Ever noticed little fuzzy balls forming on your sheets or clothes? That’s pilling. It happens when small fibres break free, tangle up, and form little balls on the surface of the fabric. It can make even the cosiest jersey sheets or fitted sheets look worn before their time. But the good news is, it doesn’t mean the fabric is bad, and there are easy ways to fix and prevent it.

How Does Pilling Happen?

Pilling usually comes from friction, like when you toss and turn in bed or your fabric rubs against another surface. This friction causes the tiny fibres in the fabric to break, twist, and ball up. The most common types of friction include:

• Washing: Aggressive wash cycles or harsh detergents can stress the fabric.

• Drying: High heat in the dryer can weaken fibres and cause them to snap.

• High-friction stress: Pilling is more likely in high-friction situations, like rough skin (think cracked heels or elbows), scratching from broken nails, or pressure points like denim rivets rubbing against the sheet.

• Heat and sweat: Heavy turning and tossing in bed combined with body heat and perspiration can also increase friction and pilling.

Pilling rarely happens, but if it does, it's often after the first few uses. That’s because excess fibres from the manufacturing process can work their way to the surface. Once they’re removed, your sheets will feel even softer, and pilling is unlikely to return.

Is Pilling a Sign of Bad Quality Material?

Not necessarily. Even luxury fabrics like cashmere can pill. What matters most is the quality of the fibres and how the fabric is made. Pilling tends to be worse with:

• Short fibres (like in some synthetic blends) – they’re more likely to break.

• Loose weaves – more space between threads means fibres can shift more easily.

• Blended fabrics – like cotton mixed with polyester – the synthetic component tends to pill first.

At It-Fits, we use only high-quality, long-staple fibres in our fabric. Our 100% Australian cotton jersey is chosen for its strength and softness, and produced under strict European standards to keep pilling to a minimum.

Many Australians assume jersey = pilling. But we know that’s often because the jersey fabrics available locally are made from cheap microfibre or cotton blends. The jersey we use at It-Fits is made from 100% pure Australian cotton. It’s knitted – not woven – and has long, strong fibres that stretch gently and resist pilling far better than lower-grade blends you may have tried before.

Which Fabrics Are Easy to Pill?

Some fabrics are more prone to pilling than others:

• Synthetic blends (like polyester-cotton)

• Fleece and brushed fibres

• Low-twist or loosely woven yarns

Natural fabrics like cotton tend to pill less, especially when the fibres are longer and stronger.

Are There Methods to Detect Fabric for Pilling?

Yes. Fabric manufacturers use lab tests to check for pilling resistance. Common methods include:

• Martindale Test: Fabric is rubbed to simulate wear.

• Circular Locus Method: Measures pilling from fabric rubbing against itself.

• Pilling Box Test: Fabric is tumbled with abrasive materials to mimic long-term use.

At It-Fits, every fabric we use is lab-tested for pilling as part of our quality control process.

Are There Pill-Resistant Fabrics?

While no fabric is completely immune to pilling, our It-Fits jersey sheets are designed to keep it to a minimum. We use high-quality 100% pure Australian cotton with long, natural fibres and strict quality controls to help reduce the chances of pilling, without compromising on softness or stretch.

How to Stop Fabrics from Pilling

You may not be able to stop pilling completely, but you can definitely reduce it:

• Follow care instructions on the label – or check our Care Guide

• Wash inside out on a gentle cycle.

• Use a laundry bag to reduce friction in the machine.

• Avoid overloading the machine.

• Use a mild detergent.

• Air dry when possible – or use low heat.

How Can You Remove Pilling?

Pilling doesn’t mean your sheets are ruined. Here’s a simple trick to refresh them:

1. Leave the sheet on the bed so it’s pulled tight.

2. Use a small de-pilling machine or safety shaver.

3. Gently glide over the pilled areas without pressing down.

4. Pick up excess fluff with a lint roller or sticky tape.

Once removed, pilling usually doesn’t return – especially with natural fibres like ours.

What Does Pilling Mean on Clothes?

Pilling means the fibres on the fabric surface have broken and tangled into small balls due to friction.

What Is Pilling in Fabric?

It’s the process where broken fibres twist together on the surface, forming visible lint or fuzzballs.

FAQs About Bed Sheets & Jersey Fabric

Q: Do jersey sheets always pill?
A: No. Pilling usually depends on fabric quality. Low-grade jersey blends (especially synthetics like microfiber) tend to pill more. Our 100% Australian cotton jersey is made to resist pilling naturally.

Q: Are fitted sheets more prone to pilling?
A: Not necessarily – but if your sheet doesn’t fit well and shifts around, it can create more friction. That’s why It-Fits fitted sheets are made to stay snug on the mattress.

FAQs About It-Fits

Q: What makes It-Fits sheets different?
A: Our jersey sheets are not made from traditional woven fabrics or synthetic blends. They’re knitted from 100% Australian cotton, making them naturally stretchy, breathable and soft. They stay put on your mattress and regulate temperature beautifully.

Q: What if my sheet pills?
A: No stress – it’s rare, but if it does happen, gently use a fabric shaver while the sheet is on the bed. Pull the fabric slightly tight and glide over the pilled areas. Pick up the fluff with a lint roller or tape. The fabric will feel even softer afterwards, and pilling is unlikely to come back.

Final Thoughts + Where to Buy

While pilling can be annoying, it’s normal and manageable. With the right care and quality fabric, you can keep your sheets smooth, soft and looking fresh for years.

Looking for better sheets that are soft, breathable, and designed to fit beautifully?