Blocking Information Needed

[cettlb]

I need some information on how to block baby items. I am new to making these things so I am clueless on how to block and if I need to block these items.

1. Baby Blankets. I purchased a stretchy baby print and I used baby blanket binding to go around it. Even though my husband and I measured several times to get the correct measurements, when I put the binding on, it is not square. Should I have blocked it before binding it?

2. Regular block of baby blankets. How would I do this?

3. Crochet Baby Booties. Do I need to block this?

4. Baby bibs. Do you block the bib plush the strings?

5. Baby Wash Cloths. Do they need to be blocked?

Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Margie

[Jan in CA]

What fiber is the yarn? As a rule I don't bother blocking baby things made with acrylic or acrylic blends. They can go in the washer and dryer and that is probably what the mom will do anyway. Blocking can make them nicer for gifting, but often washing works just as well.

If you used a non-washable yarn then they may benefit from blocking. Laying them out and pinning them is the standard way to block. You can also steam block nicely, but if you do it on acrylic be very careful!!

If you feel you must block here are some websites that might help.

http://www.purlbee.com/blocking-tutorial/
http://beadknitter.blogspot.com/2009...k-acrylic.html
http://rainyknits.blogspot.com/2006/...g-acrylic.html
http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter02/FEATdiyknitter.html

[suzeeq]

If your items are made in a cotton or acrylic or blended yarn, you don't need to block any of them. Just put them through the washer and dryer. Booties and bibs and cloths especially.