Blocking items knitted in the round

David · 07-22-2009, 02:09 PM

Hello,

This may seem like an obvious question, but...

I have knit the sleeves to a sweater separately, and I did so in the round to avoid seams. Now I don't know how to block the sleeves without forming ridges. How does one block sleeves knitted in the round?

(I am blocking to get my desired length as well as to try to get rid of the natural ridge that occurs between needles when I knit with the magic loop method.)

Thanks in advance!

blueygh2 · 07-22-2009, 07:36 PM

Couldn't you put it over a foam tube or something and then put the needles in to block it?

Ingrid · 07-22-2009, 07:49 PM

I would just wet them and spread them out to dry at the right length.

David · 07-22-2009, 08:12 PM

blueygh2: Yeah, that's what I was thinking, but I definitely don't have any foam tubes (or similar) and I'd be worried that the pins would change the shape. Also, the circumference around the upper arm is much larger than around the lower arm. I wonder if I should just steal a mannequin's arm from a shop window or something! :P

Ingrid: Yes, that is a possibility.. but I'd still be worried that it would create ridges (like imaginary seams).

Thanks for the replies!

Ingrid · 07-22-2009, 08:21 PM

Usually when I block sweaters, I don't pin them, just shape them and let them dry. The sleeves don't get pleats in them. You should be able to just gently stretch the sleeves to shape.

I have a Wooly Board for blocking Fairisle sweaters, but then really need to be stretched and the whole sweater goes on in one piece. For regular sweaters I just lay them out.

David · 07-22-2009, 08:24 PM

Ooh yes. Maybe I'll try that! It's 100% wool. Would you immerse (soak) the pieces or just spritz wet them?

blueygh2 · 07-22-2009, 08:40 PM

I was thinking about a mannequin as well. That would be best. But I guess you don't have mannequins lying around :D

Ingrid · 07-23-2009, 06:28 AM

Then there's the problem finding a mannequin the same size as you are. Mannequins R Us?

I thought I responded to this, but must have done something wrong.

I always wash my knits before I block them--clean and fresh. I'm always afraid that if I only spritz them that when I do wash them they'll relax more and change shape.