Method

How to use a fabric shaver without thinning the knit

A shaver removes what sticks up. Used with a light hand it leaves the fabric as thick as it found it. This is the method we follow ourselves.

Prepare the garment

Wash and dry it first; pills release more cleanly from a clean fiber. Lay it on a table or ironing board and pull it gently flat. Wrinkles and folds are how a fabric gets nicked, so smooth them out before you switch on.

Set the distance

On the compact shaver, raise the height cover for fluffy or loosely spun yarn and lower it for tight, flat knits. On the large head, the protective mesh sets the spacing for you. Either way, begin on an inside hem and look at the result before you move to the front.

Move in light circles

Hold the shaver so the guard rests on the fabric under its own weight. Glide in small overlapping circles and let the pills find the holes. If you hear the motor slow, you are pressing; lift off and continue lighter.

Mind the edges

Keep away from seams, buttonholes, embroidery and any thread that has already pulled loose. Do cuffs and collars last, stretched lightly over your hand.

Finish and clean

Shake the garment out and run a hand over it. Pull off the lint container, empty it, and brush the head. Fit a fresh blade when the same area needs more than two passes.