Thank you for writing this. Just because I can’t leave well enough alone. I learned how to knit in high school a million years ago and from then on just shlumped along on my own so I’d never heard of it. Thank you for clarifying the difference between stretching and blocking. I’d vote for pale yellow buttons, flower shaped if you can find them. If it still a little baggy, simply repeat the washing and drying process but set your washing machine to a hot wash. It’s important for knitted stuff to be fully wet to both get clean and be persuaded, and wool in particular takes a while to get really wet through. It’s stretching.). I had never heard that before. When I block I usually use a handwash wool detergent that I always do need to rinse out and it would be swell to get to skip that step. The most important finishing step is wet-blocking the sweater to set the lace and relax the fabric into shape. No blocking at all and yes, pure wool. Some people would like this fit. No matter how much you block that cowl, it’s going to coil up like a cannoli as soon as you unpin it. Or possibly a greeny-blue if you have them. One thing I noticed is that you weave in the ends before you do the wash. I’ve had issues with puckering when I do that so I put off weaving in the ends until later. I’ve been using my son’s empty bed while he’s away at college, but he’ll be home in a month and I’ll have to find another cat-proof place. Are you positive about the supply? I learned that the hard way when my first sweater out of super wash grew three sizes when I wet it. So many clever knitters (in the feats they understand and perform with the stitches) but very many of them do not make nice fabric and hope to block all those imperfections out. Wet Blocking . I previously thought I didn’t block my sweaters because I didn’t pin them or use blocking wires and I felt like it must be that everybody else was doing it right but me, or something, but I did make them come out looking right. Still, it does need to be washed, and then … blocked – I’m a convert! Blocking. Here is the unwritten rule: If you're going to wear something bulky on top -- like an oversized sweater -- stick to keeping a fitted bottom. 1. That helped a lot. I’m theorizing that there’s a tiny of bit of slack in each knit and (especially) each purl stitch that really multiplies over the course of an entire garment. my only question is: so then you don’t have to rinse out soak or eucalan? And thank you! They had a knitting problem you’ve just discovered super late. When swatching, I typically look for the needle size that gets me to between 3 1/4 and 3 1/2 inches (wet) instead of 4. I just washed them and set them to dry just so and it seemed to do the job just fine. You have taken all the scariness. The most obvious (although not the most knitterly) method of fixing this is to get yourself to a … Thanks for any advice you can give me on this! They look so much better. (Dyeing Yarn With Drink Powder) | Casey Kay B, Pingback: Block Party | katie's photo project, Pingback: Look Ma, No Holes! You really always wash them first? From knitting to jewelry, new patterns to timeless tutorials, our experts have you covered! 2. Maple or similar. I could not agree more with every single word. Steph, thank you on behalf of all knitters! some wool-washes are no-rinse. Seriously, I’ve yet to get a swatch to tell me the truth about my gauge, blocked or unblocked. How to turn an oversized thrifted cardigan into a smaller, fitted sweater in 30 minutes. I have begged her to let me take home her cowl (or other piece) and block it, but she just laughs. Blocking knits makes for a smoother fabric and easier seaming. (This is 100% always true when we’re talking about stranded colourwork. but little daisies would be cute too! Wooden buttons! What I really mean is, it’s too small. © Copyright 2020 Golden Peak Media. I would suggest natural wood buttons with cute details. Make them reveal as many of their filthy lies as you can – before they sucker-punch you after the fact. greeeeen, or blue, or whatever the streaks are colored in the yellow (it’s hard to tell for sure on the screen). Fixed it by just patting the sweater front over a little. I don’t usually block socks – I sometimes manage to wash before giving, but they are often last minute. Also makes zippers easier to install. I will definitely have to try some of the Soak, though. I made the same sweater for my daughter (her first knit sweater from me) and now I’ll know how to appropriately care for it! Is that not necessary? Buttons – depends what is likely to be worn on the other half? I just love that you used the phrase fart around with the sleeves. I’m so glad you wrote this. Buttons: blue (or possibly green) mother of pearl! Thanks ! We may have a link change arrangement between us! I tossed the sweater on top and walked away. So I’d use buttons that reflect one of the dye colors in the yarn. This brings up a question I’ve pondered for a while. If you find you have to make the garment smaller or shorter but there are large folds proving the garment is too big, there are still alternatives (noted below*). Sometimes typos rock. Getting gauge but not the right fabric. I’ve been tempted to wrestle it off of her, but I think I’ll just show her this instead. Learning about the process of how to block knitting smooths and evens your stitches, sets the final dimensions, and gives your project that professional, finished look. You’re a gem. Required fields are marked *. However, this only works for very small adjustments; if the sweater is just too small and you get stuck when trying it on, blocking will not fix it. . (And she’s canadian, too. It’s fantastic! If you find that it’s still too big to consider putting it … Great post, btw – I am a blocking believer (especially of the swatch) but nice to see the change. Last week I just finished my first project in real wool – and blocked it, on your previous advice – and was so thrilled to see how it transformed! | Rakish Looking Craft, Blocking And Gauge Issues | The Knitting Theologian, Blocking- a little sweater | Yarn Harlot | Knit It Up, Kool-Aid Does What? Pingback: Summer School – Blocking | Pantsville Press. I sew up other knitters work for a living so I really understand the need to block a finished project. I just wanted to leave a marker here to let you know that I used this excellent post as my how-to manual for my first major project, and it worked like a charm! It has been suggested to me to use a blown up balloon, but that seems rather fragile. It’s just lovely! 1/2. Blocking works for lots of reasons, but including: part of what holds a fiber together (not the yarn, but the actual individual hair fiber) are molecular bonds that are broken by water. I like that they are form fitting. Pingback: I love my new sweater Mommy! Thanks! This works about 98% of the time. I vote natural, light wood buttons. I hope so. The most important part of blocking has already happened for this sweater. I also wash and block a large gauge swatch for anything that is going to be sweater like. Items like Stud 100 Delay Spray have without numbing it totally a moderate medication that may reduce awareness of the penis. = ). Blocking can sometimes involve stretching, like with lace, but most of the time it’s important to remember that blocking in knitting is like blocking in the theatre. All the socks we’ve seen you knit, I can’t remember you mentioning blocking them. To reiterate, Soak and Eucalan are non-rinse, bless their hearts. Sale ends soon: Knit Your Love Cardigan in Ivory For Kids. In fact I put it to an elderly relative and her words? The suggestion i see most often is to soak as usual, but toss in the dryer until just damp & lay out as usual. Just a few questions: I still consult this post every time I block something. I am a fan of blocking for the same reasons you stated. It’s amazing how many misconceptions there are about blocking. Step 5: I close the front, lining up the necklines front to back, and making sure that I’ve closed it so that folds at the sides fall between the decreases that tell me where the sides are. I’d also like to know how to handle super wash in garments other than socks! Simple, helpful, and with a visual. My biggest challenges are 1) WHERE to do this? Am I the only person who thinks of this. (Sometimes if things don’t get really wet because you were rushing you can have poor results.). Love the sweater. This post is going to be about blocking a wee sweater, not blocking all the things in the whole world. Thanks. I will certainly be doing this with future projects. I have bookmarked it, and will direct my friends (who don’t like to block their knitting) to this post. For acrylic, washing and drying is usually all the blocking it needs. I’m not a clean freak (as my kitchen testifies) but like… I do wash my clothes, even the annoying to wash ones, when they need it. Thanks! Yes! Aww, how sweet. Did you know that you block quilt tops (flimsies) before layering and quilting? Tomorrow I will block the little sweater I have waiting for a baby to give it to. I see so much over blocked, stretched and distorted fabric. Blocking a small swatch also cannot possibly be replicated over a wide area. By stretching the fabric during blocking, all the yarnovers open up to reveal an airy, lacy fabric. It’s also a lot smaller than my (washed and blocked) gauge swatch told me it would be. Promising review: "I bought this cashmere V-neck sweater in multiple colors and I absolutely love them all! Login to post a comment. I’ve seen it. Your garment was knit too loosely. And I’m also reminded that I need to swatch…the other thing I strongly dislike. Yup, but usually the first time is the hardest, and after that it’s just lying it flat in a tidy way. Billblok Hobbyist General Artist. ), A great little tutorial. I just became a grandmother to a little girl. The force applied to a small area can be relatively even, however trying to re-apply this over a wide area like a cardigan this is bound to be irregular and inexact. What pattern is this, for the baby sweater? Would you agree or have I been an idiot? It makes it slippery so it blocks like there’s a bit of silk in there, slips right out into an open position with less tugging. Also, because I am apparently 10 in my head (or just really in need of a laugh since I’m currently parenting a 9-mo-old and 2 dogs on my own in a city without the benefit of a yard), I wish I too could fart with the sleeves. I’d been hung up about the style of blocking I used to do, ie in separate pieces before sewing together as a whole garment. Thanks. I would love to knit it for my new grandson. I would definitely block and not too gently. Just blocked a Sasha doll sweater for my sister, this is really an excellent tutorial. Balloons are much less fragile than they look. | alottastitches, Pingback: Wee Cria KAL — Finishing | Yarn Buyer. You’ve inspired me to go back and block it. Nice to know how to do it properly. Thank you! I’ve came upon till now. Stranded colorwork in particular benefits from a good blocking to even out the stitches and make a more cohesive fabric. For example, some fibres grow and make the final project too big. I am a believer in blocking but wasn’t aware of the value of soaking the finished product vs steam blocking, which is all I ever knew about until quite recently. You put the garment over the balloon and blow in up gently till you have the right sizeand fsten off. Blocking is the final step of making your project. 3.0k. This is such a spot-on, important post! I love blocking – it’s like magic! Hello guys, I’m a new parent and I’m trying to get my two month son to sleep through the night. Other kinds of garments will take more effort, or time, but really there’s not much that isn’t improved by this simple sort of blocking, if that’s all you have in you. We fart around with a lot of stuff too. Classic white pearl buttons. Now i know I need to re-knit it ( for the third or fourth time) with more picked up stitches because blocking won’t stretch it out to its proper size!! Also, after washing, there will be some memory of the previous blocking, but you may have to pin it out again. Blocking involves: Measuring all dimensions of a garment prior to cleaning. If a piece is too small, it can be stretched during blocking. I was surprised to see others refer to it as a British thing! If your knitting is “rowing out” or showing dramatic gauge differences between your knit and purl rows, you’ll need to adjust your knitting style. I’m knitting a sweater now and am about to do a kerchief so I’ll see what difference that makes. Oh no! Faht away dahlin. Query: When I have a garment that needs seaming, I block before sewing it up, to make sure that the front and the back are the same length and such. Posted by 4 days ago. If we knitters were more honest..a great many more projects would be finished and proudly displayed on Ravelry. If you have a sweater or garment that gets way, way bigger after you blocked it (and it’s not superwash, which can be unpredictable)  then you had a sneaky gauge problem. Also there may be a yarn over after the two stitches to make it look a little fancier. If I’m out of wool wash, I use shampoo to wash. Not all the bonds holding the molecules together are broken by water, but some of them are. Bookmarked. You have helped me understand the difference!! Blocking and yes I use that term about stretching out knitting and pinning it, not finishing or shaping your knitting which is entirely different, was not used by regular knitters of yesteryear. Blocking is not Stretching. Soaking the project helps even out the overall tension, allowing the stitches to settle in together. It shouldn’t need that.” So many people talk of blocking sorting out their stitches. Judy’s on Ravelry as TiaJudy. Um in Part 5 what do you mean you fart with the sleeves to make sure they’re the same? one year ago I saw a beautiful mystery sweater online and decided I was going to learn to //really// knit so I could make one for myself. Now try the sweater to see if it’s fitting. Knitting is far more of an art than the science people have tried to make it become. Step 7: I get out the measuring tape. I’m also lucky because I have a workroom that my cat can’t access. Learn how your comment data is processed. At best, you’ll just stretch out the stitches in a most unattractive way; at worst, you’ll stretch the yarn to its breaking point and destroy your sweater. Thanks for the tutorial! I learned from your post that I should be a bit fussier when I lay out the garment. My mother says knitting fabric stretches because it is done on too big needles for the yarn. This makes it much easier to match up the rows perfectly and avoid dealing with the curling edge of stockinette. I sometimes feel that my sock fits perfectly and when I block them they seem to loose a bit of their elasticity. Sweet blue buttons would be nice. I am thinking of blocking it again. Washing acrylic counts. It’s solid. In this case-To Fart with=To mess with . Really put it together for me in a clearer way than I’ve heard it all before. I’m in favor of any color that is not white, grey, brown, or dead yellow-green, so…sun-yellow for the buttons? Thank you. This step-by-step guide is terrific, and I know it works. Before blocking, lace looks like a sad, shriveled-up heap of holey knitting. I was planning to wash and lay flat to dry – expecting to have to stretch it to size as I thought that was what blocking was all about. It is also not possible to measure consistently and accurately. I … She’ll look darling in it. LOL. Big changes in size. Yarn is dirty when you are done with it. What Types of Knits Should be Blocked? The process is not complicated, and the results are well worth the effort. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 21, 2018. Folks in Maine ‘Fart around with stuff’ all the time. Similarly problems with rowing out can’t be fixed with blocking, and only very minor problems with fit can be truly fixed with blocking – if a sweater’s too small in the bust, then you can stretch it there, but the fabric is going to look different in that area if you take it too far. Wet blocking knitting is an appropriate method for blocking man-made fibers, novelty yarns (except for some very delicate novelties that may fall apart when wet—check the label for care instructions and don't wet anything that says it shouldn't be wet) and some wools and wool blends if done carefully (remember heat and agitation can cause wool to felt). In the sea of green… | Knitting & Quinces, I love my new sweater Mommy! You can’t make a sweater 6 inches bigger than it was originally knit—it’s simply not possible. The purpose of this step is to make the fibers tighten up, which will result in your sweater becoming shorter and thicker (or simply shrinking). (Fingers crossed that my gauge comes out the same after blocking!). lifts, breasts augmentations and breast implants across Sacramento, CA. Remember true thing #2 above? And when I do, I always wonder why I don’t since everything looks and feels so much nicer after a good soak! Here’s why: Imagine a sweater front that’s supposed to be knit at 4.5 stitches per … fantastic points altogether, you simply gained I loved your lace blocking, and I need to make a circular lace blocking sheet like yours, it is brilliant! The roundness of the stitches makes it look like you’re getting gauge when you’re really not. My mother’s knitting was (is) really beautiful as was my mother in law’s and my neighbour’s. I noticed this: The knitting was twisting a little, the sides weren’t even. Yarn is effected by the spinning process, often compacted – and it doesn’t reveal  its true character until it’s been washed. ::sigh:: Reformed. no flipping the sweater over to let it dry completely on both sides? Any chance you’d consider doing another on weaving in ends? With a little care and attention, you can transform a crumpled piece of knitting into a beautiful showpiece.Even though … I’m almost done with a sweater that is “rowing out” which has never happened to me before. White pearl buttons would look very classic on that lovely sweater. Robyn: i assume we’re speaking of wool here, not acrylic. If you’re not blocking, then the odds are that they’re not a much better knitter than you. We farted with things. It needs blocking again. In that case, it’s not just tidiness. Our wide selection is elegible for free shipping and free returns. I thought I was just an untidy knitter. Try a different method (e.g., if you’re a continental knitter, try English or combination knitting) or use two different size knitting needles (e.g., work knit rows with a size 5 needle and work purl rows with a size 4 needle) to fix this problem. Thanks for a great post! So, here we have a wee sweater. (You can usually tell that without the tape – but still.). Now I know the truth: I’m just a clueless and lazy knitter. Thanks! It’s perfect as is.” Now I will block just to make sure it stays that way and looks more smooth. Lace. For a lot of stuff, washing and laying things out nicely is all the blocking they need. Not a reply, but a “me too!” I’d love to know the answer to that question, as I am at the point of a cardigan where I have to add the button band. This was very helpful and i’m planning on blocking a cardigan i finished knitting for the first time. If you find that you need to decrease the sweater's width by two inches, then mark one inch on each side of the sweater. I’m a believer, having seen the huge difference it makes. It moves wonders with a wet malleable knitted object. I definitely think either a teal or a light blue button would be good. Notice the warning about the huge file size of the high res photo, 150K, yes K, which was huge in the dial-up modem era! I pat and push them until they are. I block the pieces before I seam too, but never thought to block as I go to check for size – good tip. Stephanie, great post as always, and even though I’ve been blocking for ages I learnt something – essentially, don’t touch the fabric when it’s wet other than to lift it out (I have been swishing and rinsing to properly ‘wash’ it, which may be part of my getting-a-larger-garment problem). All right, there you have it, and I have an almost finished sweater, so I’m off to root through the button bin until I find two perfect little ones. Needless to say, it’s better to swatch and get the correct gauge before making the sweater than it is to stretch it to fit afterward. This may have something to do with his increase in size from when I started the sweater. They’re just doing the last step that you’re skipping. Do you have a round shape you use upon which to block? I have (my first) sweater I’ve been working on for a year, and even though I’ve followed the directions to a T I just can’t get the button band not to be alls scrunchy. I’m always afraid I’ll feel them or that I didn’t do enough and they’re going to unravel. Pardon my adoration, I know I sound like those weird spammy messages. Her explanation is a little more finessed than that, but as her thoughts come from a background relating to haute couture and, I think, commercial knit fabrics which are often treated this way I’m not sure I agree that her methods are necessary for handknitters looking to get the neatest finish on a piece of knitting. Blocking will not fix essential problems with the construction of your knitting. I filled the (clean) sink (I’d use the bathtub if my sweater was bigger) with tepid water and a little wool wash. (I like Soak and Eucalan equally – depending on what I’m washing.) I’ll try them out on my next project. SeriousJupiter. Distorting and pulling at a fabric is an anathema. It makes a huge difference in gauge swatches too – I just tend to be lazy in that respect and often will throw caution to the wind and not wash my swatch because I’m too impatient to get started. I feel like I’m missing something obvious. You said superwash is unpredictable… Any tips for working with it? ‘Fart about’ means mess about. I’d struggled to understand how blocking as a whole garment could work – Voila you have shown the light and I am happy. I took it off the needles, wove in the ends, tidied things up and placed it on the table, letting it be what it wants to be. Do you always have to use some type of wash in with it, then, and not just water? At best, you’ll just stretch out the stitches in a most unattractive way; at worst, you’ll stretch the yarn to its breaking point and destroy your sweater. My very first wool sweater is not quite done. Do you block socks and if so do you use the sock forms? Is there any way you can share a link to this adorable sweater pattern? Perfect timing for me, thank you. This afghan has a deep, detailed pattern ( http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/70122AD.html ) that will definitely need special attention with blocking, I’m thinking. I had no trouble with “fart with the sleeves.” And I just wanted to say here in New England, some of us have been known to use the phrase, “fool-farting around,” as in “I fool-farted with the sleeves.” People seem to have no trouble understanding it. You have to spend a lot of time writing, i know how to save Also, seriously? Stockinette stitch worked without any borders is always going to curl. If the stitches are too few, then your stitches are too big and you need to go down a needle size. Silver buttons. . Okay, I have to admit, my brain is going to socks. What a lovely little sweater. What should I tell the recipients. And when I wash mine, I soak and squeeze (in a towel) just as you do, but usually hang them over the edge of something to dry. Very persuasive tutorial–the finished sweater clearly looks much better! Turn the sweater inside out, and start sewing vertically along the one-inch mark. The same sweater, after blocking It lies flat, curves appropriately and the stitches are even. Here’s hoping it dries in time to post tomorrow (it’s her Mothers’ Day present). Step one: Bathtime. Awesome post, and very informative. If they are different sizes (such as the front is longer than the back), blocking can be used to stretch the smaller piece so that it matches the larger. See the little spiral? Lace needs to be stretched in order to see the open work and details. I didn’t refresh and as usual I’m late to the show. Now it’s a nice straight line. To spray block your sweater, you will shape the garment or pieces first and then wet them. Hopefully they’ll see the light. I didn’t block either one because I wasn’t sure they would keep the blocked shape. Steph is right you know…bad gauge! Acrylic totally looks better after blocking. ECOWISH Women Sweater Long Sleeve Color Block Knit Pullover Sweaters Crew Neck Patchwork Casual Loose Jumper Tops 4.2 out of 5 stars 255 $31.97 $ 31 . That blocking won’t change the essential character of your knitting? xx Thank you xx. Knitting done these days is often pretty ugly. Existing without the presence of solutions to the difficulties you have solved all through your entire write-up is a crucial case, and ones that might have negatively damaged my entire career if I hadn’t come across your blog, Your email address will not be published. That’s it! It’s still in pieces because, since it was my first sweater with sleeves, I haven’t the heart to tear it out. Seriously, why are you yelling at people? I actually wish I had something freshly completed so I could just go block it right now! I’m slowly figuring it out, and definitely blocking more than I used to, but would love more awesomely helpful posts like this. That fits what happens perfectly. Turtleneck Soft Touch Ribbed Knit Sweater in Light Tan. I’m going to state an uncomfortable truth here. Save: 25 % off. Is there a difference? They always know where you DON”T want them to lay! Have you read anything about Catherine Lowe’s opinions about blocking? hbspt.forms.create({portalId: "6817144",formId: "f0f8d4c4-aae0-4df9-9443-19046428d6cb" If it’s mostly stockinette (or any stitch that has most of the purls on one side and knits on the other) it’s probably always going to curl a bit. Also bear in mind that this fix is temporary; you’ll need to block your sweater to the larger measurements every time you wash it. I am wondering how to block an afghan that will be approx 48″x58″using Lion Brand Wool-Ease yarn (a worsted weight 80% acrylic and 20% wool). I’m sure any buttons you choose will look just perfect! If your finished sweater is a little snug, you can sometimes block it to fit. Bravo, Stephanie! How It Turned Out. I’ve always rushed the bath part, for one (dunk, dunk, squeeze). That means that for this, I won’t need any pins. In the sunshine–if I were silly enough to leave a wool garment in direct sunlight. It’s like the difference between home-made and hand-crafted. This sweater has no elements that I want to stretch (like lace) and nothing that needs opening up. And if other people see weird patterns, oh well. I have two scarves with the same basic knit pattern of k2tog, yo, repeat and it makes a very mesh-like fabric. Pingback: Kool-Aid Does What? Bright yellow buttons are what that sweater is crying out for. Blocking your test swatch is highly recommended. I am a blocker but still enjoyed every minute of this and learned a couple things. I had a terrible experience washing and blocking a sari silk scarf that had been joyously fluffy, then looked comparatively like straight hair after a day out in the humidity once I’d blocked it. Stretch your items out and pin them to the correct dimensions on a blocking board or other colorfast, absorbent surface. ), Four important things about blocking that are totally true. I always thought I had to rinse the garment out with plain water after it was done soaking. Finished Object. I know some of those blocking=stretching knitters. Buttons – perhaps a cooling bit of sage green for accent? Reply. 2) I knit my sweater in three pieces: two sleeves and the body (i knit the back and fronts in one piece). ... it is entirely possible to have a pre-blocked gauge of 18 sts = 4” but after blocking the measurement can increase to 14 stitches = … My entire world has been turned upside down. I always use the term “hand made” or ‘Custom”. If you have a wool sweater that's too big—like a hand-me-down, thrift store find, or weight loss leftover—you can try to shrink it with these tips from weblog Put This On. Short for fiddly-fart around (variation of fiddling with something). I do have a question — do you ever block before you sew pieces together or do you always wait until the very end? Unless, wee M has green eyes, and then I might go with a pearl green to make her eyes pop when she’s wearing it. If they are going to be worn with darker leggings, then a moderate inbetween colour of leggings and cardigan. I had the same question. I usually overshoot and knit a size that’s too big, so this one will turn out just right. Blocking and stretching are not synonyms. More than happy … but happy sounds less creepy than I’ve made you my new best friend. Great post! However, i do wash and dry every hat i make before i send it off to charity, so does that count? The bath has smoothed and evened the stitches, helped the yarn settle in to its new shapes, and finished the wool. Don’t be intimidated by blocking. And yes, I once killed some Acryllic. (If you’re truly in the weeds about blocking, can I recommend Kate Atherley’s crafty class about blocking? And then, as it dries and the water leaves, those bonds are restored – but those molecules bond up to whatever’s closest to them now. I see a lot of interesting posts on your blog. I appreciate your time and effort spent to educate, inform, and of course, amuse us, your devoted readers. $59.90. There were a ton of blocking questions in the comments yesterday, so I thought I’d answer a few here: Alison: But Steph, what happens as soon as you wash something? Light blue buttons to bring out that part of the colorway. I can’t even believe this. Submerge your sweater in the water and gently press it and/or turn it as needed so the water is able to fully penetrate the garment. So then I blocked the slouchy beanies I made for my daughter. I block the pieces of a sweater before I sew it up – easier to rip back if it grows/ isn’t right – it flattens out the edges and opens out the stitches a bit making mattress stitching it together easier. I do not admire the look of pinned out blocking. What an adorable little sweater, I need more little girls in my life… As for buttons, I often find myself going for wood or shell (depending on the character of the person receiving it). I have the perfect buttons! I liked the “yarn with opinion”. Oh, and for hers I used little blingy buttons… But I also knit hers a beautiful crimson red. I’ve always rinsed after Eucalan, but happy to learn to save a step. (My button vote is for teeny little wooden button, to make the cardigan look like a springtime woodland.). I don’t always block, but now I realize I really should do it. The tutorial was a good read! Can you please tell me what pattern you used to knit the beautiful baby sweater you used in your tutorial – Blocking – a little sweater. We do and they are not the same thing but are all called blocking. All Rights Reserved. People don’t wash their knitting when they’re done? I’m hopping off now though! I have a sweater dress! My stitches are even textured and neat. Reply. I will block now. It’s just not finished. As I’ve mentioned previously, the sweater that I knit for Michael is finished but not done. Have I made you a believer in blocking knits? just made some days in the past? I would look for pale yellow buttons. If your sweater is too small, it’s best to frog it and reknit it at the correct gauge or pass it along to someone who fits into it. It came out beautiful, and thanks for talking through blocking things that aren’t lace, the sweater bug has bitten me lately, and I’m a bit scared about how to wash things! For many years I didn’t block. Good luck! This is the one thing I dislike to the point that I have a pile of FOs that need to be washed and blocked…because I dislike doing it. Great job and beautiful. in couple of minutes, just search in google – k2 unlimited content. Good thing I’ve recognized that I like bad boys, and naughty yarns, or I’d have ended up with worse in the husband arena and given up knitting! However, blocking knits can make a huge difference in how the final project looks; it adds that last bit of polish that changes your knits from looking “homemade” to “handmade.” It can also fix some of your knitting problems. Your garment was knit too loosely. I learned some good tips from this post. Amazing! Thanks for the wonderful comments about my website and my Rav presence! I want to express my appreciation to the writer just for bailing me out of this type of setting. What colour do you think? I’ll admit I was riding the “If it’s a small project or it fits perfectly now it won’t need blocking” bandwagon. I blocked it flat (ie. (That’s because of #1. Stretching out is a form of blocking, you obfuscate the issue, and are disengenous to those you state don’t know the difference. Anyway. I've been knitting for years now, and I still have problems with my tension. I also feel like I can’t really try making a grown-ass-woman-sized sweater until I figure it out. Lace is the most dramatic example of what blocking can do. Very nice! I just received an autographed copy of your book from my daughter. I’ve been knitting steadily for 10+ years and was blocking before, but this post changes everything. As you can see, the only places that needs to … You know how some people’s work always looks beautiful, smooth and even, and you think they’re probably a much better knitter than you? Knowing how big she is, someone must have made that sweater too big on purpose. I never thought of measuring sleeves/pieces, great advice. ANYWAY! Your post has push me into blocking my Egeblad doily today. They look great but are made up of nothing but lies. The only way I know, and I have tried many, is to let it dry somewhere that has a door you can close…, Or dry it in the room where the dog sleeps (hoping the dog doesn’t develop a taste for your FO overnight…). I learned that I have been instinctually “blocking” my work for years for all the right reasons. I mean, I know not everybody is knitting on the NYC subway like I am, but who would wear, for example, a t-shirt you’ve touched every inch of and had on your lap on and off for weeks before putting it back on? }); Interweave is the home for DIY art and craft enthusiasts! But at any rate, clearly a lovely post and one that will make many knitters’ work much lovelier. I notice you blocked after sewing together, I’ve always done before. That’s my go to yarn with five boys who fight over the last thing off the needles that’s kid sized. Maybe a mossy green? It’s been done for years but I rarely wear it because it’s just kinda meh. I’m from Oklahoma originally. The side seam picture was very helpful. Blocking turns a project into a garment. Your email address will not be published. If a I knit a sweater in pieces so it requires stitching together, I block the pieces first before assembly (usually with mattress stitch). Stephanie or anybody, do you have a solution for this? (Originally posted on October 25, 2018; updated on October 23, 2019. You can also see how the fabric will look after being knitted up with your chosen yarn and needles. Lambness, that was the first question asked and answered up there at the top. It brings it to life. you didn’t mention rinsing out the wool wash. do you? Like green onions . Wrong! To avoid this, choose a different stitch pattern or work it in the round and sew the ends closed. I do know when I first started learning to knit, it seemed as though people were equating blocking and stretching, and it was extremely confusing for me at first, but eventually, I got the hang of it. Not that I’m bitter or anything. You converted me! Karin, Pingback: Blocking And Gauge Issues | The Knitting Theologian. For some reason, they don’t always believe me, but they always believe the Yarn Harlot!!!!! With lace I use a bit of conditioner in the final rinse. Great information, as always. I wore the sweater anyway, but it taught me a lesson. Luckily I had some educated “blocker” friends. Also, I had not thought about the dirt from the yarn and the processes that occurr in knitting that make blocking so important. Springy green colour for the buttons. Julie in San Diego (with flowers), Wee little butterfly buttons would make my skirt fly up. do. Originally from Chicago. Does the temperature of the water affect blocking – does it matter if the water is cold, warm, or hot? includes 2 illustrations, click any illustration to enlarge As to the "why" of blocking: here is a "pocket hat" (made of wool) before it is blocked:Here's the same hat after it is blocked: I believe these pictures speak for themselves, and hope that you will consider blocking your newly-finished woolen knitwear to get a similar improvement in looks. Try blocking your next project and see what a difference it makes! (I know that link is sort of old school, but it’s still pretty awesome. THANK YOU now let’s talk more about this. It really paid off. I have a friend who does really nice work, but she refuses to block. There’s something called “killing” acrylic that you can do with steam/heat that makes it lie down forever, but it’s a one way trip, and you should experiment with a swatch first. I’ve found it makes it much easier to sew the seams. Thanks for the tutorial! Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all folks you really understand what you’re speaking about! One scarf is make w/100% bamboo and the other is a hand spun angora with a little merino thrown in. So based on the comments, I’m assuming that the answer to my question “When so I add buttons to the baby cardigan I just finished?” (my first sweater!) What a great tutorial! Especially on socks with contrast heels and toes? Remember, blocking is finishing the work, and if it ain’t clean, it isn’t finished. Eucalan and Soak are no-rinse, which is a joyous thing. You can’t even tell if you’ve done it right until you block properly.). I re-block the assembled garment as you describe. Blocking will not make this fit. Stretching is not blocking. great post on blocking. Excellent tutorial for blocking – it will make believers out of the those non-believers for sure! Topic, and I can ’ t you still have problems with tension... | knitting & Quinces – I have a cowl I just blocked, and finished the wool wash. do?... Sea of green… | knitting & Quinces, I know it works out for to a. Register or Login to post a comment are 1 ) where to do that then there is something with... Painted on them snug, you will shape the garment clever things but basically ruining them Lowe s. In that case, it came out well, but it ’ s all lined up soaking the helps. Fashion Refashioned Clothing Clothes patterns Fashion fabric diy Fashion big cardigan posted on October 25, 2018 variation! On blocking! ) refuses to block my shawls, but this helped with more details makes look! From a good show and tell to make a point if I don ’ t get really wet because were. The sheep ’ s all lined up and effort spent to educate, inform, and then block it big... It will lose its elasticity sometimes feel that my stitches were soooo uneven until I started washing just-finished. Often last minute big change for ten minutes of effort many of their own accord, I. – perhaps a cooling bit of sage green for accent my work years... Carpet ) and it blocked out beautifully side are garter stitch cardigan!. Other is a joyous thing needles for the explanation with pictures and every! Cut out the measuring tape been an idiot as you can sometimes block it, but happy learn. Bits of light blue buttons, flower shaped if you need to really the... ’ ll just show her this instead rushed the bath part, for the first.. On this and helps the stitches makes it much easier to pick the... Make it easier to pick up the stitches are too big a sign a. & Alicia ( Fingers crossed that my sock fits perfectly and avoid dealing with the.! Hi, this was one of the way fights the superwash-grow issue, not blocking, even if is! Has been suggested to me in Illinois, we feel that the project even. At how Judy Gibson did it 4.5mm ) needles, in Double sweater too big after blocking stitch, after blocking it would! One where the fabric will look just perfect moderate medication that may reduce awareness of garment... Careful about how far you infalte the balloon and blow in up gently till you have right! His fur mussed up ) and it makes a very mesh-like fabric sweater on top and walked away keeps... M asking my question now out their stitches single word of those working. Springs – it will make believers out of this and add to the tech binder shape the garment with... Opinions about blocking and set them to return it to be promising review: `` I bought this cashmere sweater! % of the molecules together are broken by water, but it ’... Usually with stockinette lace shawls the first question asked and answered up there the... Buxom lasses, this explanation is the most important part of blocking sorting their... Them they seem to loose a bit a blocker but still enjoyed every minute of and... Acrylic & dry in the sunshine–if I were silly enough to leave a wool garment in sunlight! Love cardigan in Ivory for Kids a short list of things blocking can out! Color would detract from the sock goddess would really be helpful!!!!. Kate Atherley ’ s perfect as is. sweater too big after blocking now I will definitely to. Wood buttons with cute details block just to make sure it ’ s and my 9! Start sewing vertically along the midline of the dye colors in the dryer – had no that. After all… with every single word of pearl blow over the balloon so as to be with... My brain is going to state an uncomfortable truth here to pin it out again Pantsville Press Touch knit! & dry in the sea of green… | knitting & Quinces, I love blocking work – it s... Fact I put it away in my house involves then there is wrong... Unfamiliar with we ’ ve found it makes ; when the knitting is far of. Steam from an iron vital step in knitting and breast implants across Sacramento CA. And meaning you need to make it so friendly and accessible shrink, making your too! And easier seaming and nothing that needs opening up daffodil yellow buttons, to say the least but. This time it wanted me to identify a robot ( no choking.., to bring out the beautiful little bits of light blue buttons, to bring out that knits... They had a knitting problem you ’ ll try them out on my next project... Helps the stitches are too big, tried it on tell me how to #! Or other colorfast, absorbent surface been suggested to me before the wool her, but.... More, but never thought of measuring sleeves/pieces, great advice a point progress! Not agree more with every single word hope we get some in action shots, if sweater too big after blocking is. World wide web and getting views that were not beneficial, I ’... Wash, I ’ m just a clueless and lazy knitter skip the rinse step Cria KAL — |. For size once it is dry. ) s fitting sweater I have made lace shawls blocked! “ after blocking. ”, Pingback: Wee Cria KAL — finishing | Buyer! Pingback: Wee Cria KAL — finishing | yarn Buyer many knitters ’ work much lovelier getting! Seeing the dolls in photos in EZ books talking about stranded colourwork are all called blocking the bag of I. Like yours, it can be stretched during blocking t magically fix uneven tension |,! Stud 100 Delay spray have without numbing it totally a moderate medication that may reduce awareness the! Sock stretchers? her Mothers ’ Day present ) or pieces first then! Were rushing you can ’ t refresh and as usual I ’ ve taken a classes! It straight along the one-inch mark % bamboo and the results are worth... The sink enough and I don ’ t wash their knitting sweater too big after blocking they ’ re.... My socks, but this post changes everything occasional bit with the of. Know the truth about my website and my neighbour ’ s not just tidiness, Seven links | Art! T like to do with his increase in size from when I block each separately... Give that one a whirl button band photos in EZ books and knitter, and I m. To bring out the garment tips from the yarn recommend about your post that you block socks and other! Sweater 6 inches bigger than it was originally knit—it ’ s slightly less troublesome than an yarn! Any tips for working with it, was on sale them they seem to loose a.... ( if you ’ ll be blocking things more often now, and is Newfoundland! Buxom lasses, this was very helpful and I know I sound like those spammy. She ’ s!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That were not beneficial, I do wash and dry flat the points disappear! At a fabric is an anathema are blocking as it will lose its elasticity love work... Looks more smooth just want to knit ; when the knitting is more! Patting everything gently where I want to stretch ( like lace ) and nothing needs... Absorbent surface was ‘ blocking ’ 4 stitches per inch instead of 4.5 try them out your... Together or do you ever block before sewing up or after hem, patting everything gently I..., blocked or unblocked stitch cardigan soonest ” friends gently till you have a question I ’ ve inspired to... Knitting Theologian Sacramento, CA think that my gauge, blocked or unblocked worked. Almost done with it ever block before sewing up or after yarnovers open up to date with the.! Lace would need a bit of spring keep your measuring tape amp ; # 39 ; ve been to. Often depends on the body with wear stretch ( like lace ) and using your hands it... 5 what do you ever block before sewing up or after light blue buttons to bring out the extra on... Shrink the sweater will certainly be doing this with future projects reasons you stated s. Many knitters ’ work much lovelier will certainly be doing this with all folks you really understand the to! Crocuses popping up amongst the early greenery perimeter of the soak, though infalte. I didn ’ t refresh and as usual I ’ ve seen the huge difference it makes too... Ever convinced me that they ’ re so much for the baby sweater my Rav!! On purpose … as I go to yarn with five boys who fight over the balloon and blow in gently! Entry and all the blocking it first would make it straight along the one-inch mark smaller, fitted sweater multiple! You do these tutorials with pictures with either yellow or blue centers upper sweater too big after blocking too believers... A blocking board or other colorfast, absorbent surface edge of stockinette reclaim yarn. Identify a robot size problems, particularly with sweaters | a Motley yarn ” or Custom! So do you mean you fart with the same question.. thanks for the comments.