To Block, or not to Block?
14 Sep 2009 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: blocking, etsy, FO, knitting, lace, technique
That is the question. Whether ’tis nobler to leave thy fiber in a state of nature or to forge new bonds of a higher form, and by doing so, blocking it.
Bad Shakespeare impersonations aside, blocking a finished project has been mildly debated for some time. Some people block everything they do, while others reserve it only for lace. I’m of the latter category, and instead of a lengthy explanation of how it’s beneficial, I’m going to go for before and after shots.
lace scarf before blocking- pretty, but not beautiful
I also figured out how to use the macro on my camera *after* I blocked this scarf, but that just makes the change more dramatic. And now:
Close-up of the blocked lace
So there you have it. Blocking is pretty much essential for lace. If you haven’t blocked before, here are some simple instructions, including a short cut brilliantly devised by Knit Wit.
- Fill up a sink/basin with lukewarm water and add a capful of hair conditioner or wool wash
- Put piece in the water *gently* agitate, and leave to soak for about 20 minutes
- Take piece out, put on towel, roll up towel and stamp on lightly to dry
- Lay out piece on bed or other surface and pin down, stretching to desired shape. OR thread a long piece of weed whacker cord (or blocking wires) through edges and pin down cord. This works for straight edges and takes a lot less time.
- Let dry, unpin and marvel at the wonder. Marvelling is required, otherwise you didn’t do it right.
Here are some vanity photos of aforementioned scarf, which is still available for sale at my Etsy shop.
All bundled up!
Knit on,
Purl Girl
