☕ Support my work and become a patron: www.patreon.com/nimbleneedlez 🧑🎓Free knitting school: nimble-needles.com/learn-to-knit-for-beginners/ 🧶 My knitting tools: nimble-needles.com/wool-and-tools/my-knitting-toolkit-essential-items-i-need-for-every-project/ 👕 My patterns: nimble-needles.com/free-knitting-patterns/ 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/nimbleneedlez/ And feel free to comment any time if you have a question. No need to be shy! :)
Thank you for giving so much detail regarding plant and artificial fibers! I'm not able to knit with animal fibers and find it difficult to find info sometimes regarding alternatives. I will be blocking differently and more confidently now thanks to you :)
Hi Norman, thank you for all your interesting videos. I still learn from you even at 82 years old. I started teaching knitting in 1985 in North Africa and still do despite a few pauses. In Burda knitting book, I read that wool is 30% waterproof. To identify yarn where there is no label, I burn a little piece to find out if it is animal, vegetable or synthetic yarn. The animal yarn will smell and feel like ash. The vegetable yarn will become ash as well. If it is synthetic, it will feel like melted plastic. Once I found alpaca? yarn from the thrift store to knit mittens for a refugee family of 5. Knitting has given me the opportunity to connect with people of different nationalities and I feel fortunate to have lived in different places of the world.
Thanks so much for all the information - especially about how to work with the different fibre contents. Wow! I'll mention something : My Mum used to knit Christening shawls for grandkids and babies of special friends. I remember one large particularly complex shawl which she lay out to block. Sadly, the next day she found rust stains from the one hundred or so pins she blocked it with. Nothing we tried would get the stains out of this otherwise snow-white creation. She did send it to the wool company for consultation. That was in the 1970s and I don't remember if there ever was a solution. What a heartbreak! It had never occurred to her that the pins might rust. Ever since then, I make sure that any pins I buy are rust proof, and I always test them first.
something that might work in such a circumstance is overdyeing it. Will be a different color but might be able to selvage that. Well, it's 50 years ago now. still maybe someone else reads this :)
Norman, this is probably the best video on blocking I've seen, and I've seen many. You explain things very well with enough detail but not so much it becomes boring. Thanks for another informative video.
Norman, as always, your attention to detail in the process AND in the demonstrating is greatly appreciated. This is the best blocking video I have seen.
for Americans who don't know Celsius , that linen temperature was 140 F -210 F. Thanks A Ton Norman, this video was helpful since i have two wool sweaters to deal with in the next few weeks that I was wondering if i needed to block before they go to their forever homes. Now I know they need it for Sure!
Thank you for this video, Norman, it was just what I needed. I'm no stranger to blocking, particularly lace shawls and pieced sweaters, but I needed some tips on blocking a whole garment. I've been putting off finishing a cabled jacket for far too long because the idea of blocking it and getting it wrong terrified me. Your tips will give me the confidence to tackle this project now, and I'll be buying some foam cording to help with the sleeves. Many thanks again.
Thank you so much for all your excellent videos. Even though I have been knitting for over 40 years, I have learned so much from you. Bright Blessings.
This was really helpful. I appreciate that you went through the methods for more than one type of fiber, especially since I'm going to have to block a scarf with a mix of fibers soon. This definitely helped make things a lot clearer.
I was wondering if blocking was in the works. Wondered about the different fibres. Thank you. Thank you for boosting my knitting skills. I was able to make a hat with a triskele. Love it ❤
I am so glad I watched your presentation. You are a natural teacher, informative and entertaining all at the same time. I am gladly susbcribing to your channel, sir! Your thoughful, step-by-step demonstration has made it so clear for me while and how one should block their work. As a beginner knitter who lives on one's own, I am so grateful for the high quality tutorials and content that skilled, passionate people such as yourself are offering the world. I get to learn from home from a variety of teachers and I am excited I was led to you today! May you find continuous joy and purpose in your NimbleNeedles business!
Thank you so much. I have always been so intimidated with the concept of blocking. I actually took notes while watching your video because it was so clear and detailed! I am not scared anymore. One question, can you please post a video and pattern for that sweater you blocked in this video. It was absolutely stunning!
Thank you very much for explaining the reasons for blocking in different ways and the mechanisms behind each method! I am a long-time crocheter who has avoided blocking anything I've made, but I now have the knowledge to block my works with confidence as I begin to learn knitting. ❤
Thank you for another fantastic video. All the videos I watched of yours have also been fantastic. I've been learning from you for about a month now. I don't think I've ever learned as much in a month of anything from anyone. Thank you for the detailed but easily understandable blocking video.
Thank you so much for the explanation of blocking your knitting. I have never done any blocking for my knitting and you really helped with your tutorial....Joan
I appreciate that you give us the why!!! It definitely helps my understanding of the process. The foam tubes are a brilliant tip and I’ve had great results. Thanks!!
they sure are! These fold lines always anoyed me and one day I saw some bigger foam tube (which i needed for some crafting project) and I was like...wait a moment!
Norman, you are such a great teacher. Patient and informative, and not just on knitting. Love it. Thank you also for teaching me to knit. I found the Continental style very hard initially, but once my fingers understood, it was wonderful, and fast!. You are the best. Looking forward to more knitting tips and tricks, and of course, the chemistry lessons😊😊😊😊
What a wonderfully thorough and helpful video on blocking! I'm going to share it with all my knitting friends and protégés. I'm also going to check out your other videos. Thank you!
Thank you so much for the blocking tutorial. I especially liked the plant fibre section. It is also important to be certain that your pins are good quality and rustproof! I ruined a sweater blocking it with pins that rusted. I tried everything to remove the stains but was unsuccessful.😢
Thank you. I was thinking about whether I should or shouldn't buy a blocking mat because I didn't have enough knowledge about it ( this is why I follow you). Can't thank you enough ❤❤❤.
Thank you so much for this video, and all your others! I understand the reason for blocking now. And your videos are so detailed, so I can tell you are helping us to become professional knitters! I appreciate it and you! Thank you!
Such a great video, thank you. Blocking is HALF the project. So important. The problem with using a blow dryer on animal fiber is you don’t want to roughen the cuticle. When you blow dry your hair, you point the dryer down (from scalp to end) to smooth the cuticle and make your hair shine. It’d be difficult to do that with a knitted wool fabric. Just my opinion. I’m neither a hairdresser nor a master knitter - I’m always learning.
well, point taken (even tho I am personally not sure if it really does make a difference). That being said, that's why I showed the blow-dryer in the linen section. Still, thank you for pointing out possible issues
Norman, thank you for this detailed video. I especially appreciated learning the deeper science of felting. I thought you might find it interesting that acrylic yarn doesn't melt unless it gets up to 160 degrees C (320 F), but steaming it does something called, in English, "killing the yarn." I never liked that phrase, so I looked up the etymology of it today, and it turns out that "kill" has been used since 1610 to mean "to nullify or neutralize the qualities of" something. Who knew? The other phrase that I've seen a lot is that steaming acrylic "relaxes the fibers," but I haven't seen any description of what is happening during that process. I know yarn can be tightly wound, but tense? I don't get it. I thought you might find it a fun question to look into sometime.
That sure is a much needed tuto. Thanks ! I love my knit blockers, but I also like to use wires for shawls. I love the tip of using flexible foam for sides, I often block my hats on baloons I blow to 10% less of the needed size and rest the baloon on a bowl. I like the dryer tip, great idea before Christams when everything is a bit rush. 😉 Have you ever blocked tencel ? What a lovely sock pattern, Norman, is it yours ?
I learned a trick for linen material (i do a fair amount of garment sewing) to help with the softening process. Take a small box of baking soda and dissolve it in a gallon of water. Place the linen material in it and let it sit for several hours. The material is drastically softer and you only have to do it the one time. Then just wash as normal. I would think it would work the same with 100% linen yarn. Not sure how a mix of fibers would react to it though, I've only done thos on 100% linen material.
Thanks you Norman so very much with expensive yarns like Quivet Cashmere am I able to block those I get nervous with pins and high grade Fibers Thanks Marianne 😊💗
Norman, this was super helpful as always. Using your advice practicing new skills on face cloths, my sample was horribly wonky so I steamed it and am so proud of the results! (Cotton)
Thank you for all your tips and tricks. I will ask you if it is possible to use steaming on wool and superwash wool instead of the procedure you describe with wash etc ?? 😊😊
Another awesome and informative video. Thank-you Norman. I like saying that blocking is where the “magic” happens in a knitted project. You have just shown how true that is. I always learn something new from your work. Thanks for that as well. I have recently moved to a warm climate and have had to change my knitting from wools to more plant based fibers. I have been using cotton with silk or linen with silk and have been getting reasonable results. Sadly, I have been wet blocking my cottons. It has worked out well enough but I have been experiencing the over stretching you mentioned and was not aware as to why. I will try just steaming going forward. Currently, I am mostly knitting lacy shawls or summer tops with the previously mentioned cotton or linen with some percentage of silk. Would you still recommend the steaming for the cotton/silk and the wet blocking for the linen/silk? Thanks again for your time and advice.
I would probably steam block silk as well. if you really want to knit with a lot of cotton, I would definitely do some extensive swatching and probably stick to one brand. Because at one point you will want to wash your garments and then they typically will do...something. Stretch, shrink. And I feel you have to factor that in right from the start, even if it means knitting a size smaller and maybe with a smaller needle than you typically would. At least, that's my experience.
this was so informative as usual! a friend is knitting her first sweater (has been knitting scarves, hats and mittens so far) and i'm technically newer to knitting (properly) than her i just started right on with sweater instead of scarves so i can't help her that much,,,,,, sadly i can't just send this to her since she doesn't understand english well (we speak german) but i'll try to tell her what i can 😅
well...my advice would be swatching first and see how the yarn reacts..then adapt the pattern/design accordingly so you don't end up with a drapey mess that ends up looking weird in all the wrong places. And secondly, I would steam block it, I guess. I mean, with cotton, you can also try to starch things to achieve a certain effect.
Thanks for the very detailed Video 👍 I usually use a very brutal Method I guess 😂 arne & Carlos once showed how they block their sweaters and everything else - they use a wet towel and a hot Iron to steam it - and that's how I usually block my sweaters too 😂 it works well but of course you can be much more detailed with a proper blocking board and if you soak it in water. And yeah, it's definitely a lot cleaner if you soak it
@@NimbleNeedles The only question I had (and you may have covered this) can I re-block a shawl? I definitely did not use enough pins and have some “waves” on the edge. TIA
Thank you Norman! You’ve once again helped me so much with my knitting. One question though…how would you recommend steam blocking a larger acrylic project like a blanket or afghan. Thanks again ❤
well, an afghan I would block one square at a time. For a full blanket...thaats tricky and easy to mess up because of the sheer weight. Probably spread towels on a carpet and careful dry it flat. With pins, you can easily also only stretch out the edges...
Thank you for a great video! I love your instructional videos, they're very clear for us not very experienced knitters. :) I was wondering if silk is blocked the same way as other animal fibers? Starting to knit a shawl from 100% silk yarn combined with brushed alpaca. Thank you! :)
yeah...well silk is, in many ways a bit more delicate. So avoid high heat, etc. But other than that... rinse it in water and you can pretty much block it like any other fabric.
wool, I personally typically wash...tho steaming will work as well. Generally I try to wash whenever possible as it will remove excess dye, spinning oils, debris, etc.
Hello Norman When I block woollen squares for afghan blanket, is it best to tidy up all threads from cast on and cast off first and join squares with a new thread. I am about to soak my squares and block, but thought I best ask...thanks so much, Lorraine 🧶🌲
typically, I would keep the tails long enough to do the sewing. because otherwise, you need to weave in 4 ends instead of just 2 you are using for sewing anyway.
@NimbleNeedles thanks so much for taking the time to reply. I can see it still need to grow in experience.aa some tails are short( I was thinking I was saving on yarn) so good lesson for next time. Thanks again Norman
I found this really interesting. I used to do some blocking on the ironing board years ago before sewing a project up. I must confess to not treating the fibres with as much care. What I would like to know is, would you re-block a garment after each washing? Many thanks.
Excellent video as always, thank you. Question, I've nearly finnishen knitting a cardigan with Alpaca wool, do I block before or after sewing it together?
Thank you for this excellent video Norman! It's very clear to understand as a beginner knitter who has never blocked before. I am almost done knitting a tank top and the fibre content of my yarn is 70% cotton and 30% merino wool. In this case, I'm guessing it would work best to block it using the steam method since most of the composition is cotton?
possibly. At the very least you should be aware that the cotton will soak up looaads of water and it will end up very heavy. So it will be very easily to overstretch it while blocking.
☕ Support my work and become a patron: www.patreon.com/nimbleneedlez
🧑🎓Free knitting school: nimble-needles.com/learn-to-knit-for-beginners/
🧶 My knitting tools: nimble-needles.com/wool-and-tools/my-knitting-toolkit-essential-items-i-need-for-every-project/
👕 My patterns: nimble-needles.com/free-knitting-patterns/
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/nimbleneedlez/
And feel free to comment any time if you have a question. No need to be shy! :)
Thank you for giving so much detail regarding plant and artificial fibers! I'm not able to knit with animal fibers and find it difficult to find info sometimes regarding alternatives. I will be blocking differently and more confidently now thanks to you :)
glad my video made a difference. And sure give these other methods a try. Maybe it will help you to bring your projects to the next level :)
Why can't you use animal? Jw
Hi Norman, thank you for all your interesting videos. I still learn from you even at 82 years old. I started teaching knitting in 1985 in North Africa and still do despite a few pauses. In Burda knitting book, I read that wool is 30% waterproof. To identify yarn where there is no label, I burn a little piece to find out if it is animal, vegetable or synthetic yarn. The animal yarn will smell and feel like ash. The vegetable yarn will become ash as well. If it is synthetic, it will feel like melted plastic. Once I found alpaca? yarn from the thrift store to knit mittens for a refugee family of 5. Knitting has given me the opportunity to connect with people of different nationalities and I feel fortunate to have lived in different places of the world.
yes, the burning tip is a great one and, as you say, with some experience it can work quite great!
Thank you Norman for your reply.
Thanks so much for all the information - especially about how to work with the different fibre contents. Wow!
I'll mention something : My Mum used to knit Christening shawls for grandkids and babies of special friends. I remember one large particularly complex shawl which she lay out to block. Sadly, the next day she found rust stains from the one hundred or so pins she blocked it with. Nothing we tried would get the stains out of this otherwise snow-white creation. She did send it to the wool company for consultation. That was in the 1970s and I don't remember if there ever was a solution. What a heartbreak! It had never occurred to her that the pins might rust. Ever since then, I make sure that any pins I buy are rust proof, and I always test them first.
something that might work in such a circumstance is overdyeing it. Will be a different color but might be able to selvage that. Well, it's 50 years ago now. still maybe someone else reads this :)
i had the same problem when used my tailor’s pins for blocking 😭 now i know the reason why this happened and how to prevent it. thank you!
Norman, this is probably the best video on blocking I've seen, and I've seen many. You explain things very well with enough detail but not so much it becomes boring. Thanks for another informative video.
Wow, thanks, Kelly! I appreciate that
Norman, as always, your attention to detail in the process AND in the demonstrating is greatly appreciated. This is the best blocking video I have seen.
Your videos are always so incredibly thoughtful and well-explained. I’ve learned so much from you-thank you!
always glad to hear my videos can make a difference. As a creator, you are in constant self-doubt :P
for Americans who don't know Celsius , that linen temperature was 140 F -210 F. Thanks A Ton Norman, this video was helpful since i have two wool sweaters to deal with in the next few weeks that I was wondering if i needed to block before they go to their forever homes. Now I know they need it for Sure!
Thank you for this video, Norman, it was just what I needed. I'm no stranger to blocking, particularly lace shawls and pieced sweaters, but I needed some tips on blocking a whole garment. I've been putting off finishing a cabled jacket for far too long because the idea of blocking it and getting it wrong terrified me. Your tips will give me the confidence to tackle this project now, and I'll be buying some foam cording to help with the sleeves. Many thanks again.
Awesome! Would be a shame if you never wore it after all that hard work!
Thank you so much for all your excellent videos. Even though I have been knitting for over 40 years, I have learned so much from you. Bright Blessings.
Aww..thank you 🥰
This was really helpful. I appreciate that you went through the methods for more than one type of fiber, especially since I'm going to have to block a scarf with a mix of fibers soon. This definitely helped make things a lot clearer.
The only video you'll ever need on blocking - fabulous! Just about to block my first project - a scarf. Thank you Norman! :)
I love the chemistry lesson. I use the same explanation for curly versus straight hair.
heh, indeed. it's the same thing! hair is hair..even tho the one is spun into a different form!
The best blocking video on TH-cam. Thank you!
Wow, thank you!
Thank you, Norman, for putting together this comprehensive blocking tutorial. ♥️
I was wondering if blocking was in the works. Wondered about the different fibres. Thank you. Thank you for boosting my knitting skills. I was able to make a hat with a triskele. Love it ❤
I am very glad I can be part of your knitting journey
I am so glad I watched your presentation. You are a natural teacher, informative and entertaining all at the same time. I am gladly susbcribing to your channel, sir! Your thoughful, step-by-step demonstration has made it so clear for me while and how one should block their work. As a beginner knitter who lives on one's own, I am so grateful for the high quality tutorials and content that skilled, passionate people such as yourself are offering the world. I get to learn from home from a variety of teachers and I am excited I was led to you today! May you find continuous joy and purpose in your NimbleNeedles business!
Thank you so much. I have always been so intimidated with the concept of blocking. I actually took notes while watching your video because it was so clear and detailed! I am not scared anymore. One question, can you please post a video and pattern for that sweater you blocked in this video. It was absolutely stunning!
well...i did record a video of me knitting it..but never published it..i dunno lol^^
Thank you very much for explaining the reasons for blocking in different ways and the mechanisms behind each method! I am a long-time crocheter who has avoided blocking anything I've made, but I now have the knowledge to block my works with confidence as I begin to learn knitting. ❤
As always such good information! I have been overwhelmed with blocking techniques. Your video was just what I needed for full understanding❤
Glad it was helpful, Robin!
I have been knitting for years...never knew how to block properly. Thanks and I will be revisiting!!
Once again, a very clear thorough lesson. Thank you
Glad you liked it!
Thank you for yet another informative and easy to understand video! Your channel is my go to for any knitting questions I run across.
Omg. How has it never occurred to me to use my blow dryer on a cold setting before to speed up the drying process?!? Thank you for the tip!
Two of my favorite things are yarn and science. I loved hearing them together!
I am new to knitting and your videos have helped me so much and make me so much more confident in my knitting.
❤️❤️
Thank you for another fantastic video. All the videos I watched of yours have also been fantastic. I've been learning from you for about a month now. I don't think I've ever learned as much in a month of anything from anyone. Thank you for the detailed but easily understandable blocking video.
Hello from Ontario, Canada! Thanks for thoroughly explaining the blocking process and tips for blocking hats and socks! You are very kind 🤗💕
You are so welcome!
Thanks Norman. I hope this will inspire me to block my projects that are waiting patiently for me.
i sure hope it will. Would be a shame to let them waiting :P
Thank you dear Norman.
This is a great tutorial and is giving me so much confidence for my first block.
You are very special x
Thank you so much for the explanation of blocking your knitting. I have never done any blocking for my knitting and you really helped with your tutorial....Joan
AWESOME LATVIAN BIND OFF TUTORIAL ON Nimble Needles - Two , today! Awesome! Don’t miss it! So Cool!
Eh? 😎
I appreciate that you give us the why!!! It definitely helps my understanding of the process. The foam tubes are a brilliant tip and I’ve had great results. Thanks!!
they sure are! These fold lines always anoyed me and one day I saw some bigger foam tube (which i needed for some crafting project) and I was like...wait a moment!
I appreciate your attention to detail
Norman, you are such a great teacher. Patient and informative, and not just on knitting. Love it. Thank you also for teaching me to knit. I found the Continental style very hard initially, but once my fingers understood, it was wonderful, and fast!. You are the best. Looking forward to more knitting tips and tricks, and of course, the chemistry lessons😊😊😊😊
Super! I learned so much new facts.
I have been knitting for many years but I always learn something new when I watch your videos. You are the best teacher ❤
This is the best viideo on blocking inn existence!
Started knitting bigger projects and you encouraged me to improve mij technique and the way to handle product afterwards. Thank you, Danke dir!
What a wonderfully thorough and helpful video on blocking! I'm going to share it with all my knitting friends and protégés. I'm also going to check out your other videos. Thank you!
feel free to share my videos anytime :)
Woah, Norman you are a perfectionist. I totally get it. Same. It’s a pain many times. :) FYI: don’t use pins on the balloon.
hm...no...that might not work out :P
Thank you so much for the blocking tutorial. I especially liked the plant fibre section.
It is also important to be certain that your pins are good quality and rustproof! I ruined a sweater blocking it with pins that rusted. I tried everything to remove the stains but was unsuccessful.😢
that is a good addition. I included it in the tutorial on my blog but somehow failed to mention it here! :(
Thanks!
oh wow. Thank you so much for supporting my work so generously, Helen!
Thank you. I was thinking about whether I should or shouldn't buy a blocking mat because I didn't have enough knowledge about it ( this is why I follow you). Can't thank you enough ❤❤❤.
I hope my video was able to show you that the process is pretty easy and straightforward :D
Fabulous, informative video. As a Fountain Pen Fanatic I especially loved the appearance of your Lamy Safari. 😊
Norman, you did a really great job! I'm so thankful for your explanation, especially for that chemistry part
can you tell I once studied chemistry? :P :P
Thank you so much for this video, and all your others! I understand the reason for blocking now. And your videos are so detailed, so I can tell you are helping us to become professional knitters! I appreciate it and you! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful, Jonny
Such a great video, thank you. Blocking is HALF the project. So important.
The problem with using a blow dryer on animal fiber is you don’t want to roughen the cuticle. When you blow dry your hair, you point the dryer down (from scalp to end) to smooth the cuticle and make your hair shine. It’d be difficult to do that with a knitted wool fabric.
Just my opinion. I’m neither a hairdresser nor a master knitter - I’m always learning.
well, point taken (even tho I am personally not sure if it really does make a difference). That being said, that's why I showed the blow-dryer in the linen section.
Still, thank you for pointing out possible issues
I can recognize a perfectionist when i see one.😅 Love this!
guilty as charged!
Thank you for this amazingly detailed video. I learned so much from you! Any tips for blocking mixed yarns, like a cotton/merino mix? 🙏🏻
Thanks for this tutorial, for me it was a real eye opener
Norman, thank you for this detailed video. I especially appreciated learning the deeper science of felting. I thought you might find it interesting that acrylic yarn doesn't melt unless it gets up to 160 degrees C (320 F), but steaming it does something called, in English, "killing the yarn." I never liked that phrase, so I looked up the etymology of it today, and it turns out that "kill" has been used since 1610 to mean "to nullify or neutralize the qualities of" something. Who knew? The other phrase that I've seen a lot is that steaming acrylic "relaxes the fibers," but I haven't seen any description of what is happening during that process. I know yarn can be tightly wound, but tense? I don't get it. I thought you might find it a fun question to look into sometime.
160° is the melting point not to be confused with the point when it starts to get softer and more maleable.
Thank you soooooo much! I learnt so much from you! As an absolute newbie, these resources are much appreciated.
Perfect video to watch today. I've almost finished a project but will need to block it. Thanks Norman
awesome!
Wow! This was such a thorough covering of this topic. I never knew even half of the biology behind fibers. Thank you. ❤
there is so much more. but not sure if such a video would be boring..or rather if I would be able to present it in an entertaining way, lol :P
Thanks a lot for this thorough explanation. It will help a lot when blocking the next project, especially if it’s not animal fibre. 👍🏻
You're very welcome!
This is a wonderfully detailed description and so helpful!!! You are so talented, thank you!!
You are so welcome!
I am so glad I found you ❤my ribbing sucked!! I am about to frog it and use your method. I also watched video on changing yarns. So so good ❤
That sure is a much needed tuto. Thanks ! I love my knit blockers, but I also like to use wires for shawls. I love the tip of using flexible foam for sides, I often block my hats on baloons I blow to 10% less of the needed size and rest the baloon on a bowl. I like the dryer tip, great idea before Christams when everything is a bit rush. 😉 Have you ever blocked tencel ? What a lovely sock pattern, Norman, is it yours ?
yes, this was requested by many patrons!
@@NimbleNeedles where do we get it ?
@@nicolelafontaine1720 ah...seems like you edited your comment there.
The pattern has not been released yet, Nicole.
@@NimbleNeedles When it is make sure you tell us on youtube, I am not on Instagram.
I learned a trick for linen material (i do a fair amount of garment sewing) to help with the softening process. Take a small box of baking soda and dissolve it in a gallon of water. Place the linen material in it and let it sit for several hours. The material is drastically softer and you only have to do it the one time. Then just wash as normal. I would think it would work the same with 100% linen yarn. Not sure how a mix of fibers would react to it though, I've only done thos on 100% linen material.
This video was so helpful! Thanks :) I've never tried blocking before, and your explanations helped a ton! 😊
Great information... and I LOVE your sweater!!!
Thank you for the excellent demonstrations :) What would you recommend for blocking a market bag (78% acrylic & 22% wool)?
probably would try steam first (but carefully with a swatch to ensure you don't mess it up with too much heat)
Thank you so much for the speedy reply. I will give that a try. @@NimbleNeedles
Thank you so much for this very in-depth video Norman. I’m fairly new to knitting and this will be an invaluable resource.
Glad it was helpful, Kay!
Artificial fibers have always been hit or miss, for me. Thank you for the definitive guide!
yeah they can be tricky and there are just sooo many of them. Couldn't possibly cover them all here, tho :(
Excellent information!
Your videos are so thorough and I always walk away learning something new. Thank you! 🧶☺️
I always try to do my best
Thank you Norman your videos are so interesting, clear and informative.
Thank you for reviewing many fibers!!
Thank you for this very informative tutorial.
Thanks for watching!
Thanks you Norman so very much with expensive yarns like Quivet Cashmere am I able to block those I get nervous with pins and high grade Fibers Thanks Marianne 😊💗
💛 Thanks for this vid, I learnt so many tips and tricks 💛
Norman, this was super helpful as always. Using your advice practicing new skills on face cloths, my sample was horribly wonky so I steamed it and am so proud of the results! (Cotton)
As always, you give great information & help us learn. Thank you.
very happy to hear that
I love your videos. You are an encyclopedia of information! Thank you.
ha! well...lots of thorough research goes into each video. I don't know everything either
Thank you for all your tips and tricks. I will ask you if it is possible to use steaming on wool and superwash wool instead of the procedure you describe with wash etc ?? 😊😊
Sure, steaming will work on wool as well. Tho do bear on mind that sheep wool can soak up a loooot of moisture
Another awesome and informative video. Thank-you Norman. I like saying that blocking is where the “magic” happens in a knitted project. You have just shown how true that is. I always learn something new from your work. Thanks for that as well. I have recently moved to a warm climate and have had to change my knitting from wools to more plant based fibers. I have been using cotton with silk or linen with silk and have been getting reasonable results. Sadly, I have been wet blocking my cottons. It has worked out well enough but I have been experiencing the over stretching you mentioned and was not aware as to why. I will try just steaming going forward. Currently, I am mostly knitting lacy shawls or summer tops with the previously mentioned cotton or linen with some percentage of silk. Would you still recommend the steaming for the cotton/silk and the wet blocking for the linen/silk? Thanks again for your time and advice.
I would probably steam block silk as well.
if you really want to knit with a lot of cotton, I would definitely do some extensive swatching and probably stick to one brand. Because at one point you will want to wash your garments and then they typically will do...something. Stretch, shrink. And I feel you have to factor that in right from the start, even if it means knitting a size smaller and maybe with a smaller needle than you typically would. At least, that's my experience.
Thank-you for your reply. Appreciate your time and input.
Great video! Thank you for taking the time to explain 👍🏼
it's my pleasure, Michelle!
As always, very educational and useful information. Thank you for explaining this so well.
My pleasure!
This video is so helpful. Thank you!
I sure hoped it would be :)
this was so informative as usual! a friend is knitting her first sweater (has been knitting scarves, hats and mittens so far) and i'm technically newer to knitting (properly) than her i just started right on with sweater instead of scarves so i can't help her that much,,,,,, sadly i can't just send this to her since she doesn't understand english well (we speak german) but i'll try to tell her what i can 😅
Well, I do speak German as well 😅
This was both very interesting and helpful. Do you have any advice on blocking a cotton/silk mix. It stretches with ways like crazy! 😊
well...my advice would be swatching first and see how the yarn reacts..then adapt the pattern/design accordingly so you don't end up with a drapey mess that ends up looking weird in all the wrong places.
And secondly, I would steam block it, I guess. I mean, with cotton, you can also try to starch things to achieve a certain effect.
Thanks for the very detailed Video 👍 I usually use a very brutal Method I guess 😂 arne & Carlos once showed how they block their sweaters and everything else - they use a wet towel and a hot Iron to steam it - and that's how I usually block my sweaters too 😂 it works well but of course you can be much more detailed with a proper blocking board and if you soak it in water. And yeah, it's definitely a lot cleaner if you soak it
Well, do keep in mind that they typically do Norwegian patterns and stranded knitting can benefit from some ironing.
Thanks so much! Your videos are always excellent.
So nice of you
Norman, this was such a good video! You totally answered many of the questions I had. Love your videos.
awesome. And if there are any questions left, feel free to come back to this video again and ask away.
@@NimbleNeedles The only question I had (and you may have covered this) can I re-block a shawl? I definitely did not use enough pins and have some “waves” on the edge. TIA
@@luzamart2 sure..tho if you overstretched things, it won't contract after washing..but you definitely should be able to get rid of thr spikes
Thank you Norman! You’ve once again helped me so much with my knitting. One question though…how would you recommend steam blocking a larger acrylic project like a blanket or afghan. Thanks again ❤
well, an afghan I would block one square at a time. For a full blanket...thaats tricky and easy to mess up because of the sheer weight. Probably spread towels on a carpet and careful dry it flat. With pins, you can easily also only stretch out the edges...
Thank you so much!!
Thank you! Much appreciated!❤
Excellent video tutorial!
Glad you liked it!
Thank you so much for the video, your channel is the best!
wow. so nice of you
Excellent as always
Thank you for a great video! I love your instructional videos, they're very clear for us not very experienced knitters. :) I was wondering if silk is blocked the same way as other animal fibers? Starting to knit a shawl from 100% silk yarn combined with brushed alpaca. Thank you! :)
yeah...well silk is, in many ways a bit more delicate. So avoid high heat, etc. But other than that... rinse it in water and you can pretty much block it like any other fabric.
Thank you for your in depth video on blocking! Do you recommend steaming for wool projects or the wash method?
wool, I personally typically wash...tho steaming will work as well.
Generally I try to wash whenever possible as it will remove excess dye, spinning oils, debris, etc.
Again, and as always and brilliant tutorial!!!
Hello Norman
When I block woollen squares for afghan blanket, is it best to tidy up all threads from cast on and cast off first and join squares with a new thread. I am about to soak my squares and block, but thought I best ask...thanks so much, Lorraine 🧶🌲
typically, I would keep the tails long enough to do the sewing. because otherwise, you need to weave in 4 ends instead of just 2 you are using for sewing anyway.
@NimbleNeedles thanks so much for taking the time to reply. I can see it still need to grow in experience.aa some tails are short( I was thinking I was saving on yarn) so good lesson for next time. Thanks again Norman
I found this really interesting. I used to do some blocking on the ironing board years ago before sewing a project up. I must confess to not treating the fibres with as much care. What I would like to know is, would you re-block a garment after each washing? Many thanks.
Typically no, just lay flat
Thank you@@NimbleNeedles
Thankyou so much for all the information
Excellent video as always, thank you. Question, I've nearly finnishen knitting a cardigan with Alpaca wool, do I block before or after sewing it together?
I typically always block first 🤷
Thank you for this excellent video Norman! It's very clear to understand as a beginner knitter who has never blocked before. I am almost done knitting a tank top and the fibre content of my yarn is 70% cotton and 30% merino wool. In this case, I'm guessing it would work best to block it using the steam method since most of the composition is cotton?
possibly. At the very least you should be aware that the cotton will soak up looaads of water and it will end up very heavy. So it will be very easily to overstretch it while blocking.
I love your content they are helpful and funny the perfect mix to learn
Wonderful, detailed tutorial!
Thank you! Cheers!