1. Introduction
Nylon is a synthetic fabric that is known for its versatility, durability, and softness. For its strength and soft feel, it is used for many uses, including activewear, hosiery, outdoor clothing and upholstery. For all its hardness, nylon can suffer from two problems: snagging and pilling.
Snagging occurs when the fabric becomes pinned on any rough or pointed object, causing loops or tears. Pilling, by contrast, is the formation of tiny, unattractive fabric balls via friction and fibre breaking. Both of these problems can negatively affect the appearance, feel, and performance of nylon garments or products. Nylon products require care and maintenance in order to preserve their quality and performance. This in-depth article will explain the snagging and pilling in nylon and what you can do to avoid these issues.
2. What Causes Snagging and Pilling In Nylon?
Snagging
Because nylon’s fibers are very thin and smooth, they are easily caught on a sharp or uneven surface. The pulling of a fibre produces a snag, which can break the weave or knit, weakening spots or apparent wear.
Common Sources of Snags:
- Necklaces, Rings: If your rings, bracelets, necklaces or watches have a curved or bumpy surface, it will easily catch on the nylon.
- Zippers and Velcro: Many items of nylon clothing or equipment have zippers or Velcro fasteners that may pinch the fabric if not handled carefully.
- Bruising: Contact with rough surfaces such as concrete walls, wooden furniture or rough objects (such as rough-edged backpacks) can cause snagging.
Why Nylon Snags Easily:
Nylon is woven or knitted together using dense, flexible but permeable fibres. It has a silky surface that is not as naturally clingy as fabrics such as cotton and so is prone to grabbing on sharp edges.
Pilling
Pilling happens when nylon fibers get used up, leaving little knotted balls of fabric hanging out. This often happens in surfaces that are frequently roughened or scratched.
- Definition: Pilling occurs when short, brittle fibers clump together into balls, usually at high wear points such as underarms, thighs or elbows.
Causes of Pilling:
- Wear friction: Fabric breaks when being rubbed continually during movements or contact with other surfaces.
- Miswashing: Washing nylon with coarse or rough fabrics (such as denim, towels) in an aggressive washing cycle accelerates pilling.
- Poor-Quality Nylon: Short-fiber fabrics or poor-quality nylon are more susceptible to pilling than those made from long continuous fibres.
- Storage Constraints: Keeping nylon goods in tightly packed areas or in close proximity to abrasive objects will produce unnecessary friction, even when the garments aren’t being worn.
How Pilling Develops:
Nylon’s synthetic structure makes it resistant to most abrasions, but its threads unravel over time. The loosening fibres get knotted together to form pills, especially where the friction is high.
- Stopping Nylon Thread Snagging and Pilling : For Nylon Textiles.
Also Read : Does Nylon Fabric Fade Over Time?
3. Preventing Snagging in Nylon
Avoid Rough Surfaces
Nylon’s smooth fibers are notoriously easy to snag in contact with sharp or abrasive surfaces. Taking some simple steps can avoid this problem:
- Avoid Sharp Items: Avoid nylon clothing when working with sharp objects, like tools, keys, or unpolished jewelry.
- Keep Away From Dirty Furniture: Use cushions or covers on rough furniture to protect nylon clothing or fabrics.
- Keep An Eye On Natural Hazards: While hiking or outside, keep an eye out for branches, thorns or sharp rocks that might cling to nylon equipment.
Proper Washing Techniques
Nylon should not be washed on rougher surfaces because it might snag from contact or friction.
- Use Laundry Bags: Pack nylon materials into mesh laundry bags for washing to block airflow. These bags prevent the material from coming into direct contact with zippers, buttons, or other machine-used abrasives.
- Gentle Cycle and Other Smooth Fabrics: Machine wash nylon on a gentle cycle with other lightweight smooth fabrics. Combining nylon with coarse fabrics such as denim or towels raises snag risks.
- Avoid Overloading: Do not overload the washing machine as it increases the agitation and can cause clothes to rub against each other.
Be Cautious with Accessories
Nylon is particularly prone to being pulled from accessories.
- Jewellery Warning: Remove or choose snag-free jewelry when wearing thin nylon clothing.
- Take Care with Bags: Never bring bags with rough corners or accents that scratch nylon. Handbags with razor-sharp buckles will leave lasting marks.
Storage Tips
Structural storage reduces the risk of snags from rubbing on or over-packed surfaces.
- Fold or Hang Straight: Store nylon clothes flat, folded or on foam hangers to minimize wrinkles or abrasions.
- Cut Out Rough Items: Keep nylon objects separate from zippers, buttons or Velcro accessories or clothes. Consider garment bags to help keep things protected while transporting or storing.
4. Preventing Pilling in Nylon
Washing Techniques
Washing with care can greatly decrease the likelihood of pilling due to friction and fiber damage.
- Use Gentle Detergent: Choose a gentle detergent made for synthetic or delicate fabrics. Extreme detergents strip nylon fibers of their elasticity, making them susceptible to pilling.
- Turn Nylon Inside Out: Turn garments inside out before putting them in the washer to avoid direct contact with other clothes or the drum.
- Cold Water and Gentle Cycle: Use cold water when washing nylon to save its fibres and dyes. Use the gentle or delicate cycle to minimize fiber agitation in the wash.
Drying Tips
Incorrect drying can accelerate pilling by tearing the fabric and adding additional friction.
- Air-Drying: Whenever possible, air-dry nylon items so they retain their integrity. Put them flat on a dry surface or hang them outdoors in a ventilated place, out of direct sunlight.
- Low Heat Dryer Control: If you need to dry your clothes by machine, use a low heat or delicate control. Temperatures over 100 degrees Celsius can damage the nylon fibers and render them more susceptible to pilling and damage.
- Don’t Overload the Dryer: Overloading will rub your clothes together and result in pilling. Wash nylon objects away from rough surfaces.
Reducing Friction
Friction plays a key role in pilling, so it is best to reduce friction while you are wearing it.
- Beware of rough materials: Never wear nylon clothing with rough fabrics, such as wool, denim, or corduroy, which can increase the likelihood of pilling.
- Layer wisely: When wearing clothes layered, smooth items over nylon to avoid excessive friction.
- Save High-Wear Spots: Spots with high rubbing potential such as the underarms or inner thighs can be protected by fabric protectors or smoother undershirts.
Fabric Softeners and Conditioners
Cloth softeners can also dampen friction and static electricity, both of which lead to pilling.
- Keep Using It Lightly: Use fabric softeners specifically for synthetics and keep it light so that residue doesn’t accumulate.
- Conditioner Alternatives: There are mild conditioners that can be used to maintain the smoothness of nylon fibers, keeping them from pilling when worn or washed.
5. Repairing Snags and Managing Pilling
Fixing Snags
It is important to address a snag as soon as possible to stop it from worsening or damaging the fabric.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Assess the Snag: See if the snag has formed a loose loop or a pulled thread.
- Pull Out Snag with a Needle or Snag Repair Tool: If you experience small snags, use a sewing needle or snag repair tool to gently pull the loose fiber back into position.
- Don’t cut loose threads: Never cut the snagged thread, it will tear the fabric. Rather, sew it back into the weft.
Removing Pills
Pills can leave nylon clothing wrinkled, but can be removed by simple tools.
- Fabric Shavers: Scrub pills off the surface of nylon using a fabric shaver. Such machines are fashioned to deconstruct pills without damaging the surrounding tissue.
- Fine Comb or Razor: Use a fine comb or disposable razor to gently remove pills. Take your time, do it carefully, or you will catch or tear the fabric.
- Lint Roller: Once pills are removed, rub it through a lint roller to remove remaining fibres or residue.
Regular Maintenance
Keeping them clean can stop snags and pilling from getting worse with time.
- Examine Often: After washing or wearing nylon, inspect it for any early indications of snags or pills. Repairs should be done as soon as possible to preserve the fabric’s appearance.
- Light Care Cleaning: Do not overwash nylon items as washing it repeatedly will wear them down. Do spot-clean as much as possible to minimize washes.
6. Choosing Durable Nylon Fabrics
Nylon is a durable and flexible synthetic fabric that can be used in a wide range of clothing and uses. But nylon isn’t the same, and by using the correct kind you can avoid snagging and pilling issues and increase longevity.
High-Quality Nylon
You want to invest in nylon items that are of high quality, enduring and resistant to normal wear and tear.
Importance of High-Quality Nylon:
- Stronger Fibers: High-quality nylon fabrics typically use better polymers which result in stronger, smoother fibers.
- Better Dye Hold: Premium nylon does not pill or fade over time, which means the dye will last longer and will not wear out.
- Enhanced Stretch and Recovery: High-quality nylon fabrics retain their stretch even after use and washing.
Indicators of High-Quality Nylon:
- Smooth and Even Texture: Check the fabric for a smooth weave or knit design without bumps or warps.
- Reputation of the Brand: Established brands tend to employ better production methods for durable nylon apparel.
Fabric Weight: Heavy nylon fabrics are generally more durable and less susceptible to damage than their lighter counterparts.
Blended Fabrics
Blending nylon with other fibers can make it stronger and less susceptible to pilling, snagging, or other wear issues.
Nylon-Polyester Blends:
- Combining nylon with polyester gives you strength and resilience. Polyester’s anti-abrasion property balances the elasticity of nylon, ensuring longer-lasting garments.
- It is perfect for outerwear, sport clothing, and sport equipment.
Nylon-Spandex Blends:
- When you mix spandex into nylon, the result is more stretchy and recovery-enhancing fabrics ideal for activewear, leggings, and fitted apparel.
- These blends don’t pill as much because spandex creates a smoother surface.
Nylon-Wool Blends:
- It is rare, but nylon mixed with wool makes for a material that retains warmth and is more durable.
- Commonly used in specialised clothes such as winter socks or jackets.
Nylon-Cotton Blends:
- The warmth of cotton and the strength of nylon make it a breathable, yet strong fabric.
- Wearable in casual occasions and upholstery fabrics.
7. Care Instructions for Nylon Products Long-Term Care.
Neylon clothes should be properly cleaned and maintained in order to maintain its long life and look. The tips listed below help to keep your nylon gear in great shape for years to come.
Rotating Use
Overuse of the same nylon clothing can increase wear and tear.
Benefits of Rotating Use:
- Lowers washing time, and reduces friction and pilling.
- Lets elastic fibers decompress, often in leggings, hosiery, or athletic wear.
Tips for Rotation:
- Keep some of the same nylon garments around so you can mix and match.
- Invest in high-wear items — like nylon socks or tights — but just swap them out for alternatives.
Seasonal Care
- Putting seasonal nylon clothes away in the right place helps keep them from becoming damaged while not in use.
Storage for Off-Season Items:
- Get Felt Bags: Pack small nylon items (hosiery or lingerie) in soft-lined or padded bags to keep them from tangling.
- Cloth Clothes: Arrange nylon gowns, jackets or other dress clothes on breathable clothing covers to shield from dust, UV radiation and moisture.
- Vacuum-Sealed Bags: If you have larger nylon objects such as puffer jackets or sleeping bags, store them in vacuum-sealed storage bags to free up space and keep pests at bay.
Preparing Nylon for Storage:
- Be sure to clean and dry everything before storing it to avoid odours, mould, or mildew.
- Folding fabrics made of elastics should not be folded repeatedly to keep it flexible.
Regular Inspections
By making regular checks, you’ll notice the first cracks in wear and correct them before they happen.
Inspecting for Snags and Pills:
- Run your finger along the surface to inspect for loose threads or pills.
- Snags, especially in delicate or transparent nylon fabrics like tights or stockings, should be picked out by good lighting.
Repairing Minor Damage:
- Snags: Using a snag repair tool or a blunt needle, gently pull the pulled fiber back into the weave.
- Getting Rid of Pills: You can use a fabric shaver or fine comb to remove pills without ruining the fabric underneath.
Specialized Cleaning and Protection
Keeping nylon items cleaned and treated properly will significantly extend their lifespan.
Spot Cleaning for Delicate Items:
- You can spot clean nylon clothes for small stains by using a clean, moist cloth and mild detergent instead of washing the whole thing.
- Do not scrub because this will damage the fabric or form pills.
Using Fabric Protectors:
- Use fabric protectors for synthetic fabrics to protect from stains, dirt and UV rays.
- You should apply protectors every couple of months, and especially after washing or a prolonged use.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Certain methods can further damage nylon fabrics. Avoid the following:
- Overcrowding the Washer: When nylon objects are crowded, friction results in snags or pills.
- Use of abrasive Detergents or Bleaches: These agents damage the fibers of nylon and reduce their elasticity.
- High Heat On Nylon: High heat during drying and ironing can wilt the fibers and cause shrinkage or wear.
Dhanya Nair is a fabric Lover and a mom. She offers a unique perspective on the intricacies and history of fabric and specializes in bringing the unique narratives of textiles to life.