How to Remove Pilling From Any Knitwear (Not Just Mohair)

Pilling — those small balls of fiber that form on the surface of a sweater — happens to almost every knit garment eventually, from budget acrylics to the finest natural fibers. It's caused by friction, whether from a bag strap rubbing against your shoulder or simply from wear over time. The good news is that pilling is easy to fix if you know the right technique.

Step 1: Lay the Sweater Flat

Place the garment on a flat, hard surface such as a table. This gives you an even surface to work on and prevents you from accidentally stretching the fabric while removing pills.

Step 2: Choose Your Tool

A fabric shaver (also called a sweater de-piller) is the safest and most effective option for delicate knits. Set it to the lowest intensity setting first, especially for fragile fibers like mohair or fine merino. A fine-toothed comb or even careful use of a disposable razor can also work for sturdier knits, but requires a much lighter hand.

Step 3: Work in Small Sections

Glide the shaver gently over a small area at a time, lifting it off frequently to check your progress. Avoid pressing down hard or going over the same spot repeatedly, which can thin out the fabric or create bald patches.

Step 4: Brush Away Loose Fibers

Once you've de-pilled a section, use a soft garment brush or simply shake the sweater to remove loose fuzz before moving to the next area.

Preventing Pilling in the Future

Turn sweaters inside out before washing, avoid tumble drying, and be mindful of friction points like bag straps and seatbelts. Hand washing, as always, is gentler than a washing machine and will help your knitwear stay pill-free for longer.

With the right tool and a gentle touch, even a well-loved sweater can look fresh again in just a few minutes.