Why Your Throw Pillow Sheds and How to Stop It
By Kip&Co: Fun, colourful and stylish bedding, homewares ... | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: Tips & Care
Discover why your throw pillow sheds and how to fix it. Learn practical tips to reduce lint and pilling, and keep your cozy throws looking great.
Quick answer
Throw pillows shed mainly because of loose fibers from natural woven or knitted fabrics, especially when new. Regular gentle washing, proper drying, and using a fabric shaver can stop the shedding and keep your pillow looking fresh.
Why natural fibers shed more
Natural cotton throws, like those from Kip&Co, are breathable and cozy, but they also shed loose fibers more than synthetic blends. This is normal for new woven or knitted blankets and usually decreases after the first few washes. The loose fibers come from the spinning and weaving process, not from damage.
If you notice shedding continues heavily after several washes, it might be due to friction from rubbing against rough surfaces or from washing with abrasive items like zippers or hooks.
Pilling vs. shedding: what's the difference?
Shedding is when loose fibers come off the surface, often as lint. Pilling is when fibers tangle into small balls on the fabric surface. Both are common with natural fibers, but they have different causes and fixes. Shedding is usually a short-term issue; pilling can be managed with a fabric shaver or by reducing friction.
For knitted blankets, pilling often appears in areas of frequent rubbing, like where you sit or where your pet lounges. Woven throws, on the other hand, are less prone to pilling but may shed more initially.
Diagnose and fix your shedding throw
- Symptom: Lint on your clothes or sofa after sitting on the throw; loose fibers visible on the surface. New throws shed most; this is normal.
- Likely cause: Loose fibers from natural cotton or wool; friction from rubbing or washing with rough items. Check for rough surfaces or zippers in the wash.
- Corrective action: Wash the throw alone in cold water on a gentle cycle, air dry or tumble dry on low, and use a fabric shaver to remove pills. For tassel throws, hand wash or use a mesh bag to protect the tassels. Repeat the wash once or twice if shedding continues.
- When to stop or choose another option: If shedding persists after three washes and a fabric shaver, the fabric may be low quality or damaged. Consider a different throw with tighter weave or higher quality cotton. Stop washing excessively; it can damage the fabric.
Products that help
- Kip&Co x Anna Spiro Tik Tak Woven Throw: The Kip&Co x Anna Spiro Tik Tak Woven Throw is made from 100% natural finish woven cotton for cosy warmth and breathable comfort. Woven cotton is durable and less likely to pill, but it may shed loose fibers initially; proper care will keep it looking vibrant.
Kip&Co x Anna Spiro Tik Tak Woven Throw - Sugar Tassel Throw: The Sugar Tassel Throw features chunky tassels that add playful styling and are made from natural finish woven cotton. Tassels can shed or fray if not cared for properly; gentle washing and air drying help maintain their shape and reduce loose threads.
Sugar Tassel Throw - Kip&Co x Jenny Kee Our Precious Planet Knitted Blanket: The Kip&Co x Jenny Kee Our Precious Planet Knitted Blanket is a two-toned knitted blanket featuring emblematic Aussie animals. Knitted fabrics are more prone to pilling and shedding; using a fabric shaver and washing inside out can minimize these issues.
