Recommendations on how to shave a sweater? - YouLookFab Forum

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Recommendations on how to shave a sweater?

Kristin L

Veteran

I bought this cardigan from Gap a few weeks ago. It's one of the Luxlight ones.

http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....=351070002

It feels great, but after 1 wear, the back is pilling like no tomorrow. Any recommendation on how to shave it to remove the pills? I've used a regular razor in the past, but I'm nervous to on this material. I'm afraid I'll put a hole in it.

Dressing

14 replies

Latest reply was from Vicki

ironkurtin

Veteran

I'd use a sweater depiller - it's a handheld doohickey with covered blades, kinda like a man's electric razor. You can usually find them next to the irons and steamers at housewares stores.

Sarah A

Veteran

Ive always bee afraid of cutting with razor so I have used a sweater stone (it is like a pumice) that you use to pull across the fabric and it grabs and pulls off the pills. For a fiber standpoint probably not as good as cutting with a blade type tool, but also less likely to cause disaster.

Glory

Veteran

I have the same doohickey as IK. It works wonders on sweaters, yoga pants and the like.

Diana

Veteran

http://www.amazon.com/Remingto.....&qid=...

I have an old version of this and it works fine. It does take a little time though. There might be bigger ones available that would be faster. You do have to unclog the cap once in a while if you have big pills.

Tanya

Veteran

I would recommend the sweater comb: http://www.amazon.com/WAWAK%C2.....;qid=13637

I also have the stone and the electric shaver (a bit obsessed with de-pilling myself), but like the comb best as it is faster than the shaver and gentler than the stone.

Kalli

I'm with tanya. I have all 3 items but I like the sweater comb the best.

Thistle

Veteran

So glad you posted this! I have been wondering about how to de-pill loved sweaters myself. Off to get a sweater comb!

Anonymous

Just be careful with the battery operated sweater shavers. The blades catch on the fabric and cut it, if you press too hard against it. I have tried a razor, the mechanical de-piller and the sweater stone. I think none are perfect, but If I was to pick, I think I would go with an old disposable razor. I put a hard backing underneath the fabric and go as gentle as I can. Side note: This is not something you do when you are pressed for time. I have made holes to many a sweater, while rushing it.

Gaylene

Veteran

Another sweater comb user here for the same reasons as Diana. Less likely to accidentally cut a hole and easy enough to throw in my bag if I'm traveling. And the comb works on all types of fabrics; I've used it on jackets and pants as well as sweaters.

Kristin L

Veteran

Thanks everyone. I think I'll check into sweater combs!

cinnamon fern

Veteran

Do you really love the sweater? I would be tempted to return it. If it's pilled enough to need shaving after one wear, that's not a good sign.

rachylou

Veteran

One more vote for the sweater comb

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

So glad you brought this up again, as I had the same issue with my Gap wool turtleneck. Inge had mentioned a sweater comb with a link to J. Crew and their comb was due in stores in the Spring (my thread was before that).

Love hearing the road-tested stories here on the razor, stone and comb. While the razor "sounds easy," I know my speedy rushing could cause me do something like Zap mentioned above.

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

ETA: For some reason my little wheel won't open to let me edit my previous entry. Here's a great youtube video on the four ways to remove fuzzy sweater pillings. It shows all of the above, from scissors, combs, stones and shavers:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-20BbpWoPeM