Blocking is a critical step in the knitting process that can transform your handmade creations from good to outstanding. This technique involves shaping and setting your knitted pieces to their intended dimensions, ensuring a professional and polished finish. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or a beginner, mastering the art of blocking can significantly enhance the overall appearance and drape of your projects.
Understanding Blocking
Blocking is the process of gently reshaping and relaxing your knitted fabric to allow the stitches to even out and the fibers to settle. This step is particularly important for natural fibers like wool, which can be prone to curling, and lace projects that require opening up the intricate stitch patterns. Additionally, blocking helps to ensure that your finished item matches the intended measurements and lies flat.
Here are the 4 methods of Blocking and when and how to use them.
- Wet Blocking: This is the most common method. Start by immersing your knitting in lukewarm water for about 15 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess water and place the knitting on a towel. Roll the towel to remove even more moisture, then lay the knitting flat on the blocking mats. Pin it to the correct dimensions, referring to your pattern’s measurements.
- Steam Blocking: Ideal for projects that can’t be wet, like delicate fibers. Hover a steam iron over the knitting without touching it. Steam relaxes the fibers, allowing you to shape and pin the item while it’s still warm.
- Spray Blocking: Suitable for small projects or touch-ups. Lay the knitting flat and lightly mist it with water using a spray bottle. Shape and pin as needed.
- Blocking Lace: For intricate lace patterns, use rust-resistant wires to define the edges and points of the lace. Pin the wires to the mats, threading them through the edges of the lace.
Step-by-Step Guide to Blocking Using Each Method.
- Gather Materials: You’ll need blocking mats or towels, rust-resistant pins, a spray bottle, and a measuring tape.
- Soak or Steam: Depending on the fiber content, you can either soak your finished piece in lukewarm water with a bit of gentle detergent or steam it using a steam iron. Be sure to follow fiber-specific guidelines.
- Lay Out the Fabric: Spread your wet or steamed piece on the blocking mats, gently shaping it to the desired measurements. For lace projects, use blocking wires to maintain even tension and to open up the stitch patterns.
- Pin in Place: Use rust-resistant pins to secure the edges of your fabric to the blocking mats. This helps maintain the shape and dimensions while the piece dries.
- Spritz with Water: If you’re not steaming, lightly mist the fabric with a spray bottle filled with water. This encourages the fibers to relax and settle.
- Wait and Monitor: Allow your piece to dry completely before unpinning. The drying process may take a day or two, depending on the fiber thickness and humidity. Check periodically to ensure the fabric is drying evenly.
- Unpin and Enjoy: Once the piece is completely dry, unpin it gently. You’ll notice that the stitches are more uniform, the fabric lies flat, and the overall appearance is improved.
Blocking is a skill that elevates your knitting projects to new levels of sophistication and beauty. By following these techniques and using the appropriate materials, you can achieve impeccable results that showcase the true potential of your knitting skills. Whether you’re working on a cozy sweater, an elegant shawl, or a delicate lace creation, taking the time to block your knitting will undoubtedly make a noticeable difference in the final outcome.
Off The Lamb 