Q&A: Can you block knitting twice?
Wondering if you can block your knitting more than once? In this article, we answer exactly this question for you. Read on to find out about the effects of reblocking or double blocking your knitting work, plus when it’s most beneficial.
Main Highlights
- Re-blocking knitting is possible and can have a positive impact on your finished project.
- Multiple blocking sessions allow you to fine – tune the details of your knitted item, such as size and tension.
- Re-blocking can be beneficial for correcting mistakes, reshaping, adjusting size, enhancing lace patterns, and improving drape.
In this article…
What is Blocking in Knitting?
Blocking in knitting refers to the process of wetting or steaming a finished knitted garment or project to reshape and even out stitches, improving its appearance.
Definition and purpose of blocking
Blocking is a knitting technique that involves wetting or steaming your final product to set the stitches in place. Its primary objective is to shape and size knitted pieces, especially when irregularities are evident due to uneven tension, misaligned stitches or when they have just come off the needles.
This process allows us to fix minor errors, smooth out wrinkles and straighten edges. Imagine unveiling a beautifully finished piece of knitwear with perfect dimensions – all achieved through diligent blocking! It’s more than just a finishing touch; it’s an integral part of creating professional-level stunning projects.
We can mold our handiwork into exact sizes and shapes by properly dampening, pinning it out, and allowing drying time for the fibers to relax and do their magic!
Benefits and Limitations of Blocking
Blocking can greatly improve the appearance of lace patterns and even out stitches, but it may not be able to fix issues like curling stockinette stitch or major size changes. Discover the full benefits and limitations of blocking in knitting!
How blocking can improve the appearance of lace patterns and even out stitches
Perfectly knitted lace patterns often lose their details in a ball of uneven stitches. To revive these patterns, we use a process called blocking. Blocking smooths out the yarn and opens up the stitchwork to reveal delicate designs hidden within our knitting projects.
Like magic, those beautiful leaf-like or floral patterns that seemed obscured suddenly get enhanced.
Not only does blocking improve the appearance of lace work, it also helps even out tension across your project and makes every single stitch stand out distinctly. Inconsistent tension can lead to bunching or warping which can spoil the overall look of your finished piece.
Thus, blocking acts as a great equalizer for stitches, emphasizing symmetry and consistency throughout your handiwork.
The inability of blocking to fix issues such as curling stockinette stitch and major size changes
While blocking can work wonders for your knitted projects, it has its limitations. Unfortunately, curling stockinette stitch is one issue that this method often fails to address. Despite properly soaking and stretching the garment, those stubborn edges may persist in rolling.
In addition to failing to fix curling issues, blocking won’t solve major size changes either. If a sweater is too tight or a scarf too short, we cannot depend on this technique alone to fix these discrepancies.
Blocking does stretch your knitting slightly but do not expect any dramatic transformations when it comes to sizing shifts!
Can You Block Knitting Twice?
Does re-blocking knitting have any additional benefits and is it effective in transforming the finished project?
The possibility and effectiveness of blocking a knitted project multiple times
We’ve all been there – you finish a beautiful knitting project, only to realize that it’s not quite perfect. But fear not! The great thing about blocking is that it can be done multiple times, and each time can have a positive impact on your knitwear.
Whether you want to adjust the size, even out stitches, or reduce uneven tension, re-blocking can help transform your finished garment into something truly amazing.
When you block a knitted project multiple times, you give yourself the opportunity to fine-tune every detail. By washing and reblocking your work, you can stretch or reshape it as needed, allowing for better fit and drape.
Instances where re-blocking can be beneficial
Re-blocking knitting can be beneficial in certain situations. Here are some instances where re-blocking may be helpful:
- Correcting mistakes: If you notice any mistakes or uneven tension in your finished project after blocking it the first time, re-blocking can help fix these issues.
- Reshaping: Sometimes, a knitted item may lose its shape over time or due to wear. Re-blocking can help restore the garment’s original shape and structure.
- Size adjustments: If your knitted project turned out smaller or larger than desired after the first blocking, re-blocking can help resize it to the correct dimensions.
- Enhancing lace patterns: Lace patterns often benefit from multiple blocking sessions to open up the stitches fully and showcase their intricate designs.
- Improving drape: Re-blocking can enhance the drape of certain types of yarns, giving your knitted item a more fluid and flattering appearance.
Tips for Successful Blocking
To achieve successful blocking, make sure to properly wash and wet your knitted item, choose the appropriate blocking method, and ensure it is fully dry before removing from the blocking surface.
Proper washing and wetting techniques
To successfully block your knitted projects, it is important to use proper washing and wetting techniques. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Gently hand wash your finished knitted item using a mild detergent or wool wash.
- Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water and add the detergent. Avoid using hot water, as this can cause the fibers to shrink or felt.
- Immerse your knitting in the water, making sure it is fully saturated. Gently squeeze and press the knitting to help remove any dirt or oils.
- Let the knitting soak in the soapy water for about 10 – 15 minutes, allowing the fibers to relax and become more pliable.
- After soaking, drain the soapy water and refill the basin or sink with clean, lukewarm water for rinsing.
- Gently squeeze and press the knitting again in the clean water to remove any remaining soap residue.
- Repeat the rinsing process until there are no more suds when squeezing the knitting.
- To remove excess water from your knitting, gently press it between towels or roll it up in a clean towel and squeeze.
- Lay out a blocking surface such as foam mats or towels on a flat surface where your knitted item can lie flat while drying.
- Carefully place your damp knitting on the blocking surface, gently reshaping it to its desired measurements if necessary.
Choosing the right blocking method
To achieve successful blocking, it is important to choose the right method. Here are some options to consider:
- Wet Blocking: This method involves soaking your knitted item in water, gently pressing out the excess moisture, and then shaping it into the desired dimensions. Pinning it down on a blocking surface allows the piece to dry while holding its shape.
- Steam Blocking: If you prefer not to wet your project, steam blocking might be a suitable alternative. Using an iron or steamer, hover over the knitted piece without making direct contact. The heat from the steam will relax the fibers, allowing you to shape and smooth out any unevenness.
- Spray Blocking: A quick and easy method for those who don’t want to fully immerse their project in water. This technique involves misting the garment with water until damp and then arranging it into shape.
- Pin Blocking: Pinning your knitted item onto a blocking surface enables precise shaping and stretching. This method is particularly useful for items like lace shawls or intricate patterns that require defined edges and openwork stitches.
Ensuring the knitted item is fully dry before removing from the blocking surface
We must make sure that the knitted item is completely dry before we take it off the blocking surface. This step is crucial for maintaining the shape and structure of our knitting project.
Removing it too soon may cause the fabric to lose its desired form, undoing all our hard work. So, let’s exercise patience and give our knitted piece ample time to air dry before we proudly wear or gift it to others.
Before you go…
Blocking knitting twice is not only possible but can also be beneficial in certain cases. By reblocking a knitted project, you have the opportunity to further enhance its appearance and improve any remaining uneven tension or stitches.
Whether it’s to refine the shape or smooth out lace patterns, double blocking can help transform your finished garment into something truly stunning. So don’t hesitate to give it a try and see the amazing results for yourself!
FAQs
1. Can I block knitting twice?
Yes, you can block knitting more than once to achieve desired results or if the first blocking didn’t give the desired outcome.
2. What does it mean to block knitting?
Blocking knitting is a process where finished knitted pieces are shaped and sized by wetting them and then allowing them to dry in the desired shape.
3. How do I block knitting?
To block knitting, soak the knitted piece in lukewarm water with mild detergent, gently squeeze out excess moisture without wringing, reshape it into the desired dimensions, and let it dry flat.
4. Do all types of yarn require blocking?
Not all types of yarn require blocking; natural fibers like wool usually benefit from blocking as it helps even out stitches and enhances drape, while acrylics may not need blocking as they tend to hold their shape well.
5. How long does it take for blocked knitting to dry?
The drying time for blocked knitting depends on various factors such as fiber content, humidity levels, and thickness of the fabric but generally takes around 24-48 hours.
