalaya Velvet and sparkly chenilles like Wolans Bunny Shine.