How to give your knitted garments the PERFECT finish by ARNE & CARLOS

[@gydha]

Dear Arne and Carlos. You are pressing the garment, not steaming it. The difference is very important, you see when you press the garment like you do, all the elasticity in the wool disappear. If you steam it as in only using your steam on your iron without pressing you will get a better result. The wool will "blossom", stitches get even and you will keep the elasticity. In tailoring we use steam and heat to shrink wool fabric and heat and steam is not the reason your ribbing gets wide, it's because you iron/press it. I design knitwear as well and all I use is steam, but never with a pressing cloth and iron. And when knitted garments get out of shape and you used the sweater a lot, all you need to do is steam it and it will look like a new garment again. All the best, Kirvil.

[@LucindaL413]

This is what I learned in my Home Economics classes in college!

[@judym8557]

The steam appears to be coming from the wet towel.

[@cosminpreda4093]

Sorry to ask, should the Iron touch the garment or should be a 1-2 cm cm distance between iron and garment? And if iron should touch, should it be soft? Ty❤

[@brandip2446]

ThanksI thought they weren't steaming it, glad saw your comment I would have got a whole different out come then I wanted

[@mimivoiculescu326]

Ya , I just steam keaping the iron at a small distance above the garment . I can also see what I'm doing .With the other hand I pres geantly if necessary.

[@lunahoneyknits]

I hate blocking and you saved me XD I just steamed 3 sweaters that I made a year ago. Wasn't wearing them, because I'm too lazy to block them. Thank you , thank you, thank you!

[@ARNECARLOS]

You are very welcome.

[@MazzyMadness]

I’m hours away from blocking a cardigan and I’m SO glad I stumbled across this!! I was dreading pinning it out

[@carollucey111]

me too 😂😂

[@jennyweyman3039]

You are like the wise family I never had. I only ever got half the information. Now I know to NOT steam the waistband or placket. No one ever told me that!

[@Booboonancy]

Wow, even your steaming towel is beautiful !

[@BeautifulBlueHeart]

Can you please make a video on how you wash your beautiful hand knit things. I would love to watch all your tips and see the process. Thankyou for all your lovely videos!

[@zQoQz]

You say English is not your first language, but you both speak it very, very well! The sweater is absolutely beautiful, and thank you for the tip to not do the waistband and cuffs! I would have never known! You both work so beautifully together and it’s adorable! Keep it up! :) ❤️

[@ARNECARLOS]

Thank you!

[@jlt131]

@@ARNECARLOS would you use this method on items that have cable stitching? or is it to be avoided like the ribbed waistband?

[@Tinacrafts2]

@@jlt131 I’m wondering the same thing. I’m on the neckband of my Aran sweater now.

[@mistyblue5312]

Still sharing this with knitting friends...thanks for saving us from a whole lot of “blocking” grief! Invaluable info!!

[@charlottebarnes6761]

No one has the talent like these two do. They are the greatest knitters in the world.

[@marynimocks6791]

Thank you for the option other than blocking. Much better! AND the sweaters you are wearing are terrific! 👏👏👏

[@ARNECARLOS]

Thank you!

[@tanesteedart]

Thank you so much for making this video. I just finished the first sweater I’ve made for myself and used this method instead of blocking. It’s simpler and takes up far less room. I’ve been knitting since the age of 5 (now 59), I’m glad to learn something new!

[@MsGroovemom]

Thanks so much for making this tutorial. I've only been knitting a year, and I thought you had to block everything (meaning, get the piece wet and lay it flat and stretch it out)...I just finished the Hitchhiker Shawl and was dreading having to block it. It's really, really long. Anyway, thanks to you guys, I set up my ironing board, got a wet towel, and used your steam method to make that shawl look absolutely fabulous. I'm a convert now. Any more fundamental advice you can give will be most welcome. :)

[@christinelinn9250]

Good evening to you both. You both look great in your beautiful kitchen with the lovely Freja barking in the background. I've done steaming for the past 50years it gives a beautiful finish and you explained it so well to everyone no cause for confusion there. I statted making socks this year and they spoke about blocking I had no idea what they meant until I saw the wooden feet they were on and shawls pinned to washing lines. Your way is so much easier. Its common sense a medium hot iron and damp cloth cost nothing and so simple to use. You both make the show so enjoyable and fun. I made my first Magnus Mouse this week in the evenings as I had my top teeth removed and was unable to sleep due to pain. Can wait till next Sunday when we see you lovely guys again. Take care look after each other. Puss och Kram x

[@onislandtime6470]

Am a novice knitter and just finished knitting a small cardigan. Was searching You Tube for "How to Block a knitting project" and came across your instructional video ...... it's terrific! Loved it especially when you advised not to steam the ribbing.

[@ARNECARLOS]

Congratulations on finishing your cardigan!

[@normamurphy2827]

FABULOUS!!!!! No more blocking for me in Raleigh, North Carolina!

[@ARNECARLOS]

Yay!

[@janelatimer4773]

Lovely. Problems solved! You two are delightful to watch.

[@danbev8542]

This looks perfect! Use an old towel that will NOT bleed color onto the knitted garment. I really enjoy you guys!

[@kindafoggy]

My first thought too. That's a heart breaking moment I only did once and I wouldn't wish on anyone!

[@sunnymountainhoneyfountain]

So grateful for this video. You two just saved me so much time

[@zz-by4jb]

This was such a great tutorial! I learned so much! I've never understood blocking and didn't know how to finish my garments... Now I do! Thank you so much 😊

[@cannabis1490]

Blocking made simple. Thank you Arne n Carlos.🇯🇲❤

[@thecupandmug6745]

I'm so glad I watched this just in time! This is how we used to do it in the old days. All the modern knitters I know swear and declare that blocking is way superior and so I was about to attempt my first blocking effort. If something's better I'm happy to try it but it's too easy to doubt yourself. Thank you. 🙂

[@ARNECARLOS]

You are welcome!

[@travelingsnail]

I just watched this so I could give my Christmas stocking a good finishing. Thanks so much, I'll be steaming knitted things from now on unless blocking is absolutely necessary.

[@terryscott9498]

it makes me feel very special to get your answers back ,when you write to us.you both areas sweet, thank you.

[@ARNECARLOS]

Thank you Terry! We like reading your comments aswell.

[@catherinewilson1610]

This tip did rock my world. I am new to blocking I was no afraid of it that I did not do it at all. Now I use the method and my knits look so much better.

[@ARNECARLOS]

Good to hear that, steaming is alot easier and makes a big difference.

[@helpfulhabits5217]

Hi from New Zealand. This is just the way my Grandma taught me. 😊🙃😊 Great video. Thanks.

[@ARNECARLOS]

You are welcome.

[@lesleygoodman6986]

I just finished a wool baby cardigan and used your finishing method. It turned out beautifully! I am going to gather up all the fingerless gloves I’ve knitted this year and do the same with them. Thank you.

[@mariapetz1211]

Yes I learn this technique from my mom when I was very young I’m from Slovenia but now live in Canada now I have problem whit reading patterns there was no patterns that time love you nice gentleman

[@ARNECARLOS]

Thank you!

[@joyceprovost380]

I made a baby dress, steamed it and took it for show and tell at the yarn store I used to frequent. I was shocked by their rudeness. I love my knitted garments steamed and still do steam. I no longer go to that yarn shop. THANK YOU GUYS MAKING THIS VIDEO. HUGS

[@ARNECARLOS]

You are welcome!

[@Stettafire]

Yes, I found many people are very rude about blocking. Pinning is only needed if you have bad tension

[@jackiefitzgerald6995]

This is how I was taught to finish my knitting by my family back in 1950 in the USA.

[@ARNECARLOS]

😍

[@ambertjeuh]

My mom and grandma taught me like this (Belgium) but never blocking And everything I read and found online kept talking about blocking. And I dreaded it, because it is so time consuming and I have no space for the mats. So thank you ❤

[@BeautifulOaks]

I enjoyed and learned a lot about steaming the knit garment. The content was great, easy to understand, brief and funny. Who doesn't like spa day? Thank you.

[@ARNECARLOS]

That's true. Spa day, everyday! Thank you for watching Beronica.

[@WhiskeyLaroo]

Just few days ago i discovered i can block stuff with my steamer - that is exactly same outcome and I always use natural fibers so discovering the steam in knitting was like...omg yessss!! 😍

[@ARNECARLOS]

👍

[@nightsky8007]

Thank you so much for making this video and for explaining everything in such detail. I have confidence now to continue with steaming and not blocking.

[@chriscaine7689]

Thankyou both for yet another informative video. Sometimes the old fashioned methods are the best, and this is one of them.

[@ARNECARLOS]

You are welcome Chris!

[@rainieraine1192]

You two just make me smile so much, thank you

[@giudittalucia9545]

Thank you so much. I really didn’t want to submerge my sweater into water. This is such a better process. Thank you!!!!!!!

[@ARNECARLOS]

Have fun!

[@judithah41]

Thanks for sharing the PERFECT finish!. ❤️ You both are treasures!

[@marilynnsimmons1417]

You have helped me tremendously. I will always steam now and never the cuffs. Thank you.

[@ARNECARLOS]

You are welcome!

[@annekevangorkum]

Good day to you both. Every country it's own steamtradition? My mother learned me to always steam the inside, to flatten a bit less the outside. And she did not "move" the flat-iron,she only used the weight of the flat-iron and than placed it a bit further, to avoid deformation of the garment. But the way you do it, looks very good, really. Thanks for again for this.

[@Stettafire]

Before the internet, this way was common in UK and most of Scandinavia.

[@grammieluli]

You guys are so awesome! This tutorial couldn't have come at a better time. I just learned how to knit socks and wasn't sure how to finish them. So much easier than I thought it would be. Great tip on not steaming the ribbing.

[@louisewinter7614]

I just love your sense of humor.’ Good information also!

[@BeatlesFanSonia]

I’m so glad I saw this!

[@ARNECARLOS]

Thank you!

[@drhelenloney1426]

that's really helpful. I've just washed two 30 year old Rowan jackets I knitted before I was married, and the combination of machine (top loading) washing and a bit of pressing, they both look like new.

[@bazoin1]

I think this is a great way to finish garments and no need to go out and buy special equipment, also it's quick to do. I was impressed with how the inside of your sleeve was finished, I think you said it had been 'faced'. Do you have a tutorial on this method?

[@christinatang2133]

I've always disliked blocking, exactly for the reasons you've stated. Thank you for sharing this method. It's been extremely useful, especially on the patches from your quarantine knit along.

[@ARNECARLOS]

You are welcome!

[@chrisdavis1962]

Thanks guys for this so helpful video - this has answered all my concerns on pressing my new knitted creation.

[@ARNECARLOS]

You are welcome, and remember to not be afraid of steeking.

[@rosspreston7539]

Thank you for the wonderful video; I come back to it time and time again. This time, I tried the tip of simply covering the knitting (your Tove sweater, actually) with a damp cloth and it worked so well! Thank you once again! :)

[@chickadeeacres3864]

This is much better! I tried the soaking first blocking on a huge granny square coat. It took so long to dry that it had started to smell musty. I had to wash it in delicate cycle and spin dry before I could try blocking it again.

[@maureenhebert7673]

Oh my goodness! Thank Goodness I found your video. I was dreading pinning out a large heavy cardigan I just finished. This makes so much more sense and was how my mother always blocked her knitting. I kept finding videos where they would pin the item out and I was thinking my mother may have been doing it wrong. I now know it’s a preference. Thank you. You are both delightful

[@ARNECARLOS]

You are welcome Maureen❤️

[@mrsmarciad]

Your advice to steam knitted or crochet projects are the best so far. I have watched other tutorials on blocking, and Your tutorial is THE BEST ADVICE. Thank you so much. London xx

[@chrisdonohoo]

Very helpful tutorial! Today I have finished a colorwork sweater with the Rowan Select Norwegian yarn, and I'm excited for it to receive a "spa" treatment!😄

[@ARNECARLOS]

It deserves a trip to the spa!

[@normalisoy1561]

I love your plates and dishes in the background. I have a set of these which I use daily. They are so cheery!

[@carolharper268]

I’m 60 years young and I’ve been knitting since I was 4 but I still love watching all your videos. If you ever visit Cornwall or Devon you need to go to j Arbon mill they had an open day the other month. I thought of you two whilst I was there, you’d be like children in a candy stop! Love you guys, keep them coming. 😘 😘

[@ARNECARLOS]

Hi Carol, Cornwall would be a lovely place to visit one day!

[@AnnikaTanja]

This saved me soo much possible stress as a new knitting. I was dreading the blocking everyone was talking about.

[@melhoyos3128]

Thank you so so much for this! I've been struggling find a way without investing more money!! Thank youuu

[@cherylnissing717]

You both are adorable! I loved the video! I am Norwegian but three families ago near Oslo! Is am American , can’t wait for Knit Stars Three, hugs to you both!

[@MarinaMandarinaWoolyWorld]

This is a great sound, you are right! And also the smell of the moist warm wool adds to it, sooo cosy, reminds me of my childhood when I spent summer holidays at my grandparents and grandma steamed her knitting, made with a wool she made herself. Good good memories 😌 warm memories 💖 thank you, Arne and Carlos 💖

[@Sophira1]

Thank you so much. This is such a simple and effective way of finishing the garment. You also answered a question that was bothering me - should I block the pieces or the whole garment. I feel a lot more confident now xx

[@kopcat49]

Thank you so much for relieving me of the guilt I have had because I never block my garments or anything else I knit. I've always steamed them with a wet towel just like you showed on this video and never saw the need to pin and wet them and go through all that work. And I didn't want to buy all that equipment. For sleeves I use a tailors sleeve roll instead of the little ironing board or just move them like you did on the ironing board to avoid the crease. Love your helpful videos.

[@ARNECARLOS]

We are glad to help!

[@nicolewatkinscampbell2842]

Thanks, guys, for a stress-free way to finish our garments nicely. And I agree that “moist” is a lovely word, perhaps even the Queen of all Words.

[@ARNECARLOS]

😂😀

[@chlexiel.1022]

I have used this method- it’s amazing. Thank you for sharing. I just needed a refresher 😊

[@kristibbradshaw]

Your English is very good!!!! I love your garment finishing techniques. Thank you.

[@martinabuenning2763]

Hi, thank you so much for this entertaining and informative vlog 😊 I‘ve been a knitter for over 50 years (I‘m 62 today) and I always used your blocking method. Just tought about switchting and buy mats and needles for a better result... But now I with your support I‘ll stay to my old method and use the saved money on some Arne and Carlos sock yarn 🤓😉😻

[@ARNECARLOS]

Stay old school!

[@Mindfulnessification]

This was so good! I started my garment knitting finishing by steaming, then moved to “blocking.” Now, I honk I will go back to steaming. I did love the results!!! Thank you!!!! ❤️👏🏼❤️

[@cruisepaige]

Guys, it is such a gift to us for you guys to share your experience and talent with us.

[@ARNECARLOS]

Thank you!

[@alexhawkhead]

I am SO glad I saw this video

[@LecheVitrineUK]

My grandma used this method for all her knitting. At university where I studied textiles with knit pieces we pinned them on a big stream press we didn't press the to half down we just got the steam lever which worked perfectly, people have their own favourite methods.

[@ChiarettaCroce]

OMG, my mother, she was a modiste, used the same method with her fabrics in late 70s ... ❤

[@ARNECARLOS]

😀

[@anncarrington9784]

Thanking you both so much. I have just knitted a shawl and was wondering how to Finnish it without going down the road to blocking it and up you two lovely people popped with the answer how fantastic and it's worked like a dream x

[@ARNECARLOS]

We are glad to hear that!

[@lyndajohnston9875]

This is fantastic it’s the European way of finishing or pressing a garment that I’ve done when I was a child, my mother is from Holland and this is how she always did it and how she showed me how to do it, it’s so much quicker than blocking that takes for ever, thanks you so much you both have reassured me of my thoughts that this would be a easier way of finishing of my sweeter. 💙💙

[@ARNECARLOS]

It is a great way!

[@PathsToMath]

I love the sweaters you are wearing!

[@leighabresch8143]

Thanks for another great video. Please consider doing a video showing how you knit and apply the bindings for the armholes. They look beautiful and finished.

[@amym9744]

Great information!! A Knitting Spa....that sounds like the place to be!

[@doreenannafourie4125]

I love the way you finish the sleeves I've never seen that, will look and see if you have a video on it.

[@rebeccabello3103]

Thanks guys...just what I needed. you guys are the "Rocket Scientist" of knitting! ❤️

[@RonPiggott]

Thank you for the time you spent making this.

[@Lola.2248]

Arne and Carlos, you are the #BEST! I #SO look forward every week to your videos! I have learned SO much from them. In addition, your books are #PRICELESS! All are must have's! My only regret is that you are not my neighbor lol. I would #LOVE to sit, knit and talk to you both :) But then again, if you were, I'd never get anything done here lol. I have lots to do daily as I'm a foster mom to over 18 kitties. They all have benefited from my knitting from toys to beds. Thank you #SO very much for taking the time you do to post videos for all to learn from, enjoy! Please have a #WONDERFUL week! :)

[@belindavalentyn9509]

Thank you for this thought I had to buy very expensive gear to block my sweaters. This was great. Thank you again.

[@ARNECARLOS]

As simple as this!

[@diane7167]

Thank you so much for this tutorial! I have always blocked my knitted items with pins, water, and waited days and days for it to dry properly before I could stitch the seams together. This method is so quick and easy to do; thank you for your expertise!

[@ARNECARLOS]

You are welcome!

[@nellymaitin2326]

Thank you Arne and Carlos for the great tutorial. You guys are awesome!!

[@ewamahring]

I love you guys, so happy I discovered you. Better than Netflix!

[@ARNECARLOS]

Thank you!

[@attheranch873]

Thank you, I don’t like blocking either, but I do like ironing with steam😀👍

[@lindasgrammarhammer9208]

Your little ironing board is called a sleeve board. I also suggest using a tailors ham for shaping shoulder and the armhole. From a sewer. I really like your show, Linda S

[@maghouinbeg5011]

If people don't have a tailor's ham, one can be improvised by rolling up a towel.It can be slipped into the sleeve of a garment. It allows sleeves to be pressed without creating creases.

[@birdasu4876]

I just used this technique on a Christmas stocking I made and WOW! Super easy and the results are beautiful! No doubt this is the way to go! Thank you A and C! : )

[@ARNECARLOS]

You are welcome!

[@AprilBensen]

I’m about to finish my first Christmas stocking ! So glad to hear this technique is the way to go for finishing!

[@nancyb.9759]

Thank you for all of your videos!! I am loving the methodical from Carlos and the lightheartedness of Arne. Somehow both in combination make me feel that I CAN do these things too. Not to complain, because I feel very Lucy and happy, but I have a head injury that makes it usually difficult for me to pick up the understanding and feel successful at many things. Your particular blend has made me want to not give up. Thank you most sincerely, yours from Rochester, NY, Nancy.

[@ARNECARLOS]

Don’t give up😊❤️

[@catherearing7245]

Thank you! Just saved me from spending money on blocking tools!!

[@kaben20]

Excellent video! I too did not realize we weren’t supposed to steam the ribbing etc. ( My grandpa came to Canada from Norway when he was 19 yrs old)

[@iChillypepper]

Amazing you can actually see the difference

[@bluegrassdreams2seams510]

Thank you for this demonstration! I’ve always wanted to know how to finish using my iron! You two are awesome!

[@ireneparks7392]

Working on my first shawl project and was going to wet block but I will try your knit spa finishing technique. Thank you 🙂

[@helenwilliams1468]

Thank you I haven’t knitted for 30 years just finished a jumper and now it looks just right

[@ARNECARLOS]

You are welcome.

[@yvonnehatin3066]

Yes this is the best way guys. Did this some 70 yrs ago .

[@JenTGdl]

I'm from Mexico and my grandma was a great knitter, really talented, and she never " blocked". She just steamed her knits.

[@ARNECARLOS]

👍

[@anncarrington9784]

Thanking you both so much I've just finished an all wool jumper and this worked perfectly x

[@ARNECARLOS]

👍

[@ibyteuback]

Love the pressing cloth

[@newday4936]

Thank you both so much for this video. I love your common sense approach

[@ARNECARLOS]

We are glad you liked it!

[@suzannelegault4959]

Je vous adore, j’apprends beaucoup avec vous deux . Un gros merci de partager si généreusement votre savoir. Votre complicité et votre humour est touchante.

[@jenrich111]

10:00 appreciate sensible advice from fashion designers in international, natural fibre, garment manufacturing industry, to use our ironing board to finish our garments at home(and pin/block if we want to, (to our ironing boards and not buy $$$ the boards etc)- applying wet towel to garment and apply heat, is neat and avoid pressing ribbing of course! ❤Brilliant gentlemen Thank you

[@TheCratsky]

Oh wow. I will try this on the first cable scarf I made. It is a bit too lose but hopefully the steam will tighten it up a bit. Thank you for posting.

[@GitchaGoat]

Beautiful, thank you 🙏🏼