A thread has pulled out of the fabric and what to do next

Short answer: Never cut the thread. Ease it back from the wrong side, or draw it through with a needle so the stitches redistribute.

Why a thread pulls

Knitted fabric is one long thread running in loops. When a loop is dragged out by a fingernail, a ring or a hook and loop fastening, the thread follows and leaves a loop with a tight area beside it. The fibre has not broken, it has only moved.

How to ease it back

Turn the garment inside out. Pull gently across the loop in small tugs, first close to it and then further out. The stitches redistribute and the loop shrinks. Do it in several rounds rather than one hard pull.

When the loop will not go in

Use a fine crochet hook or a darning needle and draw the loop through to the wrong side. There it can sit unseen. Sew a couple of small stitches around it so it does not travel back. See bamboo tops for women.

How to avoid it

Take off rings and a watch when you change, close hook and loop fastenings and zips before washing, and put fine bamboo fabric in a mesh bag. See bamboo dresses and bamboo clothing for women.

Frequently asked questions

Is a pulled thread a fault in the product

No, it is mechanical damage. It happens in every knitted fabric regardless of price.

Can the loop be cut off

No. The stitch then runs and you get a hole that grows over time.

Is the fabric weaker afterwards

Only slightly and only locally. Once the threads are redistributed it holds as before.