Blocking is probably my favorite finishing technique so far. Not only is it easy, but the change in the finished product is dramatic!
Equipment: pins; tape measure; blocking board (anything that's flat, you can stick pins into, and will dry).
Step 1: Wash your finished product. (I added towels just to be a bit more eco-friendly. Why run an empty washer?)
Step 2: Place the still wet dishcloths on your blocking board. Mine are from KnitPicks, but any flat surface that will dry in a reasonable amount of time will do.
Step 3: Pin the cloths in about the shape you want them to be in when you are finished. I'm planning to sew these dishcloths together to make a baby book so I measured each one to make sure they were the same size.
Step 4: Allow to air dry.
Step 5: Remove the pins and stand in awe of how a little water changes your knitting and makes it look MUCH more professional.
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A good blocking makes the such a big difference. I love how all of your ines are crisp now! *hugs*
ReplyDeleteI used to skip the blocking step, because I thought it was a big production, but not anymore. I discovered the same thing you did...for a little bit of extra time, the end result is amazing. I also have some Blocking Wires that I thread along the outside edges of the knitted item, then pin to my blocking board as you described. The wires make a nice straight edge all the way around.
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