How to Remove Bobbles From Jumpers (and Stop Them Coming Back)
Written by Artemis Clo
If you have ever wondered how to remove bobbles from jumpers without wrecking them, the good news is that it takes five quiet minutes and the right tool. The better news is that a few small habits stop most of them coming back. Here is what causes bobbles, how to take them off, and how to keep your knitwear smooth.
Why jumpers bobble in the first place
Bobbles, or pilling, happen when short fibres work loose from the surface of a knit and tangle together into tiny balls. Friction is the culprit: a bag strap on your shoulder, your arms brushing your sides, the seat of a car, the inside of a washing machine.
Some knits bobble more than others. Yarns made from short fibres, or spun loosely for softness, release more loose ends. Blends that include a strong synthetic fibre can hold on to their bobbles, while bobbles on many natural fibres tend to break away on their own over time. A tightly knitted, smooth yarn usually bobbles least.
Almost every new jumper bobbles a little in its first few weeks. That does not mean it is poorly made. It is simply shedding its loose surface fibres, and once you have removed them it often settles down. A neat ribbed knit like this bow collar ribbed knit jumper or anything from our jumpers will reward a little care.
Jumpers to start with
A few pieces that fit what you have just read.
Bow Collar Ribbed Knit Jumper, Curved Hem
Cowl Neck Jumper with Soft Draped Collar
Cable Knit High Neck Jumper with Rolled Edges
How to remove bobbles from jumpers safely
Whatever tool you choose, start the same way. Lay the jumper flat on a table or ironing board, smooth it out, and work on one small area at a time, holding the fabric gently taut with your free hand. Go lightly. You are lifting off the bobbles, not shaving the knit itself.
A fabric shaver
An electric fabric shaver, sometimes called a debobbler, is the quickest option. Glide it in small circles or straight strokes over the bobbled area without pressing. Empty the little chamber often. Keep it away from buttons, seams and loose, open knits, where the blades can catch.
A fabric comb or sweater stone
A fine-toothed fabric comb or a pumice-like sweater stone works by catching the bobbles and pulling them away. Use short, light strokes in one direction. These are gentler on fine and fluffy knits, and they need no batteries.
Your fingers and small scissors
For a handful of large bobbles, simply pick them off, or snip them with small, sharp scissors held flat against the fabric. Slow, but very safe.
Afterwards, give the jumper a shake and a gentle brush with a clothes brush or lint roller to lift away the debris.
How to stop bobbles coming back in the wash
The washing machine is where most friction happens, so this is where you win the battle.
- Turn jumpers inside out so the outer face rubs against nothing.
- Use a mesh laundry bag to keep them apart from heavier items such as jeans and towels.
- Choose a cool, gentle cycle or a wool programme, or wash by hand, and always check the care label.
- Do not overfill the drum. Knitwear needs space to move gently, not to be pummelled.
- Skip the tumble dryer. Dry flat on a towel or a drying rack, away from direct heat.
Washing less often helps too. Unless a jumper is marked or worn close to the skin, airing it overnight is usually enough between wears. Our guide on how to wash jumpers without shrinking them goes into more detail on temperatures and drying.
Everyday habits that keep knitwear smooth
Bobbles gather where your knitwear rubs most: under the arms, at the cuffs, and wherever a bag sits. A few changes reduce that friction a lot.
Carry your bag on the other shoulder now and then, or switch to a handheld style on days you wear a favourite knit. Let jumpers rest for a day between wears so the fibres can recover. And fold them rather than hanging them, which also keeps the shoulders in shape.
Cardigans worn open over a dress get less friction than a jumper under a coat, so they often stay smoother for longer. A V-neck cable knit cardigan with a button front is an easy layer, and you will find plenty more among the cardigans.
When spring comes, give everything a final de-bobble before it goes away. Our guide on how to store winter clothes covers the rest, and if you want to know which fibres bobble least before you buy, our guide to natural and synthetic fibres is a good place to start.
Next, from our cardigans
Something from a neighbouring rail, for the same moment.
V-Neck Cable Knit Cardigan with Button Front
Crew Neck Cardigan with Pearl-Look Buttons
Soft Knit Stand Collar Button Cardigan
Your questions, answered
Can I use a razor to remove bobbles?
You can, but carefully. Use a clean disposable razor, hold the fabric taut on a flat surface and glide it lightly in one direction. It is easy to nick the knit, so a fabric shaver or comb is the safer choice for anything you love.
Do expensive jumpers bobble too?
Yes, they can. Bobbling depends more on the length of the fibres, how tightly the yarn is spun and how much friction the jumper gets than on the price. Almost every knit bobbles a little at first.
Can I use a fabric shaver on a coat?
On most smooth, flat coat fabrics, yes, as long as you go lightly and test a hidden area such as the inside of a hem first. Avoid textured finishes like boucle, where the shaver can cut the loops that give the fabric its look. A clothes brush is the safer first step on any coat.
Does fabric conditioner stop bobbling?
It may soften the surface a little, but it is no magic answer, and some care labels advise against it for certain fibres. Gentle washing and less friction make a much bigger difference.
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