DIY Blocking Tutorial

Here is how I block pieces that might not be perfectly straight.
Links to items used below. (Affiliate Links)
Pins: www.amazon.com...
Self Healing Mat:www.amazon.com...
Steamer:www.amazon.com...
Corner Tool: www.amazon.com...
Find my other needlepoint favorites here: www.amazon.com...

[@shannonmcdonald1383]

Thank you! This is the most helpful blocking video I’ve seen. Your explanation of lining up the canvas on the green lines was so clear and exactly the direction I needed!

[@NashvilleNeedlepointer]

I'm so happy to hear you found it helpful!

[@kellyjohnson7281]

very helpful and easy to follow, thank you!!

[@kathleenanderson5392]

Very helpful. Never heard of blocking combs before. Thank you.

[@joancastine1743]

Love this. extremely helpful. I just subscribed.

[@knmplans]

This is an older video but for anyone still watching another reason to dry block silk is the finish. Silk, once it gets wet, can take on a different texture. It may retain some level of sheen, but it’ll often loose that special glow it has as well. It’s highly prone to shrinkage as well. So even if the colors don’t bleed, you can still damage the piece if you’re not careful. Always stitch test samples to see how they’ll hold up to your blocking methods. Also consider using stretcher bars so any blocking needed will be minimal.

[@sandybowden2388]

Thanks! Going to try this for first time!

[@monicadupre6638]

Good info all around. I have used T pins in the past, but will switch to the blocking combs. Thank you!

[@NashvilleNeedlepointer]

I'm so glad to hear it was helpful! The blocking combs have really changed my life lol

[@kimcain2897]

Thank you!! This gives me the confidence to try this!!

[@TracyHinely]

Thank you for your video.. easy to understand, very clear instruction.
I LOVE this pattern and want to make one for my sister. Where can I find this LOVE needlepoint kit or pattern? Thanks so much!!

[@debrakrey3418]

Thank you, Lita!

[@jessicamerlen1831]

Thanks for sharing Lita! I’m going to give this a try!

[@NashvilleNeedlepointer]

Yay! I'm so happy to hear that. :)

[@LauraDeraps]

Great video! Thanks for sharing info.❤

[@Roxanne6674]

Very helpful. About to block my first piece thanks

[@ack228]

So helpful! Thank you

[@leslieprice9224]

Great video!

[@hudsonsailor54]

Helpful, thanks.

[@leslieprice9224]

Thank you!,,,

[@maryanne2500]

Do you have a tutorial on blocking round ornaments

[@pennycandyys]

Excellent video! Normally you work opposite sides, so start on one side, put a comb in the fabric at the centre, then pulling the fabric somewhat taut, put one in the opposite side, in the center, and then do that for remaining sides, always working opposite, and always picking a row in your fabric and following it all the way across. You don't even need the square, it will square up if you follow the same row on every side. Is there a reason why you are not working opposite sides? Just curious as I have been out of framing for a long time. But you would have to hold the blocking comb at a steep outward angle, matching it up along one/the same row, and then straighten and push the comb in. If you apply the comb across rows of fabric, your piece will naturally be crooked. It's the same as the way that you stitch into the same row, the pins must go into the same row.
Very good, I've actually never heard of blocking combs before, I can see they could be very helpful. You can also do this on foamcore, and pull it over the edges following a row, in the past people used sewing pins or like t needles, whatever. Working in this manner, if your substrate is square, and if you've followed each of the rows all the way along, then your piece will automatically be square. Then you could use long stitches to secure the fabric at the back (if you have it wrapped over), one end to another, at the back of the piece.

[@kieranandersen6446]

Do you block everything, or are there some things that don’t need it?

[@anniehudson7178]

Would ironing do the same thing as the steamer?

[@NashvilleNeedlepointer]

Unfortunately, I'm not too sure as I haven't tried it.

[@brandiewoods5344]

If you don’t want your colors to bleed; don’t buy threads that will bleed. Spend a bit more money for the good stuff.

[@NashvilleNeedlepointer]

@@brandiewoods5344 I actually find that the cheaper stuff like DMC is color fast and won’t fade, but a lot of the pricier silks aren’t color fast and do bleed. I really enjoy stitching with Vineyard silk and Silk and Ivory, but neither are colorfast.

[@HilaryChasin]

Very helpful. Thank you!