| To block or not to block, that is the question. It depends. If you are making a wash cloth or dish cloth, it really doesn't make sense to block the thing. However, if you are planning on selling these items, you may want to go ahead so you have a nicer, neater product. It seems everyone has an opinion on how to block. I haven't really been able to find any good info on blocking; blocking for me has pretty much been trial and error. For the items I make using a novelty yarn, or some type of man made fiber, I just steam it. This is fast and easy. I just set my iron to the steam setting, and hold it about 2 inches from the yarn. . After a few seconds, I just stretch the yarn with my hands. I go over the item until it looks the way I want it. If you do it this way, just be sure to keep your hand away from the steam, it can burn you! For the items I make with wool or other natural fiber, it is a must to actually pin the item down, wet it, and let it dry over night. This is a bit tedious, but gives the best results. I bought a cardboard sewing guide from the craft store, and it works very well. There are inch/centimeter/yard increments shown, which makes sizing a cinch. Once the item is pinned down in the shape I want, I just wet it with a spray bottle, then let it dry over night, or until dry. (I have found that using a hair dryer works too; it is probably not the best way to do it, but I didn't have time to let the project dry on its own..) You really want to use this method when knitting with a natural fiber, because it makes the finished product so much nicer. I will be posting pictures of non blocked vs. blocked knitting on here soon, so be sure to check back. I will also put up some links about blocking, too, when I find some good ones. If you have any suggestions or links, you can post them in the guest book. |