What steps can be taken to prevent pilling and fuzzing on a knitted cardigan?

Select the Right Material
Choose Durable Fibers: Some fibers are more prone to pilling than others. Opt for more durable fibers such as wool, cashmere blends, or synthetic fibers like acrylic or nylon, which tend to resist pilling better than delicate, natural fibers like wool alone.
Merino wool: Known for being softer and more resistant to pilling.
Cashmere blends: While luxurious, cashmere blends with nylon or silk can offer better durability than pure cashmere.
Avoid Low-Quality Synthetic Fibers: While synthetic fibers can be more durable, low-quality acrylic or polyester can cause more pilling over time, especially when they rub against surfaces frequently.

Choose the Right Knit and Yarn
Tighter Knits: A tighter-knit structure will help hold the fibers in place and reduce the likelihood of pilling. Loose-knit cardigans are more prone to fuzzing and pilling, especially in high-friction areas.
Smooth Yarns: Yarns with a smooth finish, like those made from silk or fine wool, have fewer loose fibers that are more likely to form pills. Avoid yarns that have a lot of short or protruding fibers, which can catch and form pills.
Blended Yarns: Consider yarn blends, such as merino wool mixed with silk, which offer the softness and warmth of natural fibers but with increased durability and reduced pilling.

Wash Carefully
Hand Wash or Gentle Cycle: Washing on a gentle cycle with cold water can reduce friction between fibers, which helps to minimize pilling. Hand washing is even gentler.
Use a Mesh Bag: If machine washing, place the cardigan in a mesh laundry bag to protect it from excessive friction against other garments, particularly rough fabrics like denim.
Use Mild Detergents: Harsh detergents can break down fibers and make them more susceptible to pilling. Use gentle detergents specifically formulated for delicates or wool garments.
Avoid Fabric Softeners: Fabric softeners can coat fibers and make them weaker, which can increase pilling. It’s best to avoid using them on knitted cardigans.
Air Dry: Avoid the dryer, as the tumbling action can cause excessive friction and lead to more pilling. Lay the cardigan flat to dry or hang it in a well-ventilated area.

Store Properly
Avoid Hanging: Hanging a knitted cardigan can stretch the fibers and cause them to weaken, which may contribute to pilling. Fold the cardigan carefully and store it in a drawer or on a shelf to minimize friction.
Use Fabric Bags for Storage: If storing for a long time, keep the cardigan in a breathable garment bag to prevent it from rubbing against other garments and developing fuzzing or pilling.
Protect from Moisture: Store your cardigan in a dry, cool place to prevent the fibers from becoming weakened by moisture, which can make them more prone to pilling.

Prevent Friction
Limit Contact with Rough Surfaces: Since pilling often occurs in high-friction areas (e.g., underarms, sleeves), be mindful of wearing the cardigan near rough surfaces, such as backpacks, seatbelts, or seatbacks. These areas cause more wear and tear on the fabric.
Rotate Your Garments: To avoid excessive friction on any one area, try to rotate the cardigan with other similar garments, so the areas that experience the most friction don't wear down as quickly.

Use Fabric Shavers and Pilling Tools
Fabric Shavers: A fabric shaver or lint remover can be used to carefully remove pills as they form. Make sure to follow the instructions and not press too hard on delicate fabrics.
Pilling Brushes: A gentle pilling brush can be used to carefully brush away small pills or fuzz. Use it lightly to avoid damaging the fabric.
Velcro-type Tools: Some tools designed specifically for removing fuzz from delicate fabrics can be a good investment. These tools work by gently lifting the pills without damaging the fibers.

Reinforce High-Friction Areas
Reinforced Stitching: Some knitted cardigans are designed with reinforced stitching in areas that are more prone to friction, like the underarms or elbows, to minimize wear.
Layering or Underlayers: Consider layering a thin, soft inner layer underneath your cardigan to reduce the amount of friction directly on the knitwear. This can help minimize the formation of pills in the high-friction areas.
Use Protective Garments: For individuals who wear cardigans over rough materials (like backpacks or belts), using a thin protective layer (like a shirt or tank top) underneath the cardigan can reduce the friction.

Regular Maintenance
Trim Pills: If you notice pills forming, trim them off gently with a pair of scissors or use a fabric shaver. This will prevent the pills from building up and causing more damage to the fabric.
Inspect Regularly: Make it a habit to check high-friction areas like underarms, cuffs, and the sides of sleeves. Early intervention can prevent pilling from spreading across the entire cardigan.

Avoid Over-Washing
Wash Less Frequently: One of the best ways to reduce pilling is to wash knitted cardigans less frequently. Washing too often can cause fibers to break down, which leads to fuzzing and pilling. Spot clean or air out the garment instead when it's not heavily soiled.
Rotate Between Garments: Give your cardigan a break from frequent wear. Rotating between several similar garments will reduce the overall friction and stress placed on any single one.