What is Blocking in Knitting?

Here’s something super exciting! Trust me! Knowing how to block your knitting will undoubtedly take you a long way. But what does blocking your knitting mean exactly? Blocking in knitting is simply exposing the knitted pieces to steam or moisture using a flat lay surface, which will even the stitches by giving their ideal shape. Sounds amazing right? So, before you give it a go, make sure you go through these worth-knowing facts.

Is blocking your knitting necessary?

Yes, would be a straightforward response but not every knitted piece needs to be blocked. Many of the knitters have got hang of blocking, but they rarely do use it. You must necessarily block your knitting if the pieces have not reached their expected shape or look. 

Does blocking make knitting bigger?

Some knitters falsely believe that they can enlarge their final piece by blocking. Unfortunately, it is a myth. What blocking does is open the original texture of the stitches by enhancing their ultimate look. Thus, always be mindful to stick to the preplanned, precise dimensions, throughout your project, so that you would not regret trying to enlarge your knitted piece by blocking!

Does blocking shrink knitting?

A narrow edge shrinkage is possible through blocking. If you roughly focus on the measurements of blocking before and after you will notice approximately a 5% shrinkage compared with the original dimensions.

Wool springs back after unspinning, so if you plan on blocking your piece make sure to give yourself a 5 to 10% margin.

Do you have to block knitting after every wash?

Blocking after every wash is not necessarily for every piece. For lace garments, you might need to give them a go after every wash. Since blocking helps in relaxing the yarn and encouraging the perfect drapes, it should never be overlooked. Similarly wet blocking your knitted pieces will fill up the interior fibers with water and make them bloom to their fullest.

Are there tools to block the knitting?

Absolutely yes! There are a variety of tools; blocking boards, pins, and wires which can help you highlight the perfectly textured stitches.  

• Lace Blocking Wires – These are easy to use, rustproof wires which allow you to make distinct edges of the garment. If you are working on shawls or scarves, this would be the best option. 

• Knitter’s Pride Lace Blocking Wires Kit – this knitting blocking kit will help you to hold up the project on the knitting blocking board till it dries. Even if you have no idea how to block knitting without a board, this kit includes all the tools required with directions.

• Take It Personally Deluxe Knit & Lace Blocking Wires Kit will give that flawless final touch to your sweater by shaping it up. When you want to try dry blocking knitting, simply go for the steel pins which come with this kit for a hassle-free process! Also, if you wonder how to block knitting acrylic yarn, these pins will come in handy.

• KnitPro KP10872 Lace Blocking Wires will also ensure your blocking of knitting is carefully done! 

  Now that you have read this far, we love to head you over to one last important takeaway! Even if some knitters get hold of all the essentials, tutorials, and guides, ultimately, they get puzzled on searching how to block a finished knitted project using what they have researched! Even if you don’t have a fancy blocking board, you can go for the simplest tabletop at your home or even the floor. 

Conclusion

Whether for yourself or as a present for someone, a handknitted garment will always be a good idea!