[Nfb-krafters-korner] blocking

Sat Mar 12 19:29:37 UTC 2011

Hi Audrey. Thanks for the info. 
H
On Mar 12, 2011, at 12:32 AM, AUDREY WELLNER wrote:

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> Henrietta, 
>    This article is copywritten material taken directly from Lion Brand's Monthly Newsletter, 
> written by Barbara Breiter that I just read.  If you'd like to subscribe and receive the 
> information first hand the site is available at. They offer lots of helpful hints.
> postmaster at newsletter.lionbrand.com
>  
> OR:
>  
> http://www.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/pg.fcgi?
> page=addToStoreMailingList.html&utm_source=20110311_March11&utm_medium=Emails&utm_campaign=Weeklynewsletter&utm_content=Subscribe
>  
> Audrey J. Wellner, Secretary
> NFB Krafters Korner division
> 
> --- On Fri, 3/11/11, Henrietta Brewer <gary.brewer at comcast.net> wrote:
> 
> 
> From: Henrietta Brewer <gary.brewer at comcast.net>
> Subject: Re: [Nfb-krafters-korner] blocking
> To: "List for blind crafters and artists" <nfb-krafters-korner at nfbnet.org>
> Date: Friday, March 11, 2011, 7:04 PM
> 
> 
> Thanks so much. I am making a prayer shall for church and wanted to wash it before taking it in. but I thought it might look used that way.
> Henrietta
> On Mar 11, 2011, at 6:38 PM, Becky Frankeberger wrote:
> 
>> Blocking Hints & Tips
>> By: Barbara Breiter
>> Blocking is the process of using water or steam  to help you shape your knit
>> or crochet
>> project to its final size and shape; it also can help even up stitch tension
>> and
>> edges. For some projects, blocking will make a big difference. For instance,
>> lace
>> patterns almost always need blocking as it opens up the pattern. Don't think
>> of blocking
>> as a miracle-tool--it won't make your too small sweater 3 sizes larger--but
>> it can
>> work wonders in making your project more finished looking.
>> First, blocking involves a few "don'ts." Check your yarn label for care
>> instructions.
>> Don't block yarns labeled "dry clean only." Don't ever iron your project in
>> an attempt
>> to block; you will wind up with a flat, limp, lifeless mess. An iron should
>> only
>> be used to steam a project (more on that below). Acrylic yarn, or yarn that
>> has a
>> high acrylic content, does not usually block well. The best way to block
>> acrylic
>> is to throw your project in the washer and dryer, following label
>> directions, which
>> will help even out tension.
>> If you are blocking a sweater or other garment that needs to be sewn,
>> whether to
>> block it before or after you have seamed it together is entirely up to you.
>> Some
>> people find that the pieces will lay flatter and be easier to sew if blocked
>> before
>> seaming, but others may find that it's only after seaming it that they
>> decide it
>> needs a little extra help.
>> Spray blocking
>> For spray blocking (a method that's good for items that only need a light
>> blocking),
>> you'll need a spray bottle with water, rust-proof pins (T-pins available at
>> craft
>> or fabric stores are good for this job, and a surface on which to block. If
>> the piece
>> is small, you can fold one or two towels in half and lay them on top of one
>> another
>> so it's thick enough to hold the pins. Blocking boards are also sold for
>> this purpose;
>> these are handy as they come with measurements and straight lines printed on
>> the
>> board. Some people make their own blocking boards by wrapping fabric around
>> foam
>> boards to create a smooth surface to pin into.
>> To spray block, lay out the item, spray with water, and get out your
>> measuring tape.
>> Follow the measurements of the pattern's schematic using your tape. Or if
>> it's a
>> scarf, be sure it measures the same width throughout. Gently pull the piece
>> so that
>> the measurements are what they should be. Even up the seams. Push ribbing in
>> with
>> your fingers. Work one area at a time, spraying and pinning and making sure
>> things
>> are straight. Pin in place using rust proof pins. The piece should be
>> completely
>> dry before removing the pins.
>> Wet blocking
>> To block a project that needs a little extra help, wet block the item. Wash
>> the item
>> according to the care instructions (or simply submerge fullly in water and
>> gently
>> ring out) and then follow the above procedure.
>> Steam blocking
>> If your project needs severe blocking, you can try steaming. But be gentle.
>> Steaming
>> means just that.it doesn't mean ironing! Lay out and pin your project to the
>> correct
>> measurements. If you're using a steam iron, hold the iron about 10 inches
>> above the
>> piece until it's damp. You can also lay a wet cloth over the piece and hold
>> the iron
>> above the cloth, but again, do not press down or iron it. If you have a
>> steamer,
>> you can hang the piece (or lay it out) and steam it until damp and then lay
>> it out,
>> measure it, and pin it. Leave it in place until completely dry.
>> Note that with steam blocking, it's always a good idea to test this first on
>> a swatch.
>> Practice makes perfect! Do not steam ribbing, garter stitch, cables or other
>> very
>> textured stitches, as you will end up flattening them. Steam may also damage
>> your
>> acrylics, as they are sensitive to heat.
>> Finally, keep in mind that while blocking is not always
>> necessary--especially if
>> you are more experienced and knit with an even tension throughout--washing
>> your project
>> according to the yarn's care instructions should always be part of your
>> finishing.
>> You'll be surprised at the amount of dirt and oil the yarn has picked up
>> from your
>> hands.
>> 
>> 
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