How to Remove Pilling From Jumpers (Without Stretching or Ruining the Knit)

If you wear jumpers regularly, pilling is something you will almost certainly deal with. Those small bobbles that appear on the surface can make a jumper look tired, rough, and poorly cared for—even when it is still warm, soft, and perfectly wearable.

People searching for how to remove pilling from jumpers are usually frustrated for two reasons at the same time. They want their jumper to look smooth again, but they are also afraid of damaging it. That concern is valid. Jumpers are often knitted more loosely than many sweaters, and one careless method can stretch the fabric or create holes that cannot be fixed.

This guide is written specifically for jumpers, in the UK and EU sense of the word. Jumpers are typically knit garments, often softer and more flexible, and therefore easier to damage if treated aggressively. The focus here is on gentle, controlled depilling methods that protect shape, softness, and the life of the garment.

What Causes Pilling on Jumpers?

Pilling on jumpers happens because of how knitted fabric is constructed and how it is worn in everyday life.

Jumpers are made from knitted loops rather than tightly woven threads. These loops give jumpers their comfort and stretch, but they also allow fibers to move more freely. As the jumper is worn, small fibers slowly work their way out of the yarn and rise to the surface.

Once these fibers are exposed, friction causes them to tangle together and form pills. This friction comes from very normal activities: carrying bags, wearing coats, using seatbelts, leaning on desks, or even repeated arm movement.

Yarn quality also plays a role. Jumpers made from shorter fibers tend to pill faster, but even premium yarns can pill if they are very soft. Softness often means flexibility, and flexible fibers are more likely to migrate outward.

Pilling alone does not mean a jumper is poor quality. What matters is how it is handled once pilling appears.

Why Jumpers Are Different From Sweaters?

Although the words “jumper” and “sweater” are often used interchangeably, many jumpers behave differently when it comes to fabric care.

Jumpers are often looser in knit structure, softer to the touch, and more prone to stretching. Because of this, methods that may work on sturdier sweaters can be risky on jumpers.

Razors, for example, can easily cut knit loops on a jumper. Excess pressure can stretch the fabric permanently. Even a single mistake can lead to a hole or weakened area that continues to unravel.

That is why removing pilling from jumpers should always start gently and progress slowly, rather than jumping straight to aggressive tools.

Fabric Types and How Jumper Pilling Differs

Not all jumpers pill the same way. Understanding the yarn type helps you choose the safest method.

1. Wool Jumpers

Wool jumpers are common winter staples. Wool fibers are natural, resilient, and slightly crimped. They pill when fibers migrate to the surface, especially during the first few wears.

Wool jumpers usually respond well to fabric combs and careful depilling. However, over-shaving can thin the fabric and reduce warmth. Fine wool jumpers, such as merino, need extra care.

People dealing with similar issues often also look into how to remove pilling from wool sweaters, as many principles overlap.

2. Acrylic Jumpers

Acrylic jumpers pill heavily because acrylic fibers are strong and do not break easily. Pills tend to stay attached, making the surface look worse over time.

Acrylic can tolerate depilling better than delicate natural fibers, but aggressive shaving can leave the fabric looking flat or shiny. Light pressure is still important.

3. Cotton Knit Jumpers

Cotton knit jumpers pill less dramatically, but they stretch more easily. Cotton fibers lack elasticity, so once the knit is distorted, it does not bounce back.

Fabric combs are usually safer than shavers for cotton jumpers. Controlling stretch is more important than speed.

4. Blended Yarn Jumpers

Blended yarns, such as wool-acrylic or cotton-polyester, often pill the most. Natural fibers loosen and form pills, while synthetic fibers hold those pills tightly in place.

Blended jumpers require patience and gentle, repeated care rather than one aggressive session.

Step-by-Step: How to Remove Pilling From Jumpers Safely?

Before starting, always lay the jumper flat on a clean, firm surface. Never depill a jumper while it is hanging or while you are wearing it. Hanging allows the fabric to stretch, which increases the risk of damage.

Step 1: Fabric Comb (Best for Jumpers)

A fabric comb is the safest and most jumper-friendly tool.

Lay the jumper flat and hold the fabric steady with one hand. Move the comb in one direction only, using short, gentle strokes. Do not apply pressure. Let the comb lift pills gradually.

This method removes pills without cutting knit loops and helps preserve both shape and softness.

Step 2: Manual Depiller

If pills are stubborn, a manual depiller can help.

Keep the tool flat against the fabric and use very light pressure. Move slowly and work in small sections. Avoid repeated passes over the same area.

Manual depillers work well for acrylic and blended jumpers when used with restraint.

Step 3: Electric Fabric Shaver (Low Pressure Only)

Electric fabric shavers should be the last option for jumpers.

Use the lowest speed setting, keep the shaver flat, and never press down. Always test on an inside seam first. Avoid using electric shavers on very loose or delicate knits.

Electric shavers remove pills quickly, but they can also remove fabric just as fast.

Strong Warning: Why Razors Can Ruin Jumpers

Razors are often suggested because they work fast, but they are extremely risky for jumpers.

Razors cut knit loops, not just pills. One slip or uneven stroke can create a hole, weaken the knit structure, or cause runs that spread over time.

Once a knit loop is cut, it cannot be repaired. For this reason, razors should be avoided for jumpers, especially soft or loosely knitted ones.

Read More Articles:

• How to Remove Pills From a Couch?
• How to Remove Pilling From Cashmere?
• How to Remove Pilling From a Wool Sweater?
• How to Remove Pills From Sweaters (Without Ruining Them)

How to Remove Pilling Without Stretching the Jumper?

Stretching is one of the most common side effects of careless depilling.

Always work on a flat surface. Never hang the jumper during depilling. Hold the fabric steady but not taut. Avoid pulling pills by hand. Let tools do the work gently.

Stretching not only distorts the shape of the jumper but also encourages more fibers to loosen, leading to faster pilling later.

Washing and Drying Mistakes That Make Jumper Pilling Worse

Many pilling problems begin in the laundry.

Jumpers washed right-side out are exposed to friction. Turning them inside out helps protect the outer surface.

Hot water weakens fibers and increases breakage. Cold water is always safer. Overwashing is another common issue. Jumpers do not need to be washed after every wear; airing them out is often enough.

Tumble dryers are harsh on jumpers. Heat and tumbling combine friction and stress. Jumpers should always be air-dried flat. Hanging wet jumpers stretches the knit and causes misshaping.

How Often Should You Depill a Jumper?

Depilling too often weakens fibers over time, even when done gently.

It is better to wait until pilling is noticeable rather than removing pills after every wear. For most jumpers, light depilling a few times per season is sufficient.

How to Prevent Pilling on Jumpers?

Prevention reduces how often you need to depill.

Rotate jumpers instead of wearing the same one repeatedly. Avoid rough outerwear over delicate knits. Use scarves or layers to reduce friction. Store jumpers folded rather than hung. Wash gently and infrequently.

These habits reduce fiber stress and help jumpers maintain their appearance longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you shave a jumper?

Shaving is risky. Electric fabric shavers on low speed are safer than razors, but razors can easily cut knit loops and cause permanent damage.

Does depilling ruin jumpers?

Gentle depilling does not ruin jumpers. Aggressive depilling, excessive pressure, and overuse do.

How often should you depill a jumper?

Only when pilling becomes visible. Over-drying shortens the life of the garment.

Final Thoughts on Removing Pilling From Jumpers

Learning how to remove pilling from jumpers is about patience and restraint. Jumpers are comfortable because their knits are flexible, but that flexibility makes them vulnerable to damage.

Starting with the gentlest method, working slowly, and stopping as soon as pills are gone helps preserve shape and softness. Combined with proper washing, drying, and storage habits, these practices keep jumpers looking smooth and wearable season after season.

A jumper does not need to be perfectly pill-free to look good. What matters most is that the knit remains intact, the fabric stays healthy, and the jumper continues to feel good to wear.