How to Care for Your Knit Cardigans to Prevent Pilling
By Official Site | For Love & Lemons | Published: 2026-10-27
Category: How-to Guides
Keep your knit cardigans looking new with these simple care steps. Learn how to wash, dry, and store your For Love & Lemons cardigans to prevent pilling.
Quick answer
To prevent pilling on your knit cardigans, wash them inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle, lay them flat to dry, and store them folded rather than hanging.
Why knit cardigans pill
Pilling happens when short fibers break loose from the yarn and tangle into tiny balls on the surface of the fabric. It's more common in soft, fluffy knits like mohair blends, which have shorter fibers that are more prone to friction. The Belinda Cardigan, for example, is made from a soft mohair blend, so it requires extra care to keep its cozy texture smooth.
The trade-off between softness and durability
Softer yarns, like the mohair used in the Belinda Cardigan, feel luxurious against the skin but are more likely to pill than tighter, smoother knits. The Aster Knit Cardigan, with its vintage-inspired knit and double-layered tulle ruffles, also benefits from careful handling to preserve its delicate details. You don't have to choose between comfort and longevity—just adjust your care routine to match the fiber.
Step-by-step care routine
- Turn the cardigan inside out: Before washing, turn your cardigan inside out to protect the outer surface and any decorative details like buttons or ruffles from direct friction. This simple step reduces abrasion on the visible side of the fabric.
- Use a mesh laundry bag: Place the cardigan in a mesh laundry bag to further minimize friction with other garments during the wash cycle. This is especially important for cardigans with delicate trims like the Aster's tulle ruffles. A mesh bag is a low-cost investment that extends the life of your knits.
- Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle: Use cold water and a gentle or hand-wash cycle with a mild detergent. Hot water and harsh agitation cause fibers to break and pill. Avoid fabric softener, which can coat fibers and reduce breathability. Cold water preserves fiber strength and prevents shrinkage.
- Lay flat to dry: After washing, gently squeeze out excess water—never wring or twist. Lay the cardigan flat on a clean towel, reshaping it to its original dimensions. Keep it away from direct heat and sunlight. Hanging a wet knit can stretch it out of shape; flat drying maintains the fit.
- Store folded, not hung: Once completely dry, fold the cardigan and store it in a drawer or on a shelf. Hanging can cause the shoulders to stretch and create creases. For long-term storage, use a breathable garment bag. Folding prevents gravity from distorting the knit's shape over time.
Product care notes
- Aster Knit Cardigan — Cream: Inspired by vintage knitwear, the Aster cream cardigan is crafted with a deep V-neckline and long billowing sleeves with rib cuffs, adorned with a double-layered tulle ruffled neckline with scalloped edges. The delicate tulle ruffles need extra protection during washing, so turning the cardigan inside out and using a mesh laundry bag will help prevent snags and maintain the scalloped edges.
Aster Knit Cardigan — Cream - Belinda Cardigan — Cream: Embrace your soft side with the Belinda knit cardigan—perfect for your lazy afternoon wardrobe. Crafted in a soft mohair, this cream cardigan features a high neckline, functional decorative floral buttons, and classic ribbed edges. Mohair fibers are prone to shedding and pilling, so gentle hand washing or a delicate machine cycle with cold water is essential to keep the cardigan's soft texture intact without excessive fiber breakage.
Belinda Cardigan — Cream
