So the exciting moment has arrived where you have bound off your last stitch and woven in the last piece of thread. But before assembling your project, let’s give our stitches the best possible shape by blocking them properly with our KnitPro Blocking Tools. You will see how they yearn for a good stretch and some gentle treatment, as we all do sometimes.
Just take into account that each yarn has a different texture, quality and tension. Water and heat can change these dramatically, as those who ever made the mistake of throwing a woolen jumper into the washing machine might know. This is why professional knitters always carefully block any finished item before assembling, let alone wearing it.
Below you can find all you need for blocking your finished work professionally, no matter whether it is a garment or accessory made of several or perhaps just one piece. And remember, blocking your project means loving your project. Beforehand, spray your finished item with some soapy water and then block it. This will help your pattern find its best form and appearance later.
Blocking mats
Our blocking mats have been designed like a giant puzzle and can be assembled in the shape, length and width your garment requires, just like a tangram puzzle but with the possibility to interlace the pieces firmly. A set contains nine pieces, sized 30 x 30 cm. All mats pieced together cover a space of 270 x 270 cm which is big enough even for a larger blanket.
Just gently spray your project or garment with some tepid water, then spread it out onto the amount of mats required and gently align the edges until it reaches the form you wish it to give. Many knitters soak the entire item in a bowl or bucket of water beforehand, which may be advisable depending on your pattern. For some patterns, like a ribbed scarf or a cabled sweater, too much water can be damaging, though.
Blocking Pins
Where in the past a huge amount of single pins and needles was needed (and lost in the carpet), our practical and innovative Blocking Combs not only facilitate a more even blocking of your project, they also speed the whole process up enormously and save your precious time (thus enabling you to start a new project while waiting for your blocked item to settle into shape).
Our bright and sturdy knit blockers help maintain a good tension on all edges of your knitwork and get them straight. Our pins even out your stitches and let patterns pop in the most stunning way.
For tricky lace patterns we have T-shaped Lace Pins that are longer and also rust-resistant, so you can pinpoint all your additional spikes in your delicate pattern with utter precision.
The Aqua Sock Blocker
Should I or should I not block my hand-knitted socks, many knitting newbies ask us? We say, yes. You have spent so much time and effort on learning each of the tricky steps of knitting a sock top to toe correctly, why would you stop when it comes to giving your work the best possible shape? And let's be frank. All socks, even the ones made by the most experienced knitters look a bit crumpled when just finished and not yet blocked.
When dipping the sock into lukewarm, soapy water, you will find that the stitches relax and the yarn even feels softer. Afterwards, roll each sock in a separate, dry towel and tap or wring gently, until most of the moisture is in the towel.
Now it is time to place them over your sock blockers. Our Aqua Sock blockers come in the three, convenient sizes S,M and L and will give your socks the last magical touch and make them look just as gorgeous as you have imagined them in your mind. The sock blockers come with a hole at the top, so you can pull a hook through and hang the wet socks up to dry.
Place your blocked socks in a place that is warm and has good airflow, or put a fan close. The more air they can get, the quicker they will dry, particularly during the winter months. Even if your room is well ventilated it can still take a day or two for them to completely dry.
We hope we have convinced you that blocking your beloved project gently and with the required care is just a good practice before wearing it proudly and finally receiving all the “Wows” from your friends and family around you.
Do you have a favourite KnitPro Blocking tool? Also, read more on how to best block your cable patterns in our blog here.
