Removing pilling on pure nylon or polyester knit fabrics is relatively straightforward too. They’re stronger than natural fibres, so something with a blade will be the key. They should also pill much less than wool in the first place. Human-made fibres are usually long and smooth under a microscope, so when they’re twisted together into yarn, they lay closer and tighter, causing less friction. It’s interesting to note the difference in pilling and de-pilling for blended fabrics. Nylon and polyester are commonly found mixed with wool or mohair for knitwear. But the relative strength of synthetic yarns makes it harder to cut or snap the wool fibres, so pills hang on tighter than they would with a pure wool garment. That said, the methods for their removal listed above still apply, they might just take a bit longer. Pilling is caused by friction. The short length and natural crimp (the compression that makes wool soft and springy) of wool fibres, as well as the microscopic scales that surround them, all contribute to movement during wear and care, which in turn leads to friction.

Fabric Comb Combo Pack - Remove Bobbles and Fluff from

Dreary by name, dull by nature, ‘pilling’ is that familiar phenomenon where little fibre balls work their way to the surface of garments. Pilling makes your clothes look tired and rough to the touch. Simply pass a fabric shaver over the surface of the garment and either rotating blades, a mesh screen or a rough stone texture will lift and cut or break off the loose fibers, leaving your garment smooth and pill-free. No matter what type of pill remover you use, it must be applied with care so you don't damage the fabric.

Hemline Plastic Fabric Comb

Unlike some defects, it's not necessarily the sign of a low quality fabric. With wool for instance, pilling is a characteristic - as it is with a number of natural protein fibres. There’s no stopping it, but when you know it's a feature, you can be prepared.