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Short answer
Pilling is the small balls of fibre that form where fabric is rubbed, when loose fibre ends tangle together on the surface. It is mostly cosmetic and common on new sofas. Choose tight, smooth weaves made from long, well-anchored yarns, ask for a pilling grade of 4 or 5, and remove pills gently with a fabric shaver rather than pulling them off.
Why does fabric pill?
Rubbing loosens short fibre ends from the yarn. They tangle into tiny balls that stay anchored to the surface. Pilling is worst where people sit, lean and rest their arms, and in the first months of use, while loose fibres work their way out.
| Pills more | Pills less |
|---|---|
| Spun, fuzzy or brushed yarns | Smooth filament yarns |
| Loose weaves and open textures | Tight, dense weaves |
| Short-staple fibres | Long, well-twisted yarns |
| Blends where a strong fibre holds pills on the surface | Short-pile velvets with a dense base |
Strong fibres such as polyester can make pills more visible, because they hold them on the surface instead of letting them break off.
What does the pilling grade mean?
Pilling is tested by rubbing the fabric in a controlled way and comparing it with photographic standards. It is graded from 1 to 5, where 5 means no pilling and 1 severe pilling. For upholstery, 4 or better is a good target. It is a separate test from the Martindale rub count, which measures how long the fabric lasts before it wears through. See Martindale Rub Test Explained.
Tip
Rub a sample firmly with your palm for a minute. If it fuzzes or balls, it will pill on a sofa.
How do you remove pills?
- Use a fabric shaver or de-piller, held flat and moved lightly over the surface.
- Test on a hidden area first, and never press hard.
- Don't pull pills off by hand; it draws out more fibre and makes the problem worse.
- Avoid razors on velvet, boucle or textured weaves; they can cut the pile or loops.
- Vacuum after, to lift loose fibres.
Watch out
Pills that keep returning after shaving usually mean the yarn itself is shedding. Shaving too often thins the fabric.
Which fabrics resist pilling best?
Tight flat weaves and dense short-pile velvets usually pill least. In the JOTEX range, YarnGuard PURIFY and REPEL are dense polyester velvets rated at 40,000 Martindale rubs, and TEKUSU OMAKE is a tight flat weave also rated at 40,000. Ask for the pilling grade on any fabric for daily seating. See What Is Performance Fabric? and Office Chair and Workstation Fabric.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my new sofa pilling?
Loose fibre ends work out of the yarn in the first months of use and tangle into pills. It usually settles after a few light shavings.
Is pilling a fabric defect?
Some pilling is normal wear. Heavy pilling soon after purchase can point to a low pilling grade; ask the supplier for it.
How do I remove pills from a sofa?
Use a fabric shaver held flat and moved lightly. Test it first, and never pull pills off by hand.
Which sofa fabric does not pill?
Tight flat weaves and dense short-pile velvets pill least. Look for a pilling grade of 4 or 5.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.