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Does Silk Pill? Why It Happens - and How to Make Your Silk Pieces Last
Silk pills. Not often, not like wool, and not catastrophically - but it happens, and if you own a piece made from natural silk, it's worth understanding why.
The short answer: pilling is a characteristic of natural fibres, not a sign of poor quality. The longer answer - and the more useful one - is that the type of silk matters, how you care for it matters, and a few simple habits can keep your silk pieces looking beautiful for years.
Here's everything you need to know.
What Is Pilling?
Pilling (sometimes called bobbling or lint-balling) happens when short fibres on the surface of a fabric work themselves loose from the weave, tangle together, and form small fuzzy balls. It's caused by friction - from daily wear, from rubbing against other fabrics, from washing. All fabrics pill to some degree. The difference is how much, and how fast.
Does Silk Pill?
Yes, but with an important nuance. Standard filament silk, the kind used in woven scarves and luxury blouses, is made from one long, continuous thread spun by a single silkworm. Because the fibre is so long and strong, it has very few loose ends to break free and form pills. Filament silk is one of the most pill-resistant fabrics you can own.
But not all silk is filament silk. There's also silk noil (sometimes called bourette silk or raw silk) - and this is a different story.
What Is Silk Noil and Why Does It Pill More?
Silk noil is spun from the shorter silk fibres left over after the long filament threads have been reeled from cocoons; either naturally shorter fibres, or fibres from cocoons broken by emerging moths. Because these fibres are shorter, they have more loose ends, and those ends work their way free with friction over time.
Silk noil has a beautiful, matte texture and a natural, slightly rustic feel that filament silk doesn't have — it's warmer, softer, and far easier to crochet with. Our Crochet Bandana Ocean Blue 100% Silk is made from this kind of silk. It's a considered choice: the texture, the drape, and the way it moves all come from the nature of the fibre. But it does mean pilling is something to expect and manage, not something that should come as a surprise.
What Causes Silk to Pill Faster?
- Friction: against bags, rough surfaces, jewellery, or other fabrics. For a bandana, this is the most common cause.
- Incorrect washing: hot water, harsh detergent, machine agitation, or wringing all stress the fibres and accelerate pilling.
- Direct sunlight:UV light weakens silk fibres over time, making them more prone to breaking.
- Rough storage: storing silk against coarse fabrics or velcro creates friction even when the piece isn't being worn.
How to Wash Your Silk Piece at Home
Silk is a protein-based fibre, structurally very similar to hair. That's a useful frame for thinking about how to clean it: gently, with something mild, in cool water.
- Fill a basin with cool or lukewarm water- never warm, never hot. Heat weakens silk fibres.
- Add a small amount of delicate detergent- a product formulated for silk or delicates works well. A drop of mild shampoo is a genuinely good alternative: since silk and hair share the same protein structure, shampoo cleans silk effectively without stripping it.
- Submerge and gently swirl- no rubbing, no scrubbing, no twisting. Let the water do the work.
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear.
- Press out the water gently by laying the piece on a clean towel and rolling it up. Never wring.
- Lay flat to dry, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Silk fades quickly in direct sun.
Never tumble dry silk. Never hang it wet - silk stretches under its own weight when damp.
How to Remove Pills When They Appear
Pills on a handmade crochet piece need more care than pills on a flat-woven fabric, because the crochet stitches are open and looser.
- Use a fabric comb or lint shaver on its lowest setting - move slowly and gently across the surface.
- Never pull pills off with your fingers - this can loosen the stitches and damage the structure of the piece.
- A soft-bristled clothes brush can help lift surface fuzz between wears before it has a chance to tangle into pills.
How to Store Your Silk Piece to Prevent Pilling
- Fold loosely and store flat - don't stuff it into a drawer against rougher fabrics.
- A small cotton or linen pouch is ideal: breathable, soft, and keeps the piece away from anything that could cause friction.
- Keep away from velcro, zips, and coarse fabrics in your wardrobe.
- If storing for longer periods, avoid plastic bags - silk needs to breathe.
A Note on Natural Fibres
Every piece in our Crochet Collection is made from natural fibres; materials that breathe, soften over time, and age differently from synthetics. That's a trade-off we make consciously, and one we want you to understand before you buy. Synthetics resist pilling better. Natural fibres reward care.
The Ocean Blue 100% Silk Crochet Bandana will pill if you let it rub against a rough bag strap every day without care. It will also, with a little attention, last for years and get better with every wear. We think that's a fair deal, and we'd rather you know exactly what you're getting into.
Want to know more about the natural fibres we use across our collection? We keep a full breakdown on our Fabrics page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does silk pill?
Yes, silk can pill - but less than most fabrics. Filament silk (long continuous threads) is very resistant to pilling. Silk noil, which uses shorter fibres and is commonly used in crochet, pills more readily due to the higher number of loose fibre ends. Both types benefit from gentle care.
Why is my silk bandana pilling?
The most common causes are friction (rubbing against bags, rough surfaces, or other fabrics) and improper washing (hot water, harsh detergent, or machine agitation). Using a silk noil yarn; as in our Ocean Blue Silk Bandana - also means the shorter fibre structure is more prone to pilling than woven filament silk.
How do I remove pills from silk?
Use a fabric comb or lint shaver on its lowest setting, moving slowly and gently. Never pull pills off with your fingers, especially on a crochet piece, as this can loosen the stitches. A soft clothes brush used regularly can also prevent pills from forming.
Can I machine wash silk?
Hand washing is always safer for silk. If you must use a machine, use a mesh laundry bag, the most delicate cycle available, cold water, and a silk-specific detergent. Never tumble dry.
How do I store silk so it doesn't pill?
Fold loosely and store in a breathable cotton or linen pouch, away from rough fabrics, velcro, and direct sunlight. Avoid plastic bags - silk needs airflow.
What is silk noil and is it lower quality than regular silk?
Silk noil is made from shorter silk fibres left after the long filament threads have been reeled — it has a matte, slightly textured finish and a natural drape that filament silk doesn't have. It's not lower quality, it's a different kind of silk, suited to different applications. For crochet, silk noil is often preferred precisely because of its texture and workability.
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5 Ways to embrace slow living
You wake up to the sound of your alarm (which is also your inbox, your social media feed, and your news source). You grab your phone before your first sip of coffee or tea. The commute is a blur of emails, half-thoughts, and mental to-do lists. By the time the day is over, you’re drained, scrolling mindlessly, and wondering where all the time went. Sounds familiar? You’re not alone.
We live in a world that glorifies speed - faster results, instant replies, quick meals, and productivity hacks. But at what cost? Burnout, stress, and the feeling that life is slipping through our fingers. Slow living is the antidote. It’s not about doing nothing; it’s about doing things with intention. It’s about reclaiming time, presence, and joy in everyday moments.
What is slow living, really?
Slow living is a conscious choice to step away from the culture of hustle and embrace a more mindful, intentional pace. It’s about quality over quantity, depth over speed. It’s sipping your coffee or tea instead of gulping it down. It’s reading a book without checking notifications every two minutes. It’s walking instead of rushing, cooking instead of grabbing takeout (when possible), and making space for things that truly matter.
Why slow living matters more than ever
Our modern world is built for speed, but humans? Not so much. Studies show that chronic stress leads to anxiety, depression, and even physical health issues like heart disease. The irony? Slowing down can actually make you more productive, not less. A well-rested, mindful mind is sharper, more creative, and resilient. Imagine working with focus instead of frantic multitasking - quality work in less time, with energy left for the things (and people) you love.
How to start living slower (without quitting your job and moving to the countryside)
Slow living isn’t about rejecting modern life; it’s about reshaping it. Here's how you can start:
1. Create micro-pauses in your dayNot everyone can take a month-long retreat, but you can take one deep breath before opening an email. You can step outside for five minutes of fresh air between meetings. Small pauses rewire your brain for presence.
2. Set boundaries with technologyYour phone doesn’t need to be the first and last thing you see every day. Try a “no-phone morning” or a social media-free evening. Digital detox moments help reclaim mental space.
3. Eat mindfullyEver finished a meal without really tasting it? Slow living means savouring your food, chewing properly, and enjoying the ritual of eating rather than rushing through it.
4. Do one thing at a timeMultitasking is overrated. When you focus on one task - whether it’s writing, talking to a friend, or cooking - you experience it fully, and you’ll do it better.
5. Prioritise rest like it’s a deadlineRest isn’t a luxury; it’s fuel. Whether it’s getting enough sleep, taking breaks, or simply allowing yourself to do nothing, it’s essential for both your wellbeing and efficiency.
The wildest (and wisest) fig of all: A life well-lived
Slow living isn’t about laziness; it’s about living with purpose. It’s about choosing presence over pressure, depth over distraction. And the best part? You don’t need to find more time - you just need to take it.
So, what’s one small way you can slow down today? Share your thoughts, and let’s make intentional living the new normal. 🍃