Yarn vs chenille vs flat embroidery: which lasts longer?
On a kids’ backpack that gets washed often, flat embroidery lasts longest: thin thread close to the fabric takes rough washing best. Raised 3D yarn letters, the kind we make, give the biggest and softest name, and keep their look with gentle hand washing. Chenille is soft and fluffy, but can shed a little when it’s new.
This is our own page
We make names in raised 3D yarn letters, so we aren’t neutral. That’s why this page says plainly where the others win.
Flat embroidery
Thin thread stitched close to the fabric. It’s neat and very hard-wearing, and it takes rough washing better than raised letters: on washing, flat embroidery wins. But the name stays flat, with no 3D look.
Chenille
A fluffy, velvety yarn, often used for patch letters on college jackets. It’s soft to the touch, but can shed a little when it’s new. Our makeup bag has its name in chenille.
Raised 3D yarn letters
Thick yarn that stands up from the fabric, so the letters are big, soft and raised, and the name is easy to see. They want gentle care, and then they keep their look:
- Spot clean, or hand wash in cold water, up to 30 °C, with a mild detergent.
- Don’t rub or wring the yarn letters, and don’t iron them.
- Dry flat, and shape the letters with your fingers while they’re damp.
All the tips: washing and care.
Which to choose
- Washed often and hard, like a sports bag: flat embroidery.
- A big, soft name that’s easy to see: raised 3D yarn letters.
- A fluffy, college-jacket look: chenille.
In short
Flat embroidery wins on washing. Raised 3D yarn letters win on size and look, and last with gentle hand washing in cold water, up to 30 °C. Chenille is soft, but can shed a little at first.
See raised yarn letters on our tote bag and pencil case. On some items, like the kids’ backpack, the name is soft cotton rope instead, and the item page says so. We make each item by hand after you order, and delivery is free: 8–15 business days.