blocking question

alicia · 11-09-2005, 10:21 AM

I am a newbie here and I can't seem to find any info on how to "block". All I know is I NEED to do it! I am trying in vain to finish a scarf and she looks a bit funky.

alicia · 11-09-2005, 06:39 PM

okay, since I kinda left out the particulars,
The scarf I finished is a 50/50 cotton/acrylic blend called "pronto".

:thinking: Does blocking mean to wet the peice and then shape it to make it pretty???

I just could use a little guidance here as I've finished other scarves and never felt any need for blocking before...

javede · 11-09-2005, 07:17 PM

Here's an article about blocking:
http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter02/FEATdiyknitter.html

Hope it helps!

Edit: Oversaw that the yarn is 50%Acrylic. I don't know, if it's able to block that, but be very carefull, if you steam block it, because it could melt!

alicia · 11-09-2005, 07:37 PM

OMG!! Thank you so, so much! I am a bit nervous about blocking this now that I read that article...
I am a bit of a yarn hoarder and bought this yarn at least 6 months ago... Now, I will pay attention to what the makeup of the yarn is as opposed to just the needle size and how pretty it is!

Ingrid · 11-09-2005, 08:39 PM

If you're leery of wet blocking this, you can lay it flat with a damp towel over it. You can pin it to shape if it needs it and put wet towels on it and leave it until all are dry. A little steam won't melt it, but don't iron it or you'll really flatten it out.

Racerkatie · 11-09-2005, 10:49 PM

Ingrid,

I just finished and blocked the mock cable hat I was working on (you answered a question for me about the k2 twisting instruction). And I was disappointed at how flat the stiches got. This was 100% wool, and I just used steam and my iron. Does that mean I pressed too hard and should have pressed more lightly? That I should have used a pillowcase or towel to press through?

Same technique I've always used on the Christmas stockings I do and it works great there, but I didn't like it on the hat.

Will getting the hat wet and letting it airdry restore any of that texture, do you think?

(working on matching scarf now)

Thanks.

Ingrid · 11-09-2005, 10:57 PM

To be honest, I'm not an expert on blocking by any means. I've blocked sweaters on a wooly board, I wet blocked a scarf recently and that came out nice. I don't think I'd block hat myself, but then again, I'm lazy that way. I would certainly give in a go. I think I'd wash it in warm water--very gently--just kind of press it around with an iota of wool wash. Squeeze the water out in a towel and then if you have something to shape it on, I'd think that would be best. Since most of us don't have head mannequins, I've often thought a balloon would do in a pinch. Or maybe if you just shape in flat until it's dry, it'll get it's poof back.

alicia · 11-10-2005, 03:02 AM

Can I just say "WOW"! I am soooooo in

love

with this site! {sigh}
Ingrid- Thanks! I will try that blocking tip! Just as soon as dd goes to sleep. 2 yr olds + pregnancy brain + learning new techniques = one more mess to clean...
I bow to all of your knitting prowess

Ingrid · 11-10-2005, 03:06 AM

Yeah, this place rocks!!!

Ingrid · 11-10-2005, 03:06 AM

Yeah, this place rocks!!! And don't you just love bedtime!!