Blocking of Hand Knits by Binka Schwan

ON YOUR WAY TO THE MASTERS Blocking of Hand Knits by binka schwan

Blocking is an important step in the knitting process. Unfortunately this very important step is often forgotten or neglected by the knitter. When knitters skip the blocking process they are often unhappy with their finished product. There are many definitions of blocking in knitting books, but most texts agree that the blocking process gives a knitted piece its permanent size and shape.

The blocking process is an integral part of all three levels of the Master Hand Knitting Program. All knitted swatches and projects required for each level need to be blocked prior to submission. In addition, Level One requires a report on Blocking and Care of Hand Knits.

1 Either water or steam is used in the blocking process. Once the knitting of a garment is completed, blocking is done on each knitted piece prior to sewing together. Blocking will help adjust and reshape both length and width of pieces that are supposed to be identical. It will also even out the edges of individual pieces so that seaming together is easier. Seamless knitting (knitting in the round) can also be blocked to shape the stitches and smooth the rounds. Blocking after washing a garment will reshape it to the correct proportions. The blocking process allows the knitter to make certain that measurements stated in a pattern match the actual knitted pieces. This ensures a proper size and fit to the finished garment.

A few tools are required for the blocking process. A method for getting the swatch/garment wet, a surface to block on, the original pattern, and a tape measure or yardstick to ensure correct 2 measurements are all necessary. Finally, blocking pins or wires that are waterproof and rustproof are extremely important. If rustproof pins are not used unsightly rust spots can be left on the swatch or garment.

A swatch/knitted piece can be dampened with a spray bottle, covered with a damp towel, or dunked in cool water until completely saturated before shaping. Steam can also be used by pinning the swatch/garment piece to the correct measurements then using a steam iron held above the piece to “steam” into shape. The iron should never be allowed to touch the knitting as natural fibers may be scorched and man-made fibers ruined. For example, acrylic yarn may melt if blocked with an iron. Also, when using the “dunking” method, care must be taken by the knitter to support the saturated pieces when removing them from the water so that permanent stretching of the fibers does not occur. It is important to remember that whatever method is used for blocking, the article 3 should be allowed to dry completely so mold is not an issue.

60 Cast On • August – October 2008 Figure 1 shows an example of a stockinette stitch swatch that is unblocked. Figure 2 shows an identically knit swatch that has been blocked. Figure 3 demonstrates “overblocking”. This acrylic stockinette swatch is flat and lifeless, showing scorch marks, and Have You Heard ... melting of the fibers. About the Needle Arts Mentoring Programsm?

It is important to remember that the end result of blocking should be a swatch/garment that still has texture and life. It should not be You LOVE to knit, right? Have you ever taught a child how blocked to the point where the stitches are flattened and lifeless. to knit? Are you involved with a group of youngsters who Lace is blocked differently than a pattern of cables or rib. There would enjoy learning to create their own knits? Why not are also different methods of blocking recommended depending spread your passion for this popular needle art to children on the type of fiber that is being used. For example, the suggested in your town? That’s what the Helping Hands Foundation’s methods for blocking wool, silk, acrylic, and blends might all be Needle Arts Mentoring Program (NAMP) is all about. different. The recommended washing/cleaning instructions are written on each yarn label for reference. These recommendations from the manufacturer should be followed. Some man-made fibers Adult volunteer mentors teach children the needle arts as do not require blocking and can actually be ruined if made wet. part of a school program, after school group, scout troop, summer camp, library program, or any other gathering The gauge swatch that is completed prior to knitting a garment of young people. The Helping Hands Foundation (HHF) should be washed and blocked before beginning the actual project. provides all the supplies you need to get started. Each group Gauge should be measured both prior to and after blocking so that has a Volunteer Coordinator, an adult who takes care of the knitter can see if any modifications in needle size or pattern size need to occur prior to knitting an entire garment. The time it scheduling, gathering the mentors and the children for the takes to do this will benefit the knitter in the long run and ensure NAMP, contacting HHF for supplies, and overseeing the a correct final fit. program. For a knitting NAMP, each child is given a pair of knitting needles, about one ounce of yarn and a How to Knit The Master Hand Knitting Committee looks for swatches at each book. The adult mentors teach the children how to knit, level that have no pin marks, rust spots, or scalloped/curled edges. all the while developing a wonderful multi-generational The swatches should have texture and life, and not be flattened by over-blocking. Swatches need to be blocked flat, with squared relationship with their charges. When the program ends, corners and straight edges. The blocking process should also the budding needle artists get to take their needles and their not flatten textured patterns, cables or ribbing. Many times the book home, in the hope that they will continue to develop Committee sees excellent blocking reports in Level One, but the their newfound skill on their own. swatches are not blocked correctly. This indicates that the knitter does not have a good practical understanding of what was written Community service by participants is encouraged. The in the report. The Committee expects both a good report and well- suggested first project for a knitter is a wristlet or bookmark, blocked swatches. and the second is a blanket square. The NAMP then stitches References the squares together into a blanket for a local charitable Reader’s Digest Knitter’s Handbook, Montse Stanley, Reader’s Digest, cause, or the squares can be sent to a national charity such Pleasantville, NY 1993. as Warm Up America. Many groups have adopted local The Knitting Answer Book, Margaret Radcliffe, Storey Publishing, charities and have expanded into making preemie or chemo North Adams, MA, 2005. caps, blankets, scarves or hats for the needy in their areas. Vogue Knitting, Editors of Vogue Magazine, Sixth and Spring Books, We all know knitters are generous by nature, and we are NY, 2002. “The Basics of Blocking Part One” Sandi Wiseheart, July 25, 2007, nurturing that virtue in the youth taking part in NAMP. www.knittingdaily.com. “The Basics of Blocking Part Two” Sandi Wiseheart, July 27, 2007, If you know of a group that would enjoy becoming a Needle www.knittingdaily.com. Arts Mentoring Program, get in touch (HelpingHands@ “To Block or Not to Block ...” Jessica Fenton Thomas, 2002, www. Offinger.com or 740-452-4541). We currently have about knitty.com/ISSUEwinter02. 175 active programs with over 4300 young participants,

Author’s Note: A special thank you to Cindy Nelson and Carolyn and more are welcome! Vance for their contributions to this article.