Tips to Prevent and Remove Pilling on Your Custom Embroidered Sweatshirts and Sweatpants

How to Prevent and Remove Pilling on Your Custom Embroidered Sweatshirts and Sweatpants

At Howdy! Embroidery, we pride ourselves on creating high-quality, custom embroidered sweatshirts and sweatpants that look great and feel even better. We understand that your garment’s longevity and appearance matter just as much as its comfort. One of the most common issues that garment owners face is pilling – those pesky little fuzz balls that appear on fabric over time. Whether you're wearing your embroidered sweatshirt for cozy days at home or for casual outings, we want you to enjoy your purchase for years to come. Here’s how to prevent and remove pilling to keep your custom pieces looking fresh.

What is Pilling?

Pilling is the formation of small, tangled balls of fibers on the surface of a fabric. These fibers can form due to friction from wearing or washing the garment. Fabrics that are soft or loosely woven, such as cotton blends, are particularly susceptible to pilling. When it comes to embroidered pieces, the added texture of embroidery threads can sometimes contribute to this problem.

How to Prevent Pilling on Your Custom Embroidered Apparel

While pilling is a natural occurrence for many fabrics, you can take a few steps to minimize its development:

1. Wash With Care

• Turn your sweatshirts and sweatpants inside out before washing. This helps protect the fabric’s outer surface and prevents excessive friction during the wash cycle.
• Use a gentle cycle and cold water to reduce stress on the fibers. Hot water and harsh detergents can weaken fabric fibers and make them more prone to pilling.
• Wash with similar fabrics. Avoid mixing your embroidered items with rough or heavy fabrics, such as towels or denim, which can increase friction.

2. Skip the Dryer

Heat and tumbling in a dryer can cause fibers to break down, leading to pilling. Instead, air dry your custom embroidered sweatshirts and sweatpants by laying them flat or hanging them up. If you do use a dryer, choose a low heat or delicate setting to minimize damage.

3. Use a Fabric Softener

Fabric softener can help reduce friction during washing by coating the fibers, making them less likely to pill. Look for gentle, biodegradable fabric softeners to keep your custom pieces in great condition.

4. Be Gentle During Wear

If you wear your embroidered apparel during activities that cause lots of friction, like sitting on rough surfaces or carrying a backpack, try to minimize that direct contact. The less the fabric rubs against surfaces, the less pilling will occur.

5. Avoid Over-Washing

Frequent washing can wear down the fibers over time, which contributes to pilling. Unless your garment is heavily soiled, try to limit washing to every few wears.

How to Remove Pilling From Your Custom Embroidered Sweatshirts and Sweatpants

Despite your best efforts, pilling can still happen from time to time. The good news is there are easy ways to remove pills and restore the smooth, soft look of your garment.

1. Use a Fabric Shaver

A fabric shaver is a tool specifically designed to remove pilling from clothes. It works by gently shaving off the pills without damaging the fabric. Just be sure to test the fabric shaver on an inconspicuous area first, especially near your custom embroidery, to ensure it doesn't cause any snagging.

2. Try a Sweater Stone or Pumice Stone

A sweater stone or pumice stone is another effective option for removing pills. Gently rub the stone over the fabric in one direction to lift the pills away. This method works well for sweatshirts and sweatpants, but be careful around delicate embroidered areas.

3. Use a Lint Roller

For light pilling, a lint roller can work wonders. Simply roll it over the fabric to pick up any loose pills. This method is quick, easy, and gentle on your embroidery.

4. Trim with Scissors

If you spot a stubborn pill or two, you can carefully trim them with a pair of sharp scissors. Just be cautious and avoid cutting the surrounding fabric or embroidery.

5. Wash and Dry Gently Again

After removing the pills, wash and dry your garment as described earlier to prevent new pills from forming.

The Bottom Line

Pilling is a common issue that can affect even the most well-made garments, but with a little care and attention, you can prevent and remove it easily. At [Your Brand Name], we want your custom embroidered sweatshirts and sweatpants to remain in great condition, so you can keep enjoying them for years to come. By following these simple steps, you can keep your embroidered pieces looking fresh and fabulous!