How To Wet Block Your Knitting Projects So They Look Fabulous!
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How To Wet Block Your Knitting & Crochet Projects So They Look Fabulous!
WHY SHOULD YOU WET BLOCK YOUR KNITTING/CROCHET PROJECT?
Wet blocking your knitting/crochet project offers several fabulous benefits for Natural Fibers (for acrylic yarn scroll to bottom):
It evens out stitches. Wet blocking helps to even out and relax the stitches in your knitting. It can smooth out any irregularities, such as uneven tension or stitches that appear stretched or compressed. This is particularly useful for lace knitting or projects with intricate stitch patterns where blocking can enhance the overall appearance.
Shape and size adjustment: Wet blocking allows you to shape your knitting project to the desired dimensions. It is especially beneficial for garments like sweaters, cardigans, or shawls, where achieving the correct fit and drape is important. Blocking can help to stretch or shrink the knitted fabric slightly, ensuring it matches the intended measurements and shape.
Set lace patterns: If you have knitted lace, wet blocking is essential. Lace patterns often look quite different before blocking, and the process helps open up the stitches, revealing the intricate lacework and making it more visible and defined.
Relaxing fibers: Natural fibers, such as wool or alpaca, have memory and can retain the shape they were in while being knitted. Wet blocking allows these fibers to relax, helping to eliminate any curling or rolling at the edges and allowing the project to lay flat.
Finishing touches: Wet blocking is also an opportunity to give your knitting project a polished, professional appearance. It smooths out any minor imperfections and gives the fabric a more refined and finished look.
It's important to note that not all projects require wet blocking. Some projects may benefit from alternative blocking methods like steam blocking or simply laying them flat to dry. Always refer to the specific yarn and pattern instructions to determine the most appropriate blocking method for your project.
WHAT FIBERS ARE SUITABLE FOR WET BLOCKING?
Wet blocking is suitable for natural fibers like wool, alpaca, silk or cotton, as it allows the fibers to relax and reshape. Synthetic fibers like acrylic may not benefit as much from wet blocking; synthetics are better suited for steam blocking.
HOW TO WET BLOCK YOUR KNITTING AND CROCHET PROJECTS
To wet block your knitting/crochet project, follow these steps:
Prepare: Finish knitting/crocheting your project and weave in any loose ends. Make sure your project is clean and free from any dirt or debris.
Fill a basin or sink with enough lukewarm water to submerge your project fully. Avoid using hot water, as it can cause the fibers to shrink or felt.
Add a gentle detergent (optional): If your knitting/crochet project is made from animal fibers like wool, you can add a small amount of gentle wool wash or baby shampoo to the water to help clean and condition the fibers. However, if your project is made from plant-based fibers like cotton (or a synthetic like acrylic), you can skip this step.
Submerge your knitting project: Gently place your knitting project into the water and press it down to ensure it is fully submerged. Allow it to soak for about 15 to 30 minutes. This allows the fibers to absorb the water and relax.
Drain the water: After soaking, carefully lift your knitting project out of the water, supporting it with your hands to avoid stretching it. Let the excess water drain by gently squeezing or pressing the item against the side of the basin or sink. Do not ring it out!!
Remove excess water: Lay a clean, absorbent towel flat on a surface and place your knitting project on top of it. Roll the towel up tightly with the project inside and press gently to remove more water. Unroll the towel and remove your knitting project.
Shape your project: Lay your project on a clean, flat surface, such as a blocking mat or towel. Carefully shape it to the desired measurements and dimensions. Use rust-proof pins to secure the edges and maintain the shape. For example, if you're blocking a sweater, you would shape it to match the desired chest, sleeve, and overall length measurements.
Leave it to dry: Let your knitting project dry completely in its blocked shape. You can leave it to air dry naturally or use a fan or a well-ventilated room to speed up the drying process. Make sure it is kept away from direct sunlight or heat sources that can damage the fibers.
Remove the pins and enjoy: Once your knitting project is fully dry, gently remove the pins. Your project should now retain the shape you blocked it into. It will have a professional, polished look, and the stitches will be more even and defined.
STEAM BLOCKING
After you have finished crocheting or knitting up your project, its time to block! Its especially important to block the half and quarter granny squares, lace projects, colourwork etc because they do warp a little. Steam blocking will make sewing your work easier (if sewing is applicable) but also look better as a finished piece. Basically you want to use a handheld steamer, blocking pins and foams mats to align your project perfectly to the pattern dimensions/size. I like to go over each piece with the steamer until the piece is damp, block it with pins onto the foam mats and leave it until the square is completely dry. By doing this, your project will be uniform, your stitches will lay perfectly making lace and colour work projects really pop, not to mention much easier to seam together if applicable.
