Blocking…the dreaded 8-letter B word that makes many knitters cringe. Is it really necessary, you may ask? The answer is a resounding yes! Blocking is the most important step when finishing a project and today I’m going to show you why.
There are many different methods of blocking, but I want to focus on my two favourites – wet-blocking and spray-blocking. Both require a little bit of patience and a few simple tools to make your knitting go from good to great!
As far as tools for blocking go, you really don’t need many. Blocking mats are an invaluable tool, however a towel or mattress will work in a pinch. Straight pins or T-Pins are used to secure your knitting to your blocking mats, towel or mattress. T-Pins are great since they are easy to grab when it comes to removing them to reveal your new masterpiece. Lastly, blocking wires, also optional, these ensure smooth, even edges all around.
Wet-blocking
Perfect for man-made fibres and sturdy animal fibres. Fill a sink or basin with warm water and completely immerse your knitting. Gently push down to remove as many air bubbles as possible, being careful not to agitate, and leave to rest for at least half an hour to allow your yarn to relax. Drain the water and lightly push on your knitting (don’t squeeze it!) to remove as much water as you can. Carefully lay your work on a towel and roll it up like a burrito. Now you’re going to step on the towel, all over it, to remove any excess moisture. Lay your piece flat on your blocking mats, towel or mattress and pin to indicated measurements. If you’re using blocking wires, carefully insert them through the edges at even intervals and stretch and pin to indicated measurements. Allow lots of time to dry – depending on the fibre, this could take up to a day. When your yarn is dry, carefully remove pins and wires and voila, your knitting just went from okay to extraordinary!
Spray-blocking
This method is great for all fibres, but especially ones that are more delicate and may stretch when wet, such as superwash wools, silk, and alpaca. Pin your knitting to size with or without blocking wires. Using a spray bottle, lightly spray until all areas are saturated. Blot off any excess water and leave to dry. Fast and painless, and well worth the effort in the end.
If you’re going to take the time to make something, why not take the time to make sure it looks its best? Blocking opens up your knitting and allows your yarn to bloom. It also smooths out your stitches and evens out any minor irregularities in tension, as you will see in the photos below.
Just off the needles, this little spa cloth curls at the edges, the lace is hidden, and the stitch hiccups are quite evident. Not only will blocking rectify these issues, it will also soften up the yarn. Knit in Lang Canapa, this luscious 100% Hemp is rough to the touch initially, but a long soak in warm water before wet-blocking relaxes the fibres and helps to highlight Canapa’s delicate hand.
Ta-da! The lace detail that was once buried is now open and visible, the curve of the edges is flat and even, and the stitches are more uniform. My spa cloth has gone from questionable to gift worthy in no time. Well worth the effort if you ask me!
It’s easy to see that just a little bit of effort makes a lot of difference. Here’s hoping this will make you feel more confident when it comes to blocking. Have any questions? Feel free to give me a shout at info@estelledesigns.ca.
How would you go about blocking a Queen Size blanket?
Hi Monique;
If the blanket is made in pieces, you can block those first! If not, perhaps fold it in half twice, and spray block it.
You could also lay it on the bed to dry when it is only damp!