There were several questions asked about blocking a knitted project. I’m sure googling it will bring up lots more info but here’s my quick blurb on it.
I ordered my blocking wires from Knit Picks. JoAnn has them too.
Blocking Wires
Notice the blocking wires. They’re thin and flexible. They will bend but sometimes it’s hard to get them straight again once they’ve been bent. I could have put them through the eyelet in this shawl and stretched it more to make it bigger and looser but I didn’t want it any bigger.
There are lots of ways to block a piece but here’s how I do it.
First, if it’s a piece that smells like dye (or sheep) or has excess dye, or if the “fabric” seems stiff, it can be soaked. There are several brands of “soak” recommended for fine wool . . Soak is the brand The Loopy Ewe carries mostly. I’m pretty cheap and I use pet shampoo.
Pet Shampoo
This is a blog post I did about washing socks where I talked about using pet shampoo for detergent.
Mostly if a piece doesn’t seem like it needs “washing”, I’ll just soak it in lukewarm water, then lay it on several towels, lay more towels on top and step on it to get the excess water out. I do not wring it. Most things that are halfway lacy will be almost dry just from the towels absorbing the water.
Then I use the the rubber type interlocking floor mats/tiles to spread the knitted piece out and block. These are the tiles I’m currently using. By using the blocking wires to shape the pieces the way you want it shaped, and pinning it where it needs to be pinned, once it’s dry, it will hold that shape.
When washed, it will have to be re-blocked. Most of the scarves/shawls I make are more decorative and don’t get much laundering. Most any item I make that is going to require frequent laundering, I use a superwash yarn.
Cascade 220 Superwash is my go to yarn for items that will be washed a lot. It can also go into the dryer and does just fine. And, it’s on the inexpensive end of the better yarns.
Blocking makes a world of difference in the way some pieces look. It especially opens up the lacy designs. I never block my socks . . even when I wash them, I just lay them flat to dry and they look pretty bad but once I stick my foot in them . . they look just like a sock! 🙂
I’m sure there’s a whole lot more to blocking but that’s my take on it.
EagleKnits says
I’m a lazy blocker, myself. Usually, I’ll just pin out the piece on the interlocking tiles, then spray it with water and let it dry. I’ll have to remember your tip about using pet shampoo :).
Quiltinggranna says
I was wondering about blocking after reading that last post and had thought about asking, but figured I was the only one who wondered about it! Ha Ha
Evelyn Starfishy says
Thank you Judy! When we ask questions, you are always happy to share your methods. It doesn’t seem like blocking is that much extra effort to open up the design after all the time spent knitting the piece. Cheers! Evelyn
Sheri says
I had no idea you could use pet shampoo!