One of the greatest methods for blocking a baby blanket is the wet blocking method. Use this process with wool, cotton, or any other durable fiber.
Various techniques are available to accommodate the wide range of materials on the market. If you’re looking to up your knitting game, this book is for you.
Become an expert in the art of making a baby blanket.
What is Blocking?
Blocking is when you damp or steam your completed knitting to establish the size and smooth out the stitches.
You can use the Knitter’s Block or any other flat surface to block your knitted items, but you need to make sure they dry completely while lying flat. Make sure water doesn’t get through and ruin what’s underneath. (This has occurred to me, and it’s the reason I created the Knitter’s Block, which is backed with waterproof EVA so you can block on a bed, table, or the floor without worrying about damage.)
Before you start sewing, your finished parts should be blocked. Once you’ve flattened and established the shape of your pieces, you can more easily line up your stitches to seam them together.
Blocking knitting is often determined by the fiber content of the yarn and the stitch pattern used. My favorite way of blocking is outlined in the following steps.
All The Wonderful Reasons to Block
- The tension in your knitting will be more uniform and your stitches will be straight once you block them. It simplifies complicated knitting patterns and makes the stitches more comfortable to work with. A intricate cable pattern is one such example. When compared to the knit stitches, purling is typically looser on one side. Blocking your work and pinning it down to dry helps relax the yarn and ensures that it dries evenly.
- Blocking is essential after completing a lace pattern to make the design more visible. The repair is much more aesthetically pleasing with the new stitches.
- Dye runoff is removed from the yarn after a thorough soak.
- Knitting is enhanced through the blocking process, which results in a flat, even surface. When we’re working on a knitting project, it often ends up crumpled or wrinkled.
- A nice soak might help get rid of pet hair once and for all. When knitting is being blocked, keep in mind that animals seem to be particularly interested in it.
Do I have To Block My Knitting?
You are not required to. To proceed with blocking, if no further tweaking or polishing is required.
Lurex (a metallic yarn) and exotic yarns should not be blocked.
Why Is Learning How To Block A Baby Blanket Necessary?
Have you ever knitted a blanket and realized it turned out looking completely wrong?
No matter how much work you put into it, it will always end up wrinkled and crumpled. What can be done to improve its appearance?
When this happens, blocking is used. It’s the “last” step in knitting, and it involves a variety of processes that work together to make your project look polished and professional.
Stitching can be simplified with its help.
While blocking isn’t always necessary, if you want your work to look its best, it’s time well spent. If you’re looking for a great present for your child, consider getting them a nice, clean blanket.
The Different Blocking Methods
We all know that there are a variety of materials suitable for knitting, such as wool and silk. To what extent, though, are they all susceptible to the same forms of blocking?
Fabrics come in a wide range of strengths, and each requires a unique approach. The three most widespread forms of blockage are described here.
Wet blocking
Blocking with cool water is exactly what it sounds like: immersing the blanket in cold water. Wool wash can be incorporated into the mix to aid in the softening and relaxing of the yarn.
Wool, cotton, and other strong materials work well with this procedure.
Steam blocking
The fabric is ironed while pinned to a fresh bath towel. Keep your blanket away from the iron.
The steam’s heat will loosen the threads in your garment. As a result, molding and shaping will be less of a hassle.
Wet blocking can be harsh on delicate fabrics like lace and felt, but steam blocking is far more forgiving. If you prefer, you can also block cotton in this manner.
Spritz or dry blocking
Silk and alpaca wool, which are both quite delicate, benefit most from this treatment. It can be sprayed with water and dried after being pinned on a blocking board.
If you don’t feel confident immersing or boiling your entire project, this is a great alternative.
What do you think is the best option?
What Materials Do You Need To Block A Baby Blanket?
The materials required are contingent upon the chosen blocking technique. An old towel, a strainer, and a basin are all you need need for wet blocking.
Blocking mats and T-pins are two more items that could be useful. Your best results will come from following these steps, but if you don’t see any, don’t worry.
How To Block A Knitted Baby Blanket
Cotton is the most common material for baby blankets. Wet blocking can be used to treat and soften this fabric. Here I’ll outline the procedures.
Step-By-Step Process How To Wet Block A Baby Blanket
Because cotton is extremely resilient, you may leave it in the water for as long as you like without worrying about it deteriorating. To sum up, just keep in mind the instructions.
Step #1. Finish weaving the ends on the back of your blanket
Leave the ends of the cast-off points unfastened when soaking a piece that will be sewed together.
Step #2. Soak the blanket in cold water for twenty minute
Be sure that everything is completely immersed. Submerge the knitting by pushing it down with your hands.
Step #3. Drain the water from the blanket
Move the contents to a strainer or a large colander. Avoid twisting or wringing the blanket and wait a few minutes for the water to drain.
Step #4. Transfer the blanket to a towel to soak up excess water
To prevent your towel from absorbing the yarn’s color, use one of a comparable shade.
Step #5. Set up your blocking mats
Put them on a water-proof surface like a table or floor. Do not place it on a hardwood surface.
Step #6. Spread the blanket on the mat and adjust the knitting as needed
It’s important to go slowly and keep an eye out for elastic yarn.
Step #7. Pin the edges
The use of T-pins or any other suitable blocking pins is permitted. Also, make sure they won’t rust.
Step #8. Let the blanket dry
Depending on the air temperature and the quality of the yarn, the drying time might range from one to four days. You can speed up the procedure by adding a fan.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your baby is ready to receive the blanket.
Things To Be Aware Of When Blocking Your Knitting
In general, when you pull on yarn, it will spring back to its original length. Take the act of putting on a sweater as an example. The garment can be pulled over your head, but it will immediately return to its normal form and cling to your body.
A yarn’s bounce is diminished if it is blocked too many times. This results in an excessive amount of drape and a smoothing out of any rough stitches, such as cables. Take it slow and easy.
Conclusion
Seeing it that way, it wasn’t that tough, was it? When you master the proper method for blocking a baby blanket, your finished products will be flawless in every manner.
The optimal approach will depend on the nature of the material and the dimensions of the finished product.
Lovely things you make will be treasured by those you love. What a fantastic thing!
