Do projects made with acrylic need blocking?

General Knitting
1

99.9% of my projects (scarves, blankets, sweaters) I make with acrylic yarn. Mostly because my husband is allergic to almost all animals.

I’m wondering if I’m supposed to block these, and if so which method to use???

Thanks,
knitcindy

2

Depends what you mean by blocking. Wetting, stretching out and pinning isn’t necessary with most things, and doesn’t work with acrylic. However, with acrylic you can wash and dry then and that will even out the sts and relax them a little from the steam in the dryer. That’s all you need to do to ‘block’ something, even a wool (though of course you wouldn’t wash in the machine and put in the dryer).

3

Although I haven’t actually tried it yet acrylic can be blocked, but for most things it doesn’t need it. I usually just toss things in the washer and dryer.

Here’s a link to how to block acrylic should you ever need it.

4

Thanks so much!!! I always toss my finished items in the washer/dryer anyway, to clean them up. But I didn’t know if anything else was needed before I sewed my sweater together!!

knitcindy

5

I steam block before seaming to take out the curl or if a piece isn’t shaped quite right or is a little small.

6

Hi! I’ve done numerous pieces, particularly afghans, that I blocked, even though they were acrylic.

I put them in the washer on gentle with a soft soap (like Ivory Snow) and then lay out the piece on my blocking table. I use a lot of blocking wires to make sure I can even up the sides and then just let the piece dry.

It comes out really nicely, much better than if I’d just left it alone or washed and dried it in the machine.

I wouldn’t not block a piece of acrylic knit. They really do look so much better.

Then, too, the stitches are set and future washings and dryings don’t necessarily need blocking!

Happy knitting,

Ruthie :o)

7

[B]Yes.[/B] ( I do!) The appearance always improves. Block before seaming. It helps.

8

Me too, I always block - even the plainest of scarves…it just looks more finished.
I handwash with Eucalan (love it) then squish in a towel, to damp-dry. Then I lay it out in a warm place, sometimes atop my dryer, if it fits.

Good luck with yours!