Separate pills from damage
Lay the knit on a clear surface and look closely. Small balls of loose fibre are different from pulled loops, thinning patches or a broken thread. A device intended to remove pills should not be used to solve every irregularity in the fabric.
Check friction areas such as the sides, underarms and where a bag rests. Pilling alone does not tell you everything about quality. Yarn, construction and use all play a part, so inspect the garment's overall condition before deciding whether it still serves you well.
Use a tool with restraint
Woolmark describes fabric shavers as a way of removing pills. Choose a tool suitable for the particular knit and read its instructions. Spread the garment flat, keep the surface supported and begin cautiously on an inconspicuous area. Open stitches, raised textures and decoration need extra care.
Do not press harder simply because a bobble remains. Keep loose fabric away from the cutting area and stop if the tool catches or the surface starts to look thin. Pulling pills off by hand can draw more fibre out; cutting near the cloth with ordinary scissors also requires care and is easy to misjudge.
Reduce avoidable rubbing
Look at how the jumper is worn and stored. A rough bag strap may repeatedly cross the same area, while a crowded drawer can catch a delicate knit on zips from neighbouring clothes. Small changes are more realistic than expecting a garment never to pill again.
Clean the tool after use as its instructions require, then check the jumper in ordinary light. Aim for a tidier surface, not relentless removal of every visible fibre. When bobbles sit beside worn or damaged areas, ask a knitwear repairer for advice before continuing.
