Blocking? Nobody has time for that! – But here’s why you should make time for it
It’s very tempting to just put on a piece you’ve just finished knitting straight away. However, there are good reasons to take the time to block it.
With clothing in particular, the most important thing is the fit. As you’ve probably already noticed when doing your gauge swatch, our soft wool tends to ‘grow’ a bit. It’s only after washing that the final measurements are achieved, and garments such as sweaters, jackets and tops in particular achieve the perfect fit through blocking.
What’s more, washing and blocking is what really gives hand-knitted items their perfect finish. The stitches settle and the fabric becomes even more even. You’ll really notice the difference, particularly if you’ve knitted in stockinette stitch or worked with colourwork. But textured patterns also really come into their own this way, revealing their full beauty.
There’s something quite special about blocking lace patterns. The moisture and the fact that the fabric is laid flat to dry cause the stitches to open up, and the spaces created by the yarn overs allow the pattern to really shows. This is where the difference is most clearly visible.
Blocking does not always mean tension
But what exactly is blocking, and how do you go about it?
In each of our patterns, you’ll find a brief guide to blocking:
Weave in ends. Soak garment in lukewarm water. Gently squeeze and then roll in a towel to remove most of the water. Lay flat, carefully patting into shape, adjust to the measurements given, pin out if necessary and leave to dry. Trim yarn ends.
Basically, that’s all there is to it. The aim is to shape the knitted piece smoothly on a flat surface into the desired form and leave it to dry in this way to achieve the effects described above.
Soak in lukewarm water
Fill the sink or a bowl with plenty of lukewarm water. The temperature should be such that you can comfortably put your hand in it. You can also add a little wool detergent to the water, which you should then rinse out thoroughly.
Then treat your hand-knitted beauty to a relaxing bath. You don’t need to move the knitted item, but you can gently press it into the water. Leave it in the water until the wool is completely soaked, and then give it a few extra minutes.
Gently squeeze out the water
Drain the water and give your knitted piece a gentle squeeze. Then lay the it flat on a terry towel and roll it up. You can give it another gentle squeeze here too. This allows more moisture to escape, which is absorbed directly by the towel.
Lay flat and shape
Your knitted piece is still quite damp, but no longer dripping wet. It is heavy and very pliable; the sleeves seem to go on for miles. Lay it on a flat surface – ideally a blocking mat – and gently shape it to the measurements given in the pattern. You’ll see for yourself: you don’t need to pull or tug at all; our wool works with you. If your piece is too long or too wide in one place, simply push it back together carefully.
Leave to dry completely
Now comes the real test of patience. Leave your work to dry completely. Depending on the weather, humidity, yarn and pattern, this can take varying amounts of time. So choose a spot where your knitted piece can be left for a day or two. You can check if it’s dry by feeling it. Bear in mind that the top side may already be dry, but the underside might still be a bit damp. You can check this carefully, and only when it’s completely dry here too will you both be ready to go out together in style.
Blocking lace patterns
Lace patterns are the only case where a little tension is actually needed to allow the pattern and shape to unfold fully. Certain sturdier yarns, such as linen, also benefit from a bit more tension. Make sure to block as evenly as possible – the right accessories will help you with this.
Handy accessories
Blocking mats
Blocking mats are available in sets consisting of foam ‘puzzle pieces’ that slot together, allowing them to be used flexibly and providing the right surface to suit the shape of your knitted piece. They are also available with a grid to help you achieve the correct measurements.
Pins, T-pins, knit blockers
If your knitted piece actually needs a bit more tension when blocking, you can secure it with pins. Special T-pins and knit blockers are rust-resistend– which is very important when blocking damp knitted pieces. Thanks to the T-shape, the stitches cannot slip over the head as they can with ordinary pins.
Knit blockers have several pin tips and are therefore practical for blocking longer sides and ensure an even tension across the stitches. They are well suited to straight lines, such as on sweaters, shawls and scarves.
Blocking wires
Flexible blocking wires are great aids for blocking lace, especially with (larger) shawls. You can use them to block straight edges and curves easily and evenly. The blocking wires are threaded through the knitted piece and secured in place using metal pins.
