I watched a number of tutorials to study the techniques for slashing fabric to create a faux chenille surface. I also watched felting tutorials and researched the mola fabric technique (which is similar to reverse applique). These links were the most appropriate for my needs at this stage:
Stitching and Slashing – Fay Maxwell
Wetfelting
Mola tutorial with fabric
http://www.textileartsnow.com/2015/04/mola-tutorial-07-multicolor-bird-in.html
Fabric Chenille
I also referenced a number of books, finding the most useful information on creating faux chenille in Susan Stein’s book, the Complete Photo Guide to Textile Art (pp164-167)
Stein, S, 2010. The Complete Photo Guide to Textile Art. 1st ed. Minneapolis: Creative Publishing International.