Blocking Your Knits
This week, we're going to talk about blocking.
Why you should block, and how to block your knitting.
Let's start with the why. Here's the Dornie Sweater I test-knitted last year:
Let's start with the why. Here's the Dornie Sweater I test-knitted last year:
In the top photo, you can see that, before blocking, the cables and ribs are very squished together. In fact, you can't really see the purl stitches between the cables at all.
However, after the sweater has been blocked, in the bottom photo, the cables are ribbing are much more relaxed. You can see the design much more clearly, and the sweater is much wider, fitting like it's supposed to.
Here's another example of a garment before and after blocking. You can see more examples by Elizabeth Smith Knits here.
As you can see, blocking relax the stitches and allows your knitting to settle into the shape it's supposed to be.
Now that we've covered why, let's talk about how. The Proper Way AND The I-Already-Spent-Two-Months-Knitting-I-Can't-Be-Bothered-To-Do-More-I-Just-Want-To-Wear-It Way
Now that we've covered why, let's talk about how. The Proper Way AND The I-Already-Spent-Two-Months-Knitting-I-Can't-Be-Bothered-To-Do-More-I-Just-Want-To-Wear-It Way
P.S. We know there's also steam blocking, but it doesn't really have the full effect so we're just talking about wet blocking today.
The Proper Way
Before discussing the process, let's talk about what you would need to properly block your knits.
Wool Wash & NEW Rinse-free Wool Wash
Unicorn Fibre Wash is our trusty old friend that's been around for years. It's great for everyday use, fraganceing your knits with a hint of lavender.
Unicorn Power Scour is great for blocking yarns that have a lot of lanolin or spinning oil, getting rid of the grease. It is tough on your most heavily soiled laundry, but gentle enough to protect delicate fabrics. It's also a great option for scouring raw fleece!
Unicorn Fibre Rinse is anti-static conditioner that is great for blocking, reducing the itch factor of wools and softening the fabric.
Say hello to our new friend, Eucalan!
Eucalan is a no-rinse wash, meaning that the formula delicately releases dirt into the wash basin, cleaning fabric without the need of a final rinse.
Though the fabric absorbs a little of the soap, it has beneficial properties! Like some of the pure essential oils used are naturally anti-bacterial or moth-inhibiting. These are intended to remain in the clothing to further benefit them.
You can also find the 100ml travel size here to try it out!
Blocking Mats and Wires
The Knitpro Blocking Mat is convenient to assemble, fits together like puzzle pieces to make the size and shape you need. It provides a flat surface for your knits to dry on, and a spongy surface that allows you to pin down your projects into shape.
When blocking lacy projects, use the Knitpro Blocking Wires. Slip the wire through the edges of your lace project and place pins along the inside of the wires to hold them in place while the lace dries.
Blocking Pins
Blocking Pins are used to hold your knits in the shape you want them to dry in during the blocking process. These T-Pins are the basic tool you'd need for that purpose.
If you'd like to speed up the process. Instead of placing T-pins one by one, use the Knitpro Blockers for maximum efficiency. Ideal for blocking straight edges like sweaters, shawls and scarves. Anchor holes in each blocker allows you to attach strings along large sections, which can be pulled and pinned to maintain consistent tension.
Blocking Step by Step
Now that we've got all the tools sorted, Watch the following video that takes you through the steps of blocking your knits! A picture is worth a thousand words, this video has gotta worth at least a million.
The I-Already-Spent-Two-Months-Knitting-I-Can't-Be-Bothered-To-Do-More-I-Just-Want-To-Wear-It Way
Otherwise known as the way I block...
I totally get it. Sometimes you get exhausted knitting a project, and the thought of going through the whole blocking, squeezing with a towel, and pinning is just too much. Well, you should still wet-block your projects to allow them to shine. (you've spent so long working on them after all).
Here's how to do it the lazy, I mean... easy way. Note! This method works with most knitted projects, but if you're finishing a lacey shawl, it's best to block it properly.
Step One
The first part is pretty much the same as the proper way, soak your knits in water with some wool wash.
Step Two
Drain/pour out the water and gently squeeze out the excess water. It doesn't have to be super dry.
Step Three
Fold your knitting to fit into one of these mesh delicates laundry bags. Don't just stuff them in! You can get these bags at most supermarkets.
Step Four
Place the mesh bag into your washing machine. I know! It's scary! But trust me on this one! Choose the SPIN cycle and put it on the highest spin speed. You may be tempted to choose the WOOL or HADNWASH cycle, but DO NOT follow your instincts!
All we want to do is to remove as much water as we can from the knitting. You may also want to choose a low spin speed because we were taught that low spin = a more delicate cycle. However, a high spin speed means that centrifugal force keeps the knitting in place while spinning, resulting in the least agitation.
All we want to do is to remove as much water as we can from the knitting. You may also want to choose a low spin speed because we were taught that low spin = a more delicate cycle. However, a high spin speed means that centrifugal force keeps the knitting in place while spinning, resulting in the least agitation.
Step Five
Take out your knitting, lay it flat to dry on your drying rack, or blocking mat.
You can tug at your knitting to shape it. The remaining moisture helps to keep the knitting in shape while drying.
You can tug at your knitting to shape it. The remaining moisture helps to keep the knitting in shape while drying.
Step Six
You are done! Most of my knitting dry over night when I use this method!
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