Blocking lace without wires

[Knit4Pie]

I'm not going to be doing much lace work, so don't want to invest in wires and such. I'm making the Enchanting Lace Scarf. Will it still come out with just pins to block it? What would be the best way (ie, 2 pins per row per side?).

Thanks for your help!

[mwhite]

I think it will turn out just fine with pins. I don't own wires and pin all my lace work. The main thing to remember is to pin often and evenly. It helps to draw a perfect triangle the size you are blocking and pin to lines.

[Mystery_Gyrl]

I agree with Mary, you should be fine with only using pins (just make sure they are the right length and rust proof). I have used quilter's t-pins (plentiful for the price [bought at sewing center] and easy to find).

You may also want to take a look at this lace blocking tutorial from Knit Picks, it shows how to lace block with string too.

http://www.knitpicks.com/images/pdf/laceblocking.pdf

Good luck.
Katrina

[Knit4Pie]

Thank you both!

[of troy]

you can get a cheap blocking "board" by using a cardboard cutting board (about $5 at JoAnnes or other sewing stores)
cover it with saran (the self sealing is best) or contact paper)

OR hit the home improvement stores.
Insulation boards (2 feet by 4 feet) are under $3-each are 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.. 2 give you 4 X 4--(or 2 by 8 for an extra long scarf/shawl) and they are thin enough to store easily (behind a set of drawers, or in a closet, or under the bed)

PS--if you look up in business directory, find a Welding supply place.. Stainless steel welding wires.. (each about 3 feet long) are much cheaper and make great blocking wires.. bring a needle gauge and get ones = to about a size 2 or 3 needle.
(8 wires are usually less than $5 bucks.. ) use a dowel to store them
(a light rub down with a dry cloth before you use them is in order..)

[KnittinMitchie]

I bought a 500 count box of flat head pins by Dritz to block my lace with. My thing is pins are MUCH easier to store and I can pack them in my travel bag so I can block my stuff when I go on vaction (hopefully) next month at my mom's house. She's got a basement I can set up a table in.

[Miss Kittie]

I used string and pins before I was gifted wires..
I could never get the sides straight, so that's why I used the string..

[Hildegard_von_Knittin]

That scarf is gorgeous!!!!!!!!!! I'm adding it to my list.

I haven't knit lace that needed to be blocked either, so thanks to everyone for the tips.... question: What is the purpose of using a string?