Have you ever noticed those little balls of fibre on your knitwear? Those are pilling, and they're a common problem for anyone who wears knitwear. Pilling is one of the most annoying aspects of knitwear. Not only does it make your garments look old and worn out, but it can also be difficult to remove. So why does knitwear pilling happen in the first place? In this blog post, we'll take a look at what causes pilling and how you can prevent your knitwear from developing these tiny fibres. We'll also provide some tips for removing those pesky pills when they do develop. Read on to learn more!

What is pilling?

Pilling occurs when small balls of fibre form on the surface of your knitwear. These fibres can come from the yarn itself or from other garments that rub against your knitwear. Pilling is more likely to occur on garments made from synthetic fibres or blended fibres, as these fibres are more prone to friction. Pilling can also be caused by laundering your knitwear in a washing machine with other items that have a lot of friction, such as denim jeans.

Why does knitwear pill?

Knitwear pilling occurs when the individual fibres that make up the fabric start to break down and separate from the fabric. This can happen for a number of reasons, including friction (from wear or washing), and exposure to sunlight, chemicals, or heat. Once the fibres start to separate, they can become tangled and form little balls of fluff on the surface of the fabric, which is known as pilling.

Pilling is more likely to occur on fabrics that are made from natural fibres like wool or cotton, as these fibres are not as strong as synthetic fibres. Pilling can also be more noticeable on darker-coloured fabrics, as the pills are more visible against a darker background.

While pilling may be unsightly, it does not necessarily mean that your knitwear is ruined. In most cases, pilling can be removed by gently brushing or shaving the fabric with a sweater shaver or other similar device. You can also try washing your knitwear inside out in a mesh laundry bag on a delicate cycle. If pilling continues to be a problem, you may want to consider investing in higher-quality knitwear made from stronger fibres.

How to prevent knitwear from pilling

To prevent knitwear from pilling, it is important to choose the right fabrics and to take care when washing and storing your garments.

Fabrics made from natural fibres such as wool and cotton are less likely to pill than synthetic fibres like polyester and nylon. Blends of natural and synthetic fibres can also be less prone to pilling than 100% synthetic fabrics.

When washing knitwear, use a gentle cycle with cool water and mild detergent. Avoid bleach or fabric softeners, which can damage the fibres. You may also want to hand wash delicate items or use a mesh bag to protect them in the washing machine.

After washing, reshape your knitwear before air drying or tumble drying on low heat. Never hang wet knitwear, as this can cause stretching and misshaping.

To further protect your garments, store them in a breathable container such as a cotton bag or an open-weave basket. Moths love cluttered closets, so keep your storage area clean and organized to avoid any unwanted holes in your favorite sweaters!

How to remove pilling from knitwear

Pilling occurs when fibres in the fabric break and become tangled. The most common type of pilling is surface pilling, which appears as small balls of fiber on the surface of the fabric. Pilling can also occur on the inside of a garment, where it's less visible but can still be felt.

To remove pilling from knitwear, start by using a lint roller or tape to remove any visible pills. If there are still pills clinging to the fabric, try using a fabric shaver or pill remover. Be sure to test the shaver on an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn't damage the knitwear. To prevent pilling in the future, wash garments inside out and avoid putting them in the dryer.

Conclusion

As we can see, pilling is a natural part of wearing knitwear. While it may be a bit annoying, the pills are harmless and can easily be removed with tools like fabric shavers or tweezers. To avoid pilling in the first place, you should take care to wash your knitwear properly and avoid vigorous activities like running that could cause friction on the material. With proper care and maintenance, your knitwear will last much longer!

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If you're looking for high-quality knitwear at a great price, Ningbo Z&H Foreign Trade is your best bet. We offer a wide range of knitwear styles and colours to choose from, so you're sure to find the perfect piece for your wardrobe. And our team of experienced professionals are always on hand to help you make the best purchase decisions. So why wait? Contact us today and let us help you find the perfect knitwear for your needs!