Terms and Conditions

Pilling 101

The Facts
When it comes to textile, whether it’s about upholstery or apparel, pilling is simply a common occurrence which is considered normal wear and tear throughout the lifespan of a fabric. Although unpleasant to the eye and touch, those tiny fiber clumps do not constitute a fabric defect. Because all fabrics can pill to some extent regardless of fiber blend and quality, none can be guaranteed to be 100% pill-proof. Pilling does not affect the durability or functionality of the fabric. As the loose excess fibers are removed over time, pilling tends to diminish and even go away!

The Causes
Some fibers have a natural tendency to move to the surface of the fabric. During the normal course of using your beloved piece of furniture, those fibers are inevitably subjected to friction. They end up tangling up and creating minuscule knots called pills that stay attached to the fabric’s surface. Pilling also involves a cross-migration of fibers from other textiles that either come in contact with or rub against your furniture, such as clothing when you are sitting or even throw pillows. It is important to note that improper cleaning of the fabric involving, for example, excessive friction, the use of a small brush, or the application of harsh cleaning products, can also cause pilling.

The Remedy
While pilling is likely to occur, the good news is that removing fuzz and/or pills is quite easy! We recommend the use of a lint roller or, ideally, a fabric shaver. Both tools will remedy the situation by restoring the appearance of the fabric and will by no means affect its durability. After removing the pills a few times as you usually do for a sweater, pilling tends to decrease and even stop over time.

Important Notice
Because pilling is a normal occurrence within a fabric’s lifespan and therefore not considered a defect, Master Fabrics / Avant Garde does not accept any claims regarding pilling.