If you've ever noticed tiny little bobbles appearing on your favourite knit, you're not alone.
Pilling is probably knitwear's biggest enemy. We all dislike it, and at Maxted, we work incredibly hard to minimise it. In fact, one of the comments we hear most often from our customers is:
"I'm amazed how it doesn't pill."
While we'd love to promise that knitwear will never pill, the reality is that pilling is a natural characteristic of many knitted fibres. The real question isn't if it will happen, but how quickly.
The good news? High-quality yarns, thoughtful garment construction, and proper care can make a huge difference.
What is pilling?
Pilling (also called bobbling) is the formation of small balls of fibre on the surface of a garment.
These little bobbles develop when loose fibres work their way to the surface and become tangled together through friction.
Does pilling mean poor quality?
Not necessarily.
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about knitwear.
Pilling isn't simply a sign of poor quality—it depends on a number of factors, including:
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the type of fibre
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the length of the fibres (known as the staple length)
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how the yarn has been spun
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how often and where the garment is worn
Even luxury cashmere and premium merino wool can pill, particularly when they're new. In fact, some of the softest, most luxurious fibres are actually more prone to pilling during the first few wears.
Why does knitwear pill?
Everyday life creates friction.
Your knit may rub against:
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your handbag
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a cross-body strap
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your desk while working
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a seatbelt
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Your under arms as you move
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carrying children
Every time fibres rub together, a few loose fibres can work their way to the surface and form pills.
The areas that experience the most friction,under the arms, the sides of the body and the cuffs, are usually the first places you'll notice them.
How does Maxted minimise pilling?
Creating knitwear that lasts for years is one of our biggest priorities.
Before we ever commit to producing a yarn, every one of our yarns is independently tested by a third-party laboratory.
One of the key tests measures resistance to pilling.
The grading system runs from 1 to 5, with:
| Rating | Description | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | No visible change | Excellent. The gold standard. |
| 4 | Slight surface fuzzing, minimal pilling | Very good. What we aim for at Maxted. |
| 3 | Moderate surface fuzzing and pilling | Good. Acceptable for everyday knitwear. |
| 2 | Distinct pilling covering much of the surface | Below standard. Not used at Maxted. |
| 1 | Severe pilling across the entire garment | Poor. Rejected at testing stage. |
All yarns used at Maxted must achieve a minimum rating of 3 to 4 before we'll commit to producing them.
Alongside laboratory testing, we carefully choose premium yarns from trusted suppliers and favour yarn constructions that have proven themselves season after season.
Our semi-worsted cotton yarns, for example, have become customer favourites because of how beautifully they wear over time.
We also work hard to source yarns that meet high ethical and environmental standards, so you can feel good about what you're wearing.
Can you stop pilling completely?
Unfortunately, no.
Any knitted garment that is worn and loved will experience some friction over its lifetime.
But you can dramatically reduce how quickly pilling develops.
How to keep your knitwear looking its best
Wash gently
We recommend hand washing your knitwear in lukewarm water using a gentle wool wash or mild liquid soap.
Personally, I often use a little washing-up liquid for small spot washes!
Avoid harsh detergents, which can be rough on natural fibres.
Here's a blog post on how to wash your knitwear safely
Avoid unnecessary washing
Natural fibres like Australian Merino Wool don't need washing after every wear.
Often, simply airing your knit overnight is enough to freshen it up.
Lay flat to dry
Never hang wet knitwear.
The weight of the water can stretch the garment and alter its shape.
Instead, gently squeeze out excess water (never wring it) and lay it flat on a towel to dry naturally.
Store folded
Always fold your knitwear rather than hanging it.
Natural fibres are heavy and hanging them can stretch the shoulders over time.
Be mindful of friction
Handbags, backpacks and repeated rubbing against desks can all accelerate pilling.
Where possible, reducing friction will help keep your knit looking newer for longer.
Our favourite tip
If you notice a little pilling, don't panic.
A good-quality electric fabric shaver (often called a de-bobbler) is one of the best investments you can make.
It gently removes the surface pills without damaging the knit, leaving your jumper looking refreshed in just a few minutes.
It's a tool we genuinely recommend because it can significantly extend the life of your favourite knitwear.
Built to be worn for years
At Maxted, we don't design knitwear for one season.
We design pieces to become favourites you'll reach for year after year.
That means carefully selecting premium yarns, independently testing every fibre, choosing timeless designs, and helping you care for your knitwear long after you've taken it home.
A little pilling doesn't mean your knitwear is failing.
It simply means it's being loved.
With quality yarns, thoughtful care and the occasional de-bobble, your favourite Maxted knit can continue looking beautiful for many winters to come.
Ready to invest in knitwear worth caring for? Browse the full Maxted range, designed to be worn and loved for years.
