Frightful weather outside calls for cozy sweaters inside. Whether you’re wearing a brand-new style you snagged during a Black Friday sale, an incredible vintage find, or that favorite crewneck you always reach for this time of year, it’s hard to avoid pilling or shedding of the sweater fibers.
Why Do Sweaters Pill?
The yarn used to knit sweaters consists of fibers (be it wool, cotton, cashmere, or synthetic materials like acrylic) spun together in a continuous strand. Depending on the materials used to create the fiber and the yarn’s construction, the knitted fabric can start to pill when it rubs against other surfaces or itself — such as the underarm area or around the waist and ribbing when layering with jackets. This is especially true for sweaters made with blended materials, such as wool and polyester, or any ultrasoft and shorter fiber, as these weaker fibers are easier to snag or break away from the strand. This breakage results in shedding or pilling.
How To Remove Pills From Sweaters
Although they’re annoying, pills are actually quite easy to remove. While you can invest in a fancy electric fabric shaver, you probably already have the best tool for removing pills stashed away in your bathroom. In a pinch, a sharp, new disposable razor can shave off the tiny wads of fiber and help reduce shedding. Any razor will work, as long as it doesn’t have a moisture strip (which can cause more pilling). However, a single blade razor is preferred because it provides a little more control when trimming off the pills.
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To remove pills, lay the sweater on a flat surface, then use one hand to hold the material taut. Gently glide the razor in short, upward strokes with light pressure. Unlike with actual shaving, you don’t want to glide the razor too close to the fabric. Instead, focus on reducing the pills on the surface, being careful not to scrape the underlying fabric. Once you’re finished, use a piece of tape to clean up the trimmed pills and fibers.
