Blocking is the process of wetting or steaming your final pieces of knitting to set the finished size and even out the stitches.
You could use any flat surface to block your garments (I'm partial to the Knitter’s Block), just be sure that your knitted piece lies flat and fully dries so that its shape sets. Don't forget to check that moisture doesn't soak through and damage anything underneath it. (This has happened to me, which is why I developed the Knitter's Block — the blocks are backed with waterproof EVA so you can safely block on a bed, table or floor.)
Always block your finished pieces before seaming. By flattening and setting the shape of your pieces, you will be able to more easily line up your stitches to seam them together.
The fiber content of the yarn and the stitch pattern of your knitting will often determine how you block your finished pieces. Below you’ll find instructions on wet blocking, which is my preferred method.
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Hi Debbie, When Julie uses I-cord edgings, they are incorporated in the knitting, so she blocks after the piece is done. In general blocking helps even out stitches and smooths the piece, so it is always good to do, though not always completely necessary.
I knit a scarf using mitred squares. It requires an ichord edge. Should I block the scarf before or after the ichord edge is knit? Oh and someone told me mitred square knit items are not blockable and won’t make a difference. Is that true?
Hi Louise, Glad you like the article! For a metallic yarn, you will want to be gentle and not expect it to stretch, otherwise follow Julie’s instructions here. Good luck with your project!
Thank this was very helpful. When using two strands of yarn one a blend and one metallic how would you block?
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