🧶 Knitting with novelty yarns: chenille, lurex and other textures (complete guide + Knit-sis tips)

Introduction

You've spotted a super soft, plush-like ball of yarn , a glittery lurex spool , or an adorable textured yarn in the store… but you're hesitating: “Does it really knit well? Will it look nice? Will I struggle?”

Breathe. We're Lenny & Louise, the two sisters behind Knit-sis, and if we count the number of projects we've started just because we fell in love with the texture of the yarn… well… anyway, we've lost count 😅
We grew up knitting in our grandmother's living room, surrounded by improbable balls of yarn (including a huge cone of gold lurex that Grandma kept "for a special day" ). As a result, we tested every possible fancy yarn ... and above all, we learned how to get the best out of them.

Why knit with novelty yarns (and why they're scary)

Novelty yarns have exploded in recent years: soft chenille sweaters, shiny lurex vests, very “fashion week” curly textures.
But let's be honest: they can be impressive.

What is intimidating:

▪️ The stitches are hard to see

▪️ It can catch or slip

▪️ Mistakes are difficult to undo

▪️ The final result is sometimes unpredictable

What's great is:

▪️ An effortless wow factor

▪️ Perfect for a simple yet impactful vest

▪️ "Designer" texture even in jersey

▪️ Instagram-ready look

▪️ Extremely rewarding for beginners

At Knit-sis, we love, for example, knitting the Cardichou with a fluffy or slightly textured yarn for a soft, cloud-like feel .
👉 See the Cardichou pattern

Knitting the caterpillar: the ultimate cuddly yarn

Chenille is that incredibly soft yarn you just want to press against your cheek. Perfect for cozy sweaters, snuggly cardigans, and plush accessories.

Benefits :

▪️ Ultra soft, plush effect

▪️ Very high-end finish even in jersey

▪️ Very quick to knit

Disadvantages:

▪️ Barely visible mesh

▪️ Difficult to unravel

▪️ Can relax: an essential sample

Knit-sis tips:

▪️ Use wooden needles for better tension control

▪️ Choose simple stitches (stockinette, garter stitch, 1x1 ribbing)

▪️ Avoid twists & lace that disappear into the texture

Real-life example:
Louise knitted a chenille Cardichou cardigan during a long weekend at our aunt's house. The result: a cloud-like cardigan that everyone wanted to steal from her 😭💗

👉 Do you want a simple and soft vest perfect for the caterpillar? Discover Festi , our affordable raglan vest.
See Festi

Key points to remember:
The caterpillar = magic thread to start with in fantasy, as long as you stick to simple stitches.

Knitting with lurex without the hassle (shine and chic)

Ah, lurex… our grandmother’s favourite yarn (“It’s festive, girls!”).
It's magnificent, but it can be… temperamental .

Benefits :

▪️ Instant shine

▪️ Chic look

▪️ Perfect for details & finishing touches

Disadvantages:

▪️ Can scratch

▪️ A little stiff

▪️ Low tolerance for mistakes

Knit-sis tips:

▪️ Knit it double-stranded with soft yarn

▪️ Uses metal needles

▪️ Incorporate it into stripes or finishes to control the shine

Knit-sis' favorite combo:
Merino yarn + a touch of lurex = softness + sparkle ✨

👀 Perfect for revisiting a romantic design like Marguerite .
👉 See Marguerite

Key points to remember:
Lurex alone = complicated.
Lurex + a soft thread = perfection.

Curly, fluffy, blown mohair: managing airy textures

These are the trendy yarns of the moment: light, airy, fluffy… and completely addictive.

Why we love them:

▪️ “Cloud” effect

▪️ Very trendy

▪️ Masks irregularities (beginners: you're in luck)

Difficulties:

▪️ Impossible to unravel

▪️ Demanding raises

▪️ Invisible twists

Knit-sis's advice:

▪️ Always make a large sample

▪️ Favor simple top-down or raglan styles

▪️ Hold the thread with a slightly glued index finger (a tip inherited from Aunt Marie)

To begin:
The free Doudou pattern is perfect for discovering fluffy yarn.

👉 Download the free Doudou pattern

Key points to remember:
Fluffy yarns are super rewarding… but you have to knit without unraveling!

The best needles for fancy yarns

For knitting with novelty yarn (chenille, lurex, bouclé, fluffy), the best needles are:

▪️ Wooden ones for slippery or hairy wires

▪️ Metal for glittery threads like lurex

▪️ Medium-point tip to avoid snagging the fiber

Perfect project ideas for fancy yarns

💛 A fluffy, cloud-like vest
→ Perfect in chenille or curly
👉 Recommended model: Vintage Fall
See Vintage Fall

✨ A festive sweater that sparkles
→ Lurex and merino stripes
👉 Recommended model: Strippie
See Strippie

🌸 A textured tank top
→ Fluffy or lightweight yarn
👉 Recommended model: Hug
See Hug

How to avoid mistakes with fancy yarns

Knit-sis checklist:

1️⃣ Make a sample (doubled if lurex).

2️⃣ Prefer simple points.

3️⃣ Never unravel more than 2 rows on fluffy yarn.

4️⃣ Block gently (or not at all depending on the thread).

5️⃣ Note the needle number.

6️⃣ Knit in a bright place.

Conclusion: You're ready to knit in fancy style! ✨

Novelty yarns are impressive, but with the right tips, they become an incredible playground. Chenille, lurex, fluffy… each texture opens up a new way to express yourself.

👉 Discover our collection of modern & affordable models
→ Perfect for testing chenille, lurex, or fluffy yarns

👉 Or join our newsletter to receive :
✔ tutorials
✔ Sneak peek at models
✔ good deals
✔ New fantasy items ✨