Whether you’ve just finished your first hand knit project, or you are hand washing that great sweater you bought last season, “blocking” your knitted item while it dries will help it maintain the intended shape and fit.
Blocking can seem intimidating, but it’s quite easy.
Blocking can seem intimidating, but it’s quite easy.
Here is what you need:
- good quality hand wash detergent
- T-Pins (optional, but very helpful)
- A large towel
- Foam core poster board (this is optional), or blocking mats if you're fancy
First, carefully hand wash your knit item. Use cool water and minimal detergent.
Rinse thoroughly and gently squeeze out as much water as you possibly can.
Then spread out your item flat on the towel in the general shape you want it to be.
Now roll up the towel and knit item together, like a jelly roll cake.
Now this part is fun. You need to press out the water. I like to step and walk on the rolled up towel to squeeze out more water. You can do this a couple of times with more dry towels if you are having difficulty getting the water out.
Now roll up the towel and knit item together, like a jelly roll cake.
Carefully lay out your knit item in the desired shape. Be sure to flatten any edges that might be rolling up. Using pins to hold various edges in place can help.
Then just let it dry! Sometimes, I will flip the item over after the top has dried and re-set the pins to make sure both sides are the right shape and lay correctly.
Once the item is completely dry, it is ready to wear or share.
If you love this vest, you can make it to. The Bamboo Shell pattern is available from Purl Soho here
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