Understanding Fabric Pilling in the Furniture Industry
Whether you are a customer or a retailer, we all understand the frustration that comes with fabric pilling. At Furnisure, we aim to educate our clients and partners so that everyone is better informed and equipped to address this common issue. By understanding the nature of pilling and how to manage it, you can maintain the beauty and longevity of your upholstered furniture.
What is Pilling?
Pilling refers to the small balls of fibers that form on the surface of a fabric. This occurs when fibers within the fabric become loose and start to move around, eventually clumping together to form tiny balls or pills. Pilling is a natural characteristic of most woven fabrics and is particularly common in materials that contain synthetic fibers like acrylic, nylon, or polyester.
Each yarn of the fabric, known as weft and warp, is composed of thousands of micro-yarns. These micro-yarns can pick up foreign fibers from the environment, which then fuse together to create the balls of pilling
Example of weft/warp yarns and a single yarn under a microscope
Example of pilling
Causes of Pilling
Several factors contribute to the formation of pills on fabric
Fiber Content: Fabrics containing synthetic fibers such as acrylic, nylon, or polyester are more prone to pilling due to their inherent properties but pilling is not isolated to these specific fabrics.
Abrasion: Regular use and abrasion from movement, sitting, or cleaning can cause fibers to loosen and form pills.
Foreign Fibers: External fibers from other textiles, like a throw blanket & clothing can mix with the fabric fibers and contribute to pilling. For instance, the use of a black throw on a lighter-colored fabric can lead to visible pills composed of both fabric and throw fibers, this is why in most cases the “pills” are a different colour to the fabric
High-Traffic Areas: Sections of the furniture that are used more frequently, such as the center or edges of a cushion, are more likely to exhibit pilling compared to less-used areas
Preventing Pilling
While it is impossible to completely prevent pilling, there are several measures that can minimize its occurrence:
Choose the Right Fabric: Opt for fabrics with tightly woven fibers and those less prone to pilling, contact us before making your purchase as we can give you the information on the likelihood of a fabric pilling in the future
Regular Maintenance: Vacuum your furniture regularly to remove loose fibers and reduce the likelihood of pilling
Careful Cleaning: Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to avoid excessive abrasion that can cause fibers to loosen
Use Fabric Shavers: If pilling occurs, using a fabric shaver can effectively remove pills without damaging the fabric, this should be done at least once a month
An example of a battery hand operated fabric shaver
Why Pilling is Not Considered a Fault
It’s crucial to understand that pilling is not a fault or a sign of the fabric wearing out. Pilling occurs on the surface fibers and does not impact the overall integrity or durability of the fabric. The underlying structure of the fabric remains intact, and the pills can often be removed without causing harm. When de-pilling is carried out the structure of the yarns are not compromised, the machine is only removing the build up of fibers and the small micro yarns.
Evidence of fabric after successfully using a de-pilling machine
Understanding Why Pilling Builds Up
Pilling builds up over time much like a snowball rolling down a hill. As the fabric is subjected to regular use and abrasion, loose fibers begin to gather and form small pills. These initial pills create more surface friction, attracting additional loose fibers and foreign particles. The longer this process continues without intervention, the more fibers accumulate, and the larger the pills become. However, if regular maintenance is performed, such as vacuuming and using a fabric shaver to remove pills early on, you can prevent the pilling from reaching these larger, more noticeable stages. This proactive approach helps maintain the fabric's appearance and extends its lifespan.
Snowball Effect
Conclusion
Pilling is a natural and expected occurrence in many types of fabric, especially in upholstered furniture. While it can be bothersome, it’s not a sign of poor quality or a defect. By understanding the causes and taking preventive measures, you can manage and reduce pilling, keeping your furniture attractive and comfortable. The presence of pills doesn't mean your fabric is deteriorating; it’s simply a characteristic of certain fiber types under regular use. Regular maintenance, much like any household chore, will reduce pilling over time, though it may not disappear entirely
If you have any questions about the content of this blog or if you're a consumer seeking more information on fabric pilling, please contact us. Furnisure is here to assist with any future purchases, helping you understand what to look for when selecting a fabric