How To Block A Knitted Blanket

Block Blanket Knitting Pattern Your first knit afghan Knitting with from knittingwithchopsticks.com

Knitting a blanket can be a labor of love, and once you’ve finished your project, you want it to look as good as possible. One way to achieve this is by blocking your knitted blanket. Blocking is the process of wetting and shaping your finished knitting to help it lay flat and even out any tension issues. In this article, I’ll share my personal experience and guide you through the process of blocking a knitted blanket.

What You’ll Need

Before we get started, you’ll need a few things:

A clean, flat surface (such as a bed or blocking mat)
Towels (to soak up excess water)
Pins (rust-proof is best)
A spray bottle filled with water

Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s how to block your knitted blanket:

Start by washing your blanket in cold water and laying it flat to dry.
Once the blanket is dry, place it on your flat surface and smooth out any wrinkles or bumps.
Saturate your blanket with water using the spray bottle.
Use your hands to gently stretch the blanket to the desired size and shape.
Pin the edges of the blanket to the surface, pulling gently to maintain the desired shape.
Allow the blanket to dry completely (this may take several hours or even a day or two).
Once the blanket is dry, remove the pins and enjoy your beautifully blocked blanket!

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

Here are some tips and ideas to keep in mind when blocking your knitted blanket:

Use rust-proof pins to avoid leaving marks on your blanket.
Take your time and be gentle when stretching your blanket to avoid damaging the fibers.
Experiment with different shapes and sizes to achieve the look you want.
If you’re blocking a lace or textured blanket, use blocking wires to help maintain the shape of the pattern.
Consider using a wool wash or blocking spray to help set the shape of your blanket.
Blocking can help even out tension issues, but it won’t fix major mistakes or errors in your knitting.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice from more experienced knitters!
Blocking can be a great way to refresh an old or well-loved blanket.
Consider blocking your blanket before you add any fringe or tassels.
Experiment with different blocking methods (such as steam blocking) to find the technique that works best for you.

Pros and Cons

Like any knitting technique, blocking has its pros and cons. Here are a few to consider:

Pros

Blocking can help even out tension issues and create a more polished, professional look.
Blocking can help refresh an old or well-loved blanket.
Blocking can be a fun and satisfying process!

Cons

Blocking can be time-consuming and requires some patience.
Blocking may not fix major mistakes or errors in your knitting.
Some knitters prefer not to block their blankets, as they like the natural texture and drape of the fabric.

My Personal Review

I’ve blocked several knitted blankets over the years, and I’ve found it to be a really satisfying process. It’s always amazing to see how a slightly wonky or uneven blanket can be transformed into a beautiful, even piece of fabric. That being said, blocking can be time-consuming, so I usually only do it for special projects or ones that are particularly uneven. Overall, I’d definitely recommend giving blocking a try!

FAQs

Q: Do I need to block my knitted blanket?

A: It’s up to you! Some knitters prefer the natural texture and drape of unblocked knitting, while others find that blocking helps even out tension issues and creates a more polished look. If you’re not sure, try blocking a small sample of your knitting and see if you like the results.

Q: How long does it take to block a knitted blanket?

A: It depends on the size of your blanket and the blocking method you choose. Wet blocking can take several hours or even a day or two to dry completely, while steam blocking can be quicker.