blocking swatches

[Hsiaokuo62]

I always swatch but have never blocked my swatches. Just heard that its good to do since yarn may stretch or shrink. However, when I block a knitted piece I block it to the measurements they give - what size do I block my swatch to? To the size it starts out? Doesn't that defeat the purpose? Thanks for your thoughts folks!

[Ingrid]

I don't block my swatches, either. There was only one time I wish I had washed it because the sweater itself stretched so much. I think that washing it and laying it flat to dry would be enough, rather than actually blocking it to a particular size.

[Hsiaokuo62]

Sounds good! I'll try it with the WOTA swatch. Have already got 3" of the ribbing done so hope I don't find out any surprises...