Fly Tying Chenille & Braid

Chenille, braid, Estaz and yarn are among the most-used body materials in fly tying, each bringing something different to a pattern. Chenille is soft and fluffy, made from synthetic or natural fibers, and ideal for building buggy insect bodies like caddis and stonefly imitations. Braid is a thin, flexible synthetic cord that adds movement and flash when wrapped along the shank.

Choosing a body material

• Estaz: a synthetic body material that adds flash, texture and bulk to streamers and attractor patterns.
• Yarn: available in a wide spread of colors and textures for bodies and tails, from olive, yellow and chartreuse to brown, gray and black.
• Chenille: typically polypropylene or rayon, sometimes blended with mohair, silk or wool for unique texture.

Bright tones suit attractor patterns, while subtle colors help build more natural-looking bodies. Whatever effect you are after, a soft buggy body, a flashy attractor or a clean rib, this collection has the material to build it. Chenille is a staple of beginner patterns too. Our walkthrough of simple fly patterns for beginners shows how chenille builds the body of a Woolly Bugger.

What is chenille used for in fly tying?

Chenille is wrapped along the hook shank to form soft, buggy bodies on nymphs, streamers and classic patterns like the Woolly Bugger.