Why you should block your knitting

Why you should block your knitting - your swatches, your project pieces, and your finished garment. In this session we'll go over the basics of blocking, the three different blocking techniques, and which technique is best for which kind of garment and why.
We'll also talk about the why's of blocking garment pieces that will be seamed and how to block sweaters that are already put together.
And finally, we'll talk about how blocking changes the fabric itself - how the yarn blooms, and how blocking can help with things like uneven stitches and even mild biasing.
Cocoknits Blocking kit
www.crazyforewe.com/products/...
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[@karengervais6473]

My grannie taught me plain knitting back in the 60s and now I believe Iv learnt more than what she probably knew and I don’t remember blocking of hand knits all those years ago 😊

[@CrazyForEwe]

Perhaps not. I’m sure your grannie was a wise woman and accomplished knitter! Do you block things now? If not, just give it a try and see what you think

[@brunellacarlberg6222]

Very helpful!

[@Loveleione]

I wet block all finished items except socks. I like how the garments look after plus it is an opportunity to check color fastness and possible dropped stitches. 🙋🏽‍♀️

[@CrazyForEwe]

So true about colorfastness and checking our work! Have you ever tried steam blocking?

[@camellia8625]

Thankyou for such an informative presentation. What steamer do you like to use for steam blocking? What surface is best for pinning into for blocking?

[@CrazyForEwe]

You are welcome! I’m glad it was helpful. I use a commercial steamer, but any steamer will do just fine. For a surface, I like Cocoknits Knitters Block www.crazyforewe.com/products/knitters-block-kit Because it has a textured surface that stands up to water and doesn’t get slimy

[@maureencepiel959]

How would you block a long scarf.

[@CrazyForEwe]

Sometimes you have to block it in two sections, or you can fold it and block it in two layers. Just be sure to put a towel at the fold to prevent a crease there

[@maureencepiel959]

@@CrazyForEwe Thank you. I don't have enough space to block a 5' scarf. 🤭

[@kradford8827]

Great info just discovered you. I wet blocked my sweater pieces before sewing together and not sure if I need to block again? Yarn is Patons Ethereal, alpaca, non, acrylic and viscose. Can you steam block a yarn such as this or would it be too hot? Also what is the yarn in the video at 23.46? Thanks again. Cheers Kay

[@CrazyForEwe]

Hi Kay! Thanks so much for watching out for commenting. I have never worked with Patons Ethereal, so I can’t say for sure how it would react to steam blocking. I would recommend that you try it out on your swatch. If you don’t have a swatch go ahead and net one with the leftover yarn and see how it does. I’ll take a look at the video at 23:46 and let you know what the yarn is.

[@CrazyForEwe]

The yarn at 23:46 is Noro Okunoshima. One of my favorite fibers. The sample is color 04. Here’s a link. www.crazyforewe.com/products/noro-okunoshima?_pos=1&_psq=Okunoshima&_ss=e&_v=1.0&variant=32024206540861

[@kradford8827]

Thank you so much I'll test the steam on a swatch and the NORO Okunoshima is beautiful! So much to knit, so little time! Great videos. Cheers Kay

[@kradford8827]

How does the Okunoshima feel against skin? I can't wear anything slightly itchy, especially around the neck so I have to be careful what yarn I use. Thanks again. K

[@kradford8827]

Your nails are amazing! Do you have acrylic or sns over the top of them?

[@annehubert3175]

I hvenever blocked

[@CrazyForEwe]

It can make a difference if the fabric doesn’t look exactly like you want it to.