I never used to block but now I'm doing a lot more knitting, especially colour work sweaters and I've started to block. I also learned from another video on TH-cam about steam ironing the yoke colour work over a damp tea towel which is really helpful because it loosens any puckering.
I tend not to block synthetic fibers. Lace ALWAYS gets blocked. I just finished an adult sized shell in a lace weight cashmere yarn. It turned out great, but I was soooo happy with it after I blocked it. It looked polished and professional. I believe in blocking (when appropriate) as much as I believe in swatching before I begin. I love the advice we get in these videos.
OMG, you are right! I'm so sorry I didn't. However, you can take a look at it here. It's the Week 3 project, Gorgeous Gradient Scarf: www.nobleknitsu.com/courses/scarf-bootcamp
Excellent video thank you so much. I feel much less intimidated about the blocking process. Having knitted the lace scarf as a gift I would hate to spoil it but I think you have de-mystified the process and I will go for it!!
Hi Moira, I'm so happy to help! Just keep in mind...you can't really ruin something you blocked. If you don't like the way it turns out you can rewet it and block it again! 😀
Like most things, it depends. If the yarn used knits up perfectly flat and the garment fits, no. It will get blocked when I wash the garment. Scarves, rarely. Lace, always. And so on.
Thank you for the very helpful video. I find there are some garments where a relaxed stitch changes not only the structure but the function. For example, cowls where I prefer they stand up - more stiff to combat the wintry elements. I soaked a cowl and regretted it - changed it entirely - way too soft and floppy. I haven’t knit a sweater in a while but would be reluctant depending on the look and fit I’m going for.
that is such a beautiful scarf you made, I do want to learn to knit these different ways in which I've never heard of but I'm a beginner and in school which was back in the 1970s I had Home Ec and we were only taught the regular knit and purl knit and I remembered how to those which I know if I can learn those I can learn other ways of knitting. You teach in a way that I can understand and you never go so fast but slow enough for me to understand and catch on. I will try to make my first shawl and will let you know how it turns out
I block depending on the project. I don't block hats or socks. I do block my shawls and sweaters. I have a mini spin dryer that I bought for my yarn dyeing and I use that to get the excess water out of my project before blocking, it works great.
@@okaminess Hi putting water in a spray bottle and soaking the garment without having to place it in a bowl and risk stretching it. I do that with the more delicate items.
@@okaminess Rather than completely soaking the garment in a bowl of water, you're going to use a spray bottle to dampen the garment. You'll get it lightly damp and then block into place.
Hi everyone. This scarf is the first thing I’ve ever knitted and was going to block but now unsure if I should be. As it’s a Labour of love and took a lot of effort for me, I don’t want to mess it up at this last hurdle. Any advice welcomed!
Interested in your comment that you do not block thick and thin and other nubbly yarn. But when that garment is eventually washed won't the result be much the same as blocking?
I’ve never blocked! I have just knitted a scarf using mohair wool which is a lovely lace pattern. The pattern recommends blocking but I am so nervous of ruining it by putting it in water. What would you advise please?
Hi Moira, You could try a modified blocking method first. Rather than immersing it in water, get out a spray bottle and spritz your project then block it.
@@jonesbo4072 Hi Jo you are asking a novice! I knitted it for the first time and have gifted it to my sister in law so I haven't really considered how to care for it. I guess it should be washed in luke warm water and hand wash gently then dry flat
I’ve never blocked, but I have an acrylic knitted scarf that needs blocking due to the sides curling in - yes, stockinette, but with a garter border all the way around. So I was thinking I should hit it with some steam.
Hi GrannyDee, Hitting it with some steam is a great place to start. Be sure to let the scarf cool and dry completely before moving it. If that doesn't work, try wet blocking. Good luck! 😀
Thank you for this timerly (for me) information. What to do with a top that sheds a lot, I think it has angora wool in the mix, that is making my knitting almost unwearable?
Hi Piora, Washing or soaking your finished project is step 1 of the blocking process. After that, you'll lay the garment on a flat surface to dry. The "blocking" part is when you pin the garment in place so that it holds the shape you want when dry.
I have heard mixed opinions about whether or not to block acrylic or synthetic yarns. If your project meets the other criteria that you have for blocking but is made in acrylic yarn, do you block?
Hi Ashley, Great question! Blocking in this method doesn't work for acrylic. The yarn will actually ignore your blocking commands! To block acrylic, you need to use the steam of your iron (on the acrylic/synthetic setting). Gently steam over the project and don't allow the iron to touch the fabric. Keep it about 2" above. Go over it a few times and then let the fabric cool. You are actually gently melting the fiber to the shape you want. Take it slow and you'll have good results. 😀
I am in a conundrum-I used a beautiful 85%wool and 15% mohair yarn to knit a scarf with a new to me stitch (the Andalusian), but it is curling! I’m halfway through, and have to decide whether to frog it and start over, or block it, but I have no idea of blocking would keep it from curling for very long. What would you recommend?
Hi Debra, yes natural fibers block beautifully! However, if you want to keep the lovely halo effect you get with alpaca, angora, and mohair, I would test block it before blocking a completed project because blocking can reduce the halo effect.
Hi Heather, Great question. Many yarns can't put in the washing machine so they need to be hand-washed. Before blocking I put this in a soaking bath (which the same as hand-washing). The difference is that when it is taken out of the wash it is blocked to shape it properly.
Hi Patricia, Great questions! Follow the care instructions on the yarn label. Usually they are hand wash, lay flat to dry. You can follow the same rule when knitting milk cotton yarns. I have seen some of the yarn labels for milk cotton say machine washable but if you aren't sure you can wash it in the machine in a lingerie bag. When it comes to whether or not you should block it, take a look at the garment when you are laying it flat to dry. Is it starting to curl? Does it seem like it needs a little extra help to hold its shape while drying? If you say "yes" to any of these questions, I recommend blocking it.
@@patriciah2287 Absolutely! If it's already dry,, you can either soak it for a few minutes in cool/warm water OR use a spray bottle to dampen it and then lay it out to block.
... i learned some month ago that people stretch their knit or crochet things and its called block (or blocking?) to me it seems to stretch and flatening some natural in something strange and unnatural. like stretching a fluffy wooly sheep to a flat bedside carpet 🤔🙃
hi @nobleknits do I need to block a scarf that is made with the fisherman's rib? I really like how fluffy it is and that's why I chose the stitch but I just wanted to know if I still need to block it. Thank you!
Hi Lawandasu, Great question! I rarely block hats because they usually look perfect to me as is. The only time I have blocked them is when I knitted in Fair Isle colorwork.
Is it possible to partly block something? I made a baby romper that I don’t want to get any bigger, but I would like to block one of the button plates so it lays flatter.
So this is NOT everything I need to know. Not all kinds of yarn should or could be wet blocked. I am missing different methods for different kinds of yarn.
I think this video should be titled “How to block knitted scarves. Here is why I watched a long time before I figured out this was going to teach me nothing about how to make baby shoes stiff. Time is a precious thing Now I have to go to work and cannot mail my customers their baby things
I block garments when they’re not “casual” items. A cotton tank top? No. Acrylic bralette? No. Most socks? No. Gifts 100% yes, sweaters 100% yes, lacework 100% yes. You know?
![How to block knitting - The ultimate tutorial [+tips and tricks]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/5n9riSj3dYs/mqdefault.jpg)
Beginner here, I had no idea about blocking 😱.
I never used to block but now I'm doing a lot more knitting, especially colour work sweaters and I've started to block. I also learned from another video on TH-cam about steam ironing the yoke colour work over a damp tea towel which is really helpful because it loosens any puckering.
Hi Andrea, That's a great blocking tip. Thanks for sharing! 😀
I tend not to block synthetic fibers. Lace ALWAYS gets blocked. I just finished an adult sized shell in a lace weight cashmere yarn. It turned out great, but I was soooo happy with it after I blocked it. It looked polished and professional. I believe in blocking (when appropriate) as much as I believe in swatching before I begin. I love the advice we get in these videos.
Hi Dale, You couldn't be more on point! I agree with all of your blocking (and SWATCHING!) theories. Thanks for your kind words! 😀
Thank you! I wish you would have shown the scarf after it was unpinned and dry!
OMG, you are right! I'm so sorry I didn't. However, you can take a look at it here. It's the Week 3 project, Gorgeous Gradient Scarf: www.nobleknitsu.com/courses/scarf-bootcamp
I've never blocked a garment, but I'm knitting more blankets & flat items and they look like they need 'finishing', so I'm happy to try blocking.
Excellent video thank you so much. I feel much less intimidated about the blocking process. Having knitted the lace scarf as a gift I would hate to spoil it but I think you have de-mystified the process and I will go for it!!
Hi Moira, I'm so happy to help! Just keep in mind...you can't really ruin something you blocked. If you don't like the way it turns out you can rewet it and block it again! 😀
love this video, very clear, and nice to see alternatives to blocking mats,xx
I never block, Thanks for sharing, very helpful info 🌸🌺🌷
Beautiful flowers, lovely scarf, the cutest puppy!
Like most things, it depends. If the yarn used knits up perfectly flat and the garment fits, no. It will get blocked when I wash the garment. Scarves, rarely. Lace, always. And so on.
Thank you for the very helpful video. I find there are some garments where a relaxed stitch changes not only the structure but the function. For example, cowls where I prefer they stand up - more stiff to combat the wintry elements. I soaked a cowl and regretted it - changed it entirely - way too soft and floppy. I haven’t knit a sweater in a while but would be reluctant depending on the look and fit I’m going for.
Hi E and L, Thank you so much for sharing your blocking tips and insights! 😀
that is such a beautiful scarf you made, I do want to learn to knit these different ways in which I've never heard of but I'm a beginner and in school which was back in the 1970s I had Home Ec and we were only taught the regular knit and purl knit and I remembered how to those which I know if I can learn those I can learn other ways of knitting. You teach in a way that I can understand and you never go so fast but slow enough for me to understand and catch on. I will try to make my first shawl and will let you know how it turns out
Excellent video and that puppy is adorable! I used to have one just like her/him. Thank you!
Hi Beth, I'm so glad you found it helpful. Little white floof dogs are the best, aren't they!?!?! 🐶
I block depending on the project. I don't block hats or socks. I do block my shawls and sweaters. I have a mini spin dryer that I bought for my yarn dyeing and I use that to get the excess water out of my project before blocking, it works great.
Hi Judy, Ohhh! That mini spin dryer sounds like a treat! Thanks for letting us know what you block/don't block! 😀
Thank you, this was super helpful ❤️
I cannot believe we did not see the final product!
Love a good spray block on my garments other than the chunky scarfs.
Hi Sara, That's a great tip! Thanks for sharing 😀
What is a spray block?
@@okaminess Hi putting water in a spray bottle and soaking the garment without having to place it in a bowl and risk stretching it. I do that with the more delicate items.
@@okaminess Rather than completely soaking the garment in a bowl of water, you're going to use a spray bottle to dampen the garment. You'll get it lightly damp and then block into place.
Thank you! Will try my first blocking when I complete your shawl pattern.
Love your videos. Do you have to block every time you wash the garment. Thank You so much 😊
I was wondering about that as well, Jackie. I'm quite puzzled.
Hi @Jackie Losey and @parsleybrain, Yes. Usually, when you block a garment, you will need to reblock it after washing to achieve the desired results.
Depends on what it is. If going to be washed a lot I do not like washclothes. They will block after washes.
A very helpful video and at a speed I could absorb the information as I am a beginner. Thank you
Hello, thanks for the tips but we didn't get to see the final result! Please post a picture of the finished blocked scarf!
Great video! Thank you!
I am learning to block. My mom always did😃
Cute pup!
Thank you! 🐶
Hi everyone. This scarf is the first thing I’ve ever knitted and was going to block but now unsure if I should be. As it’s a Labour of love and took a lot of effort for me, I don’t want to mess it up at this last hurdle. Any advice welcomed!
Interested in your comment that you do not block thick and thin and other nubbly yarn. But when that garment is eventually washed won't the result be much the same as blocking?
Hi Jo, Great question! Yes, I do wash the garment. I usually just lay it flat to dry instead of using blocking pins.
I’ve never blocked! I have just knitted a scarf using mohair wool which is a lovely lace pattern. The pattern recommends blocking but I am so nervous of ruining it by putting it in water. What would you advise please?
Hi Moira, You could try a modified blocking method first. Rather than immersing it in water, get out a spray bottle and spritz your project then block it.
Moira, would you never wash that scarf?
@@jonesbo4072 Hi Jo you are asking a novice! I knitted it for the first time and have gifted it to my sister in law so I haven't really considered how to care for it. I guess it should be washed in luke warm water and hand wash gently then dry flat
I’ve never blocked, but I have an acrylic knitted scarf that needs blocking due to the sides curling in - yes, stockinette, but with a garter border all the way around. So I was thinking I should hit it with some steam.
Hi GrannyDee, Hitting it with some steam is a great place to start. Be sure to let the scarf cool and dry completely before moving it. If that doesn't work, try wet blocking. Good luck! 😀
Be careful not to kill it, every acrylic I've steam blocked I've killed 😟
@@heather8332 You're right, you have to be so careful with man-made fibers or they melt. I keep the iron on the lowest setting.
But, what does the finished project look like??? Will it have those "wavy" edges???
That was what I thought when watching the video. Surely that would be the end result and not what you would want.
A striped towel would be nice for blocking. Give you a guide for lining up edges.
That's a great tip, malanezoe! Thanks for sharing! 😀
You can also use a builder's technique: pin a length of yarn and hey presto, a straight line.
Should u wash before blocking?
You said that the scarf was okay. I hope the pup is okay, too! Playing with pins is concerning!😳
Thank you for this timerly (for me) information.
What to do with a top that sheds a lot, I think it has angora wool in the mix, that is making my knitting almost unwearable?
Hi! I’m wondering if blocking and washing are the same?
Hi Piora, Washing or soaking your finished project is step 1 of the blocking process. After that, you'll lay the garment on a flat surface to dry. The "blocking" part is when you pin the garment in place so that it holds the shape you want when dry.
I have heard mixed opinions about whether or not to block acrylic or synthetic yarns. If your project meets the other criteria that you have for blocking but is made in acrylic yarn, do you block?
Hi Ashley, Great question! Blocking in this method doesn't work for acrylic. The yarn will actually ignore your blocking commands! To block acrylic, you need to use the steam of your iron (on the acrylic/synthetic setting). Gently steam over the project and don't allow the iron to touch the fabric. Keep it about 2" above. Go over it a few times and then let the fabric cool. You are actually gently melting the fiber to the shape you want. Take it slow and you'll have good results. 😀
@@nobleknits thanks so much!
How do you know how far to stretch it?
Why would you suggest not to block Chenille yarn? Would you block a go for fleece ( lion brand yarn) sweater? My stitches came out really tight….
I am in a conundrum-I used a beautiful 85%wool and 15% mohair yarn to knit a scarf with a new to me stitch (the Andalusian), but it is curling! I’m halfway through, and have to decide whether to frog it and start over, or block it, but I have no idea of blocking would keep it from curling for very long. What would you recommend?
I wonder how your scarf worked out!
Can you block alpaca, Marino wools , Angora etc.?
Hi Debra, yes natural fibers block beautifully! However, if you want to keep the lovely halo effect you get with alpaca, angora, and mohair, I would test block it before blocking a completed project because blocking can reduce the halo effect.
Can I ask, what’s the difference between blocking a garment and then washing a garment?
Hi Heather, Great question. Many yarns can't put in the washing machine so they need to be hand-washed. Before blocking I put this in a soaking bath (which the same as hand-washing). The difference is that when it is taken out of the wash it is blocked to shape it properly.
@@nobleknits thanks 😊
what fiber is your scarf? I kinitted a synthetic yarn scarf. Should I be blocking it and does one need the wool solution for non-wool yarn?
I’ve never blocked. Should I block fingerless mitts with cables?
Hi NativeTexan, If the mitts fit well, I wouldn't block them. I usually only block shawls, sweaters, and sometimes cowls. 😀
What do I do when I want to wash what I don’t block? And what about milk cotton yarn? Should it be blocked when knitted?
Hi Patricia, Great questions! Follow the care instructions on the yarn label. Usually they are hand wash, lay flat to dry. You can follow the same rule when knitting milk cotton yarns. I have seen some of the yarn labels for milk cotton say machine washable but if you aren't sure you can wash it in the machine in a lingerie bag. When it comes to whether or not you should block it, take a look at the garment when you are laying it flat to dry. Is it starting to curl? Does it seem like it needs a little extra help to hold its shape while drying? If you say "yes" to any of these questions, I recommend blocking it.
@@nobleknits thank you for the respond! Now another question is, can I still block after I wash my finished project?
@@patriciah2287 Absolutely! If it's already dry,, you can either soak it for a few minutes in cool/warm water OR use a spray bottle to dampen it and then lay it out to block.
Is your scarf knittig bootcamp still running?
I love this scarf. Are you selling the pattern?
Hi Shif22, The patterns are currently exclusive to the Shawl Bootcamp but if I release them, I'll do a video about it. 😀
Thank's 😍
You're welcome 😊
I have a baby sweater I want to block do I do the pieces individually or put the sweater together first then block?
Hi Tala, Great question! Put the sweater together first and then block it. 😀
... i learned some month ago that people stretch their knit or crochet things and its called block (or blocking?)
to me it seems to stretch and flatening some natural in something strange and unnatural.
like stretching a fluffy wooly sheep to a flat bedside carpet 🤔🙃
hi @nobleknits do I need to block a scarf that is made with the fisherman's rib? I really like how fluffy it is and that's why I chose the stitch but I just wanted to know if I still need to block it. Thank you!
I'm fairly new to knitting and just finished a hat. Do I need to block hats?
Hi Lawandasu, Great question! I rarely block hats because they usually look perfect to me as is. The only time I have blocked them is when I knitted in Fair Isle colorwork.
Is it possible to partly block something? I made a baby romper that I don’t want to get any bigger, but I would like to block one of the button plates so it lays flatter.
When is the boot camp or is it whenever you sign up?
Hi Kendall, The boot camp is ready whenever you sign up. You can go at your own pace and access the course 24/7.
Do you do this after every wash ?
Good heavens, would never soak a garment before blocking!
Don’t block but want to
Steam blocking is much easier.
I agree! I usually start with steam blocking but if that doesn't do the trick, I move on to a full wet-blocking.
I block nothing
My wrists wouldn't be strong enough to squeeze enough water out
I block everything
I never block! Don‘t like the look of blocked knits.
So this is NOT everything I need to know. Not all kinds of yarn should or could be wet blocked. I am missing different methods for different kinds of yarn.
god just shut up
I block everything I knit
Great! 😀
Definitely block
Block!
Good video, but way to long, could have said everything in 3-4 minutes
I think this video should be titled
“How to block knitted scarves.
Here is why
I watched a long time before I figured out this was going to teach me nothing about how to make baby shoes stiff.
Time is a precious thing
Now I have to go to work and cannot mail my customers their baby things
Hi Dedra, Yes this video is on blocking which usually relaxes the stitches and provides drape. I'll be doing another video soon on baby booties.
Next time you're short on time just increase the speed of the video or scan forward to get a sense of the video.
Take responsibility, Dedra hun.
It’s an 11 minute video, stop being so nasty.
if there was a yarn ball bumper sticker that had the words "I BLOCK FOR NO ONE" that would be for me as i don't block at all lol.
LOL - Love it, Ricky! 🤩
I block garments when they’re not “casual” items. A cotton tank top? No. Acrylic bralette? No. Most socks? No. Gifts 100% yes, sweaters 100% yes, lacework 100% yes. You know?
Hi Kaden, That's a good rule of thumb. Thanks for sharing your tip! 😀
When you block sweaters, do you block the pieces before seaming? I decided to block after I put it all together… am I too late?