chenille fabric double rubs

What Chenille Fabric Double Rubs Tell You

Before you fall for the plush, velvety pile of chenille, check one number: its double rub count. Chenille fabric double rubs measure a fabric's abrasion resistance, giving you a quick way to judge whether it will hold up on a busy family sofa or is better suited to a decorative pillow.

How the Test Works

In a standard Wyzenbeek abrasion test, a machine rubs the fabric back and forth with a cotton duck cloth. Each back-and-forth pass counts as one double rub, and the test continues until visible wear appears.

Matching Rub Counts to Your Project

• Light use: accent pillows, headboards and occasional chairs
• Heavy-duty upholstery at home: everyday sofas and sectionals, commonly 15,000 double rubs or more
• Commercial: restaurant, office and hospitality seating, often 30,000 or more

Rub count isn't the whole story. Look at fiber content, pile density and backing, too. A tightly woven chenille with a stable backing tends to resist snagging and pilling better, making it a more durable upholstery fabric over the long haul.

Shop Chenille Upholstery Fabric

Ready to compare? Browse our chenille fabrics below and review the details on each one to find the right texture, color and durability for your next furniture project.