Knitty Bitz

Any knitting project that has pieces that need to be sewn together benefits from blocking.  No matter how neatly you knit or how experienced you are, knitted items always look better and sew together more easily if the time is taken to block the pieces out.  This process evens out any stitch irregularities, flattens the pieces and leaves them looking professionally finished.

Blocking is a method of stretching and shaping a finished piece of knitting to match the dimensions suggested in the pattern, to make two pieces that need to match the same size or to make stitches look better.  Lace particularly benefits from blocking to open up the design.

Tools

Equipment especially designed for blocking knitting is available.

• Blocking boards made of heat-resistant materials that have grids printed on them so you can easily measure your pieces.  These can be easily pinned into and fold for storage.

• "T-pins" which are long, straight pins with a "T" shaped head.  They are rust-proof and can be left in your knitting while it dries.

• Blocking wires for use with lace or large projects.  These are flexible metal wires that can help block curves or the sides of a large projects.  The wires are woven in and out of the project and can be reinforced with pins if necessary.

There are three main methods of blocking, however always check the label for care instructions and never wet anything that says it should not be made wet.

Wet Blocking

• This method is best suited for manmade fibres, novelty yarns (although not those that are particularly delicate) and some wools and wool blends.

• Dampen the knitted piece so that it is wet but not dripping.  Spread the piece out onto a blocking board, towel or clean sheet etc. on a flat surface.

• Gently stretch the piece to correspond with the required dimensions.  Unless using a blocking board, you may need to use a tape measure.

• Use rust-roof pins to hold the knitted piece to the board, towel etc.  As the piece of knitting dries it will retain the shape it has been given.

Steam Blocking

• This is a similar process to wet blocking, but uses steam to relax the fibres instead of water.  This method is the best process for fibres that should not get wet, but also cottons which tend to lose their shape when wet.  It should not be used on manmade fibres as heat and steam tend to destroy them.

• You can either stretch and pin your work to the required dimensions before steaming using the steam to help set the new shape or, steam first and then pin allowing the steam to relax the fibres and make it more pliable.  This depends on the flexibility of the knitting: if you can get it into shape without steaming, pin first.  If not, steam and then pin.

• Slightly dampen a clean sheet or clean piece of fabric and place it over the knitting.  Use a hot iron to press very lightly on the sheet.  Do not press as though actually ironing.  Continue in this way until the sheet is dry.

Spray Blocking

• This is the most gentle method of blocking and is ideal for expensive and delicate fibres such as silk and cashmere.  It is a very good method to use when you are not sure what type of yarn you are working on.

• Pin the piece to the desired dimensions and lightly spray the finished piece with water from a spray bottle, just damp enough to relax the fibres, but not soaking wet.  Allow to dry.