Comments on: Blocking: Before & After

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[...] Blocking: Before & After [...]

By: Docaye

Docaye — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:23:00 +0000

Teresa, it really depends on the kind of yarn and the pattern it is. Is it lacy and something that would ‘open’ like the swatch above? If not, I’d probably leave well enough alone. I also think knitted things benefit from blocking more than crocheted things.

By: andi

andi — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 21:59:00 +0000

Wonderful information!

I came here from KnitPurlGurl and am going to subscribe… hope to see more crochet on here! (LOVE your yarns, too.)

By: Teresa

Teresa — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:40:00 +0000

I’m here from Knit Purl Gurl’s blog and this post caught my eye. My mom crocheted an afghan for me many years ago and it was never blocked. I’m wondering if it is too late to do so now or if it would even really matter?

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 18:35:00 +0000

You don’t really need to block your sachets, as they won’t be laundered and don’t need to be a particular size. However, if you’d like to even out your stitches or stretch the sachet to a certain size, you can certainly try blocking them. Experiment to see if you like the technique with your project.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 18:34:00 +0000

Great question. I absolutely think you should block your gauge swatch as well as your finished item. Here’s my reasoning: your finished sweater will inevitably be laundered in some way. Blocking your swatch will show you how laundering will affect the garment. Blocking will also show you how your yarn will stretch and will help your stitches lay flat. Give it a try on a small item like a baby blanket or sweater to give it a try.

By: Christineseip

Christineseip — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 14:39:00 +0000

Blocking your test swatch is highly recommended. You will have a good idea of how your whole project will respond to blocking (a possible big change in gauge after blocking, for example). You can also see how the fabric will look after being knitted up with your chosen yarn and needles. Sometimes a project that sounds great in theory doesn’t translate well in practice. If you invest some time in a decent sized gauge swatch that’s been blocked, you may decide to make some changes, or bail entirely, without much time/money/tears involved lol.

By: jmack

jmack — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 15:18:00 +0000

I’ve been knitting a long time but rarely make sweaters. It seems, even though I have checked the guage – and it’s accurate – it’s all wrong when I seam the pieces together. I know about blocking but it always seems pointless when my finished piece looks nothing like it should. I will try blocking before piecing next time. But should I also block my test swatch?

By: Hazelrie

Hazelrie — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 13:26:00 +0000

I also use this method. I make a lot of baby blankets in acrylic. I usually leave them on overnight after the spray method and works well for me.

By: Humorme

Humorme — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 11:56:00 +0000

I have found what I think is a perfect blocking tool. I use a cutting board – the kind you buy at a fabric shop that is about 4′ x 6′ and folds to 4′ x 1′. It is gridded to the inch, ensuring the perfect size, and is large enough for most of my projects except afghans. I cover it with enough waxed paper for the project I am blocking, and get busy! Pins go into it easily, it is durable, and portable. And the grid lines are a HUGE help in blocking to size or making sure the piece is squared up. And when the piece is dry, I just roll up the waxed paper for the next time.