Lucy Neatby - Tradewind Knitwear Designs

Tradewind Knitwear Designs by Lucy Neatby

Blocking

I am an ardent fan of COLD WATER blocking; I converted a couple of years back and keep seeing references to STEAM which make me wince. This is my attempt to convert you!

The Process

Take the piece of work and a bunch of stainless pins (or brass) and head to a blocking board.
I use a large sheet of Styrofoam marked with squares (in a permanent ink).
Lay out the piece, right side up, and pin all around to desired dimensions.
I pin the corners first and use a ruler to keep the edges straight and widths correct.
I pin very frequently to avoid any pulling at the edges, alternatively blocking wires can be slid into the outermost sts.
You can be very precise with all of this as there is no steam burning your fingers nor any rush to hurry because the iron is ready.
I pin several bits out at once, side by side, to ensure I am pinning everything to a corresponding size.
Take a cold water spray bottle, and mist all over.
If there are any problem areas that need a little extra attention, fiddle with them, and then pat the moisture into the pieces all over.
Leave them to dry overnight below decks. (On rare occasions I have been seen holding a fan to hurry them along though!).
Blocking sleeves for the Duck Sweater

Advantages - Many:

total control
no risk of burnt fingers or wool
cheap
no possible flattening of patterns and texture
suitable for almost every yarn type.

Honestly, it really works. Not in the same 'instant impact' way as blocking with an iron or steam but slow and steady and the knitting retains its character. My master knitters squares were a delight after blocking, every one spot on size, and they looked like dishcloths before!

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