I am going to knit the East Meets West bag from Knit Picks. I have never blocked my projects, as what I have knit hasn’t needed it in my opinion. Are there specific items you need to use to block? Thanks for any and all help!
Blocking is a way to “set” stitches with steam. Honestly, I don’t block often. Lace needs to be blocked to stretch the stitches. Wool is blocked to keep the shape. It really depends on the fiber & the pattern.
Generally, you buy blocking boards or foam. I’ve had okay luck using a towel & ironing board. What do the pieces look like?
This a link to a short article at Lucy Neatby’s site about blocking. She says she is trying to convert people to cold water blocking and that any mention of steam makes her wince. LINK
Blocking is one of the few thing I have never played with. I wash, set the pieces in shape. And steam.
There may be better ways to do this. But I don’t know them. Although, I am open to learning new ways to set stitches.
I blocked my first project, you can see it here if you are a member of Ravelry http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Homeschoolmomvt/lace-tee-82382
I used a piece of HEAVY poster board bought from Micheal’s and straight pins. (you can see that in the pic) I used a spray bottle bought from walmart and sprayed it down with cold water then pinned it out on the board. It was TERRIBLE because I couldnt set the board on the table I had to work with someone holding the board while I pinned it down. So I bought the blocking boards and the blocking wires from knitpicks. I LOVE THEM! the boards and the wires are only 20.00 each. They are well worth the investment if you are going to be blocking often. I am knitting a lace shawl right now and can’t wait to block again! Hope this helps!
Greta