Knitting a blanket is a labor of love, but the real challenge is blocking it. To achieve a perfect finish and enhance the drape of your masterpiece, blocking is key. Follow this guide to learn how to block a knitted blanket with expert tips and techniques.
Gather all the necessary tools: rust-proof pins, blocking mats, measuring tape, and wool wash suitable for your yarn. This way, you can sail through each step without any interruptions.
Wash your knitted blanket with lukewarm water and wool wash. Soak and rinse it thoroughly. Don’t wring or twist the fabric; it may cause damage.
Lay the blanket flat on a blocking mat. Use rust-proof pins to secure each corner of the blanket. Gradually work your way along each edge, pinning them down at regular intervals. This ensures an even stretch and gives your blanket its desired shape and size.
Don’t rush! Let your knitted blanket dry completely in its blocked state before removing the pins. This allows the fibers to set in place and guarantees long-lasting results.
Witness how beautifully your knitted creation transforms after blocking. It’s worth every moment spent, and you’ll feel an incredible sense of satisfaction when you see your hard work transformed into something remarkable.
Choosing the right yarn and needles
When making a blanket, pay attention to the yarn thickness and texture. A soft, cozy yarn can make a big difference! Decide on a color palette; go for bold or subtle hues. Also, pick a yarn weight that matches up with the stitch pattern.
Needles matter too! Think about size and material. Thin needles create tighter stitches, while thicker ones produce looser ones. Opt for durable materials, such as bamboo or metal. Plus, explore other needle types, like circular or double-pointed ones, for unique design elements.
Pro Tip: Knit a gauge swatch using the chosen yarn and needles before starting the project. This ensures the correct measurements for the blanket!
Preparing the knitted blanket for blocking
To get that perfect finish on your knitted blanket, blocking is key! Here’s how to do it:
- Soak the blanket in lukewarm water for 15 mins. This will relax the fibers.
- Squeeze out excess water without wringing or twisting. Put it on a clean, absorbent towel.
- Roll up the towel & press down to remove more moisture. Unroll & transfer to a flat surface.
- Use rustproof T-pins or blocking wires to shape the edges – straight lines & even corners.
- Let dry completely before unpinning. Depending on size & density, this may take hours or days.
Pro Tip: Short on time? Use a steamer! Test it on a small area first so as not to damage delicate fibers.
Wet blocking method
- Submerge your knitted blanket in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes.
- Take it out and press it to get rid of the excess water. Be careful not to wring or twist it, as it can damage the fibers.
- Lay it on a clean towel or blocking mat, smoothing out any wrinkles.
- Securely pin the edges with rust-proof T-pins. Make sure it stays taut and stretched to the desired measurements.
- Let it air dry completely.
- Wet blocking relaxes stitches, allowing them to even out.
- It also helps elongate and reshape knitting pieces.
- Utilize this simple technique to give your creation a professional touch.
- Transform your knitting project into a polished masterpiece!
Steam blocking method
For steam blocking a knitted blanket:
- Fill a steamer with water and turn it on.
- Gently hover the steam over the blanket. Move it around for even heat distribution.
- Don’t touch the blanket with the steamer. It can damage delicate fibers.
- Let the blanket dry completely before use or storage.
Table of Steam Blocking Method:
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Fill steamer with water and turn on. |
| Step 2 | Hover steam over blanket. Make sure heat is evenly distributed. |
| Step 3 | Avoid touching blanket with steamer. It can damage fibers. |
| Step 4 | Let blanket dry completely before use or storage. |
More about Steam Blocking:
Steam blocking is a way to shape and resize knitted items, keeping their texture and look. It helps relax the yarn and make stitches more defined. But be careful when steam blocking delicate or sensitive fibers.
Here’s a true story: A friend of mine knitted a lace shawl. Its shape wasn’t as desired. After researching, she decided to try steam blocking. She used a steamer carefully to reshape the shawl. The results were amazing! It improved its beauty and drape.
Finishing touches
‘ Experiment with various blocking techniques to find the most suitable one for your project. Secure the edges of the blanket with rust-proof stainless steel T-pins. When steam blocking, use a pressing cloth or towel between the iron and the blanket. Ensure you have a large enough area to wet-block without overlapping or bunching up. Decorate the blanket with lace edging or contrasting color trim for a unique touch. Finally, attach a care label with washing instructions and yarn details to guide future maintenance. These tips will help you to elevate the finishing touches on your knitted blanket, keeping its quality and beauty for years to come.’
Conclusion
To summarise, blocking a knitted blanket is an important step to make it the desired size and shape. It not only looks better, but also ensures the stitches are in the right place.
To block it correctly, you must use the right tools and techniques. Gently stretch the blanket and flatly pin it down. This enables the fibres to relax and sit in the correct place, smoothing out any wrinkles or unevenness.
Blocking not only changes the drape of the blanket, but also stops it from shrinking or changing shape when washed. It keeps the stitches aligned and neat.
Also, blocking gives you the chance to personalize the blanket. By controlling the tension when blocking, you can decide the blanket’s final size. This is especially useful when working with patterns that need precise measurements.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ 1: How do I block a knitted blanket?
Answer: To block a knitted blanket, you will need to follow these steps:
1. Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water.
2. Gently submerge the knitted blanket and let it soak for about 15 minutes.
3. Remove the blanket from the water and squeeze out excess water without wringing.
4. Lay the blanket flat on a clean, absorbent towel.
5. Shape the blanket to its desired dimensions, gently pulling and stretching it into shape.
6. Use rustproof pins to pin the blanket in place, securing its shape.
7. Leave the blanket to dry completely before unpinning.
FAQ 2: Can I use an iron to block a knitted blanket?
Answer: It is not recommended to use an iron to block a knitted blanket. The heat from an iron can damage the delicate fibers of the knitted fabric. It is best to use the soaking and shaping method described above to block a knitted blanket.
FAQ 3: How long does it take for a knitted blanket to dry after blocking?
Answer: The drying time of a blocked knitted blanket can vary depending on various factors such as the thickness of the blanket, humidity levels, and air circulation. Generally, it can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours for a knitted blanket to dry completely after blocking.
FAQ 4: Should I block my knitted blanket after every wash?
Answer: It is not necessary to block a knitted blanket after every wash unless the blanket has lost its shape or the stitches have become uneven. Blocking is typically done to reshape and even out the stitches. However, if you notice any issues with the shape or stitches, you may consider blocking the blanket after washing.
FAQ 5: Can I block a knitted blanket made of acrylic yarn?
Answer: Yes, you can block a knitted blanket made of acrylic yarn. However, it is important to note that acrylic yarn has a lower blocking ability compared to natural fibers. Use a gentle blocking method and avoid excessive stretching, as acrylic yarn may not hold its shape as well as wool or other natural fibers.
FAQ 6: Are there any alternatives to blocking a knitted blanket?
Answer: If you prefer not to block your knitted blanket, there are a few alternative methods you can try:
1. Steam blocking: Gently steam the blanket using a garment steamer, being careful not to touch the fabric directly with the steamer. Shape the blanket while steaming to achieve desired dimensions.
2. Wet blocking: Instead of soaking the entire blanket, dampen a clean cloth with water and place it over the section you want to reshape. Use a warm iron (without touching the fabric) to press and shape the damp area.
