KnitPro KP10878 Rainbow Knit BLOCKERS PK20, Assorted

Product Information

T-pins are popular for blocking because they’re long and the shape makes them easy to place and remove. To pin it in place without blocking pins, you can use safety pins, drawing pins, or even clothespins. In the picture below, which shows the Any Yarn Will Do Cardigan in the process of being pinned out to dry, I wanted to focus on getting a nice straight hem, even button band and neckline, so focused on those areas.

If you’ve read any of my posts on gauge, you will know that I am a fan of always making a swatch for any crochet item which needs to fit.Most blocking methods involve wetting the knitted fabric and then pinning it down to match the final dimensions of the pattern. It does tend to stretch with wear though – which could be an advantage or disadvantage – again depending on your pattern! Most fibers are very pliable when wet, which means you can add an inch or two by stretching and pinning the fabric in place. If you don’t have anywhere to lie it flat, a washing line can work but you need to be careful of over stretching it in some areas. If you’re choosing not to block your knitting because you don’t have the materials, you’re missing out.

For this reason, it’s best to choose natural fibers for projects with complicated stitching like lacework. There are 3 main different ways to block, and each method is up to the knitter or crocheters preference. There are four main methods of blocking your knitting: wet blocking, steam blocking, spray blocking, and dry blocking.

If you make a lot of motif based blankets or accessories (such as granny square based projects), then pegged blocking boards could be the thing for you. You’re going to wash it anyway: You’re going to have to clean your piece at some point, so you’ll want to block it anyways to ensure it stays in the original size you want instead of stretching with use. My argument is: If the identical item is bought elsewhere and for more money, do you really believe the more expensive one was made by a better paid/treated crew? There is also a link to a YouTube video demonstrating one form of blocking linked further down the article. It’s a fine line between using heat to ‘break’ and manipulate acrylic fibres and irreversibly flattening it.

if I did any blocking on the dining-room table it would be a matter of shutting Boodie outside in the little yard, where he would beat with his teeny paws on the glass door like a boxer in training punches one of those bags hanging in front of him. In addition to improving the aesthetics of your work, blocking also plays a significant role in maintaining the correct knitting tension. Made of durable plastic, with rust-resistant pins, our knit blockers help you to expertly finish your projects.That said, the extent to which the blocking is ‘undone’ when you wash your crochet item will depend on a number of factors, including the stitch pattern and fibre content, as well as the original blocking method used and your method of washing. So, to me, it follows that if you’re going to wash and block the end project, then yes, you should wash and block your swatch! Starting in the centre of your work, use your fingers to manipulate out the fabric to the tension you are looking for and work out towards the edges. You can use “dry blocking” to quickly fix small imperfections in any knitting, regardless of the fiber type or stitch pattern. If they’re a little stiff after blocking, try streaming the seams with an iron to loosen them up a little.

For most of the designers I make, I give the gauge unblocked (because mostly my designs need very little blocking), but this can vary with different designers. Take the piece out and carefully press out the water, making sure to not agitate the wool/fibre or it will felt! Blocking is essentially a way of using water to shape your crochet (or knit) fabric to achieve a more finished look. If you don’t have time to block your knitting properly or you’re worried about the effects of moisture, it is possible to achieve the effects of blocking without water. The easier, faster, and more fun way to block your finished projects, KnitPro's Rainbow Knit Blockers have rows of teeth that make it much easier to evenly block straight lines, and bright colours to liven up your accessory collection.

Each blocker comes with anchor holes that allow you to attach string along large sections which can be pulled and pinned to maintain consistent tension. You can steam the fabric first to relax the fibers before you pin it, or you can pin the garment to your desired shape and then steam it to set the shape. Steam blocking is the recommended method for blocking acrylic yarn and fibres which don’t do well with wet blocking. Mindful pieces will make a wonderful gift for the knitter in your life – even if that happens to be yourself! Better to block and lock that original size in right away, instead of letting it grow with gravity and wear and then having to block it at that larger size later.