Best way to block using steam

[skippyjonjones]

Just curious if steaming is the best way to block a sweater knitted in Cascade cotton yarn. Some people swear by it and some people don't even bother. The project is my first sweater and first time to block. Any suggestions on what is the best steamer to use? Blocking boards as opposed to just a towel? All suggestions will help. Thanks so much.

Skippyjonjones

[suzeeq]

I'd just wash and dry according to the label instructions first. That will even out the sts very well and that's all you'd be accomplishing by steaming. Blocking doesn't have to be steaming or pinning out your item or any of those techniques and you don't have to do it to everything.

[kittykins]

Sue has already given you great blocking advise so I'm not adding to that. I'm just curious...Did you choose your user name because of the "SkippyjonJones" children's books by Judy Schachner? I LOVE THOSE BOOKS!!! I have gotten several for my grandchildren, plus the CD's. Even found the little "El Skippito" figure in Barnes and Noble complete with his little cape. (Can't get any cuter than that!) It all stays at grandma's house ready for the kids when they come over.

Wishing you luck with the blocking and Happy Knitting! Jeanie

[ArtLady1981]

I personally prefer to block my cotton garments using either the full soak method, pinning out to dry...OR...pinning out to shape, misting the pieces heavily...leave til bone dry. Sometimes I also lay damp terry cloths on top of the misted pieces.

I've never tossed any cotton garment into the wash to block. I'd feel like I'm giving up control of the outcome.

I don't mind the extra time it takes to block by either of those methods.

100% cotton outfit that I blocked using the 2nd method listed:


100% cotton Little Girl's Springtime Coats, using 2nd method mentioned:


100% Egyptian Cotton, blocked using the full soak method of blocking:


100% cotton little girls' sweater, using the 2nd method of blocking, the soppy wet terry cloths:


After I've gifted them, the mother's can use the washer/dryer if they want to.
Not me. I'm too much of a control freak. I worked too hard to let the washer do
the blocking.

Not arguing with Sue's advice. Just stating my own "take" about blocking.