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How to save your sweaters and knits from pilling? 

This is the season to bundle yourself up in sweaters and knitwear. But, chances are one of your favorite sweaters will eventually pill. No one wants those little balls of fuzz on clothes because they’re an eyesore that get in the way of showing off your stylish outfit. In this article I’ll explain some of the causes of pilling and tips that will help you prevent and treat this problem at home. 

What causes pills to appear on clothes? 

Have you ever wondered what those little fuzz balls really are, or why they show up? 
 
Pilling occurs when fabrics rub together during normal, everyday wear. This friction, along with repetitive washing, causes the tips of fibers to tangle and mat together, making pills appear on the fabric. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce or prevent the cause of pilling, and it’s possible to easily provide care for your garment at home. 

 
Friction and rubbing can cause pills to appear.  

How do you avoid pilling with sweaters and knitwear? 
 
As mentioned earlier, the number one cause of piling is friction. Pills are usually found on areas of clothing that are prone to rubbing such as the fabric under your armpits or sleeves. Don’t forget that backpacks and shoulder bags can cause friction too. 
 

Since backpacks and shoulder bags cause friction on your back and shoulders, those areas are likely to pill first as well. Using your bag a few times can cause pills to appear quicker than normal. With that in mind, the best way to avoid pilling is to use hand bags with your sweaters and knitwear. 

Bags cause friction too! 

Easy ways to treat pilling at home 

Despite all your efforts, you might feel a little defeated when pills keep showing up on your sweaters. But don't despair! There are still ways you can easily remove these fuzz balls at home. 
 
1. Cutting off pills with small scissors 
Pulling off pills with your fingers is not a smart thing to do. It can rip off parts of fabric and ruin the appearance of your clothing. Remove the little balls using a small pair of eyebrow scissors or sewing scissors. By carefully cutting off the pills, you can avoid damaging the fabric, and that way your sweaters and knitwear will last longer.  

 
You can also shave the fabric surface with a worn-out razor, but I recommend that you use scissors. I tried to scrape pills off with a razor, but ended up shaving off some of the un-pilled fabric as well. 
To avoid unnecessary damage, it’s best to use scissors if you can. 
 
2. Using a battery-operated pill and fuzz remover 
In case you have massive pilling that scissors can’t handle, one of the most effective ways to remove pills is to use a “battery-operated pill and fuzz remover.” You should be able to find these in in craft stores or general merchandise stores. They can easily get rid of the pills from the surface of the garment. 

Treat your garment at home with ease. Upgrade your looks with proper care 

Proper pilling care ensures your garments look refined and professional. There’s always going to be some pilling, but that doesn’t mean you have to pick them every day. Excessive removal can lead to thinning and reducing the volume of the garment, so do it only if you can’t resist the urge to do so. Keep in mind that regular maintenance of your garments is the best way to make sure you look fantastic in all occasions. 
 
For example, if there’s fuzz balls all over your fine textured wool sweater, the high-quality design of the sweater will be overshadowed by the frizzled look of pills. With proper care, you can make sure that its carefully crafted texture is maintained. 
 
With cashmere sweaters, you might want to take greater care of your garment when you think of it as an investment. Spending time on regular maintenance will let you get the most value out of your garments! 

Proper care and treatment of cashmere sweaters will help increase their longevity. 

By taking the time to properly care for your sweaters and knitwear, you can increase the lifespan of the garments. I hope this guide sheds some light on how to deal with pilling.