Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a moisture barrier fabric comprising needing the fabric in a direction substantially opposite to the advance direction of the fabric with barbed needles to increase the density of the fabric by entangling the fibers thereof, open-width washing of the needled facecloth fabric with a detergent and sodium carbonate to further increase fabric density by allowing the fabric to neck down or bulk at a substantially random rate, coating one side of the fabric with at least one coating of a latex formulation for use in forming the backcoating of the moisture barrier fabric, comprising a (meth)acrylic acid urethane copolymer having a curing temperature of approximately 250 to 275° F., and immersing the dry moisture barrier fabric, including the latex backing, into a bath of fluorochemical and solution containing about 10 to about 15 wt % polyurethane, and removing excess fluorochemical from the treated fabric.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to new chenille yarns and methods of making the same. The present invention is further directed to new chenille yarns having a spun core containing low-melting staple-length binder fibers and methods of making the same. The chenille yarns may be used on conventional weaving equipment, including air jet and water jet weaving machines, to produce simulated pile fabrics having superior abrasion resistance and improved hand. The present invention is, also directed to methods of making fabrics containing the chenille yarn, and various uses for the fabrics, especially as residential upholstery fabrics, decorative throws, contract fabrics, automotive fabrics, and bedding fabrics for use in the home.