Sheet Pilling

Flannel sheets are usually made from a one-over-one weave (this means that one thread vertically (warp) weaves over one thread horizontally (woof or weft)). A more finely sized thread might be used in the warp and a thicker thread is used in the weft. This is done in order to facilitate the napping process. Napping is when they pull the fibers out from the horizontal weft. Doing this is what gives flannel sheets that thick and soft feel. This is the softness and comfort we all love in our flannel sheets.

Unfortunately, if the quality of the cotton is low then some of the threads can get damaged during the napping process. This usually results in pilling over time. Those pills are little balls of fiber that have broken off and balled up. If not damaged during the manufacturing process, then pilling can also occur as time goes on. It happens as the sheets are used and washed and dried, and as the fibers are pulled and tugged during general wear and tear. Also, if a harsh detergent is used, it can damage even better quality cottons over time. And if you tug on that little pill you can loosen more threads and further damage the material.

One way to fix the problem is to start out by buying a better quality sheet, such as something with a 300 thread count or higher. Or take a look at cotton/sateen blends, which are sturdier. If you’re not looking to make a purchase right now, then exchange your current detergent for something that is very gentle on fabric. Just read a few labels while you’re shopping and pick out something that is suitable.

Washing sheets manually and letting them air dry will also solve much of the pilling problems. The thing is that this is way more work than most are willing to go through for some flannel sheets. A possible option is to machine wash them on the gentle cycle and then let them hang outside to dry. This is not quite as much work. The wind is a very gentle dryer and won’t pull and tug on the sheets the way a dryer could.