How to remove bobbles from a jumper safely

10 minutes. Costs nothing to a few dollars.

Try this first (costs nothing): lay the jumper flat, stretch a small patch gently with one hand, and use a clean disposable razor in the other hand, very lightly. Short strokes only. Never press. This works on some knits, but a dedicated tool is safer.

The safer tools

1. Sweater comb. Draw it gently over the fabric. Good for wool.
2. Fabric shaver. Hold it flat and move slowly. Empty the catcher often.
3. Lint roller. Only picks up loose fluff, not firm bobbles.

Do not pull bobbles off by hand. That tugs the yarn and makes holes. Scissors can cut the knit by accident.

Why they come back

Bobbles are short fibres that tangle where fabric rubs, such as under the arms and on the cuffs. They are normal in soft yarn and do not mean the jumper is poor. Wash inside out on a gentle cycle, or by hand, and dry flat to slow them.

If that does not work

If the jumper is thin and has holes after de-bobbling, stop. See how to fix a shrunk jumper for care tips that also help with stretching and shape.

Skip it if

Skip shaving if the knit is very loose or lacy. Check the care label.

Worked example

Take a wool jumper with a patch of bobbles on each sleeve. Lay it on a table with a towel under the sleeve to keep it flat. Use a sweater comb in short strokes, moving in one direction. Check the pile of fluff, empty it and repeat. About ten minutes per sleeve is typical. Stop when the surface looks smooth, not when it looks bald.

Common mistakes

• Pressing hard. Hard pressure can wear thin patches.
• Doing it on a wet jumper. Wait until it is dry.
• Using the shaver on loose weaves. It can catch and snip the yarn.
• Shaving every week. Each shave removes a bit of fibre, so only do it when needed.

If a seam or button comes loose, see how to sew on a button.