How to Defuzz Your Sweater

Is your beloved sweater collection looking a little sad? Thrift store finds of once lovely sweaters can be easily passed up when they are covered with pilling and fuzz. Not anymore. Let's perk up those cozy knits, easy peasy.

Tools:
fuzzy sweater
pumice stone

Yes, they make "special" pumice stones for sweaters but they are really the same thing you get from your hardware store.
I do not recommend using an old razor as it can snag and cut fibers. Special combs and electric defuzzers can work wonders but I like low tech- and I'm cheap.

Good sweater candidates for de-pilling:
100% acrylic and acrylic blend sweaters (Target cardigans are perfect!)
100% wool and wool blend

Not so good sweaters for using pumice:
cotton
fine woven fabrics, like silk
angora

Always do a test patch!

Let's get started.

Lay out your sweater on a clean surface.
Hold one end of your sleeve to keep it in place, use the other to make small sweeps with the pumice stone. Brush away the little fur balls as they pile up. Keep going, double checking front, back, sides, and details (like ties and collars).

Shake off your fluff balls and use a lint roller (or tape wrapped around your hand, sticky side out) to get the last bits.

Now, doesn't that look better? I'd love to hear what you are going to spruce up first!
Love this sweater? You can get it in the shop this week!

Moth Anthropologie Sweater Coat