How to Wet Block Your Knits
If you are a knitter, you may have heard about blocking your finished projects. Blocking is the process of shaping and setting your knitwear to its final size and shape. While there are different methods of blocking, wet blocking is one of the most popular techniques. In this blog post, we will discuss why you should wet block your garments in knitting, what kind of yarn works well with wet blocking, and how to wet block your garments step by step.
Why Wet Block Your Garments?
There are several reasons why you should wet block your knitted items. First, blocking helps to even out the stitches and gives your finished item a more polished and professional look. This is especially true for items that have a textured stitch pattern or cables, as blocking can help to define the stitches and make them stand out. For lace patterns, blocking can help to open up the stitches and give the finished item a delicate, airy look.
Second, blocking can help to enhance the drape of your garment. If you are knitting with a yarn that has a lot of body or bounce, such as wool or alpaca, wet blocking can help to relax the fibers and give the finished item a softer, more flowing drape. This can be especially important for items like shawls, scarves, or cardigans that are meant to drape over the body.
How to Wet Block Your Knits
Third, wet blocking can help to set the shape of your garment, ensuring that it fits and wears properly. This is especially important for items like sweaters or garments with a lot of structure, as blocking can help to shape the garment to fit your body better. Wet blocking can also help to reduce any curling or rolling at the edges of the item, giving it a more polished look.
Finally, blocking can help to remove any wrinkles or creases that may have developed during the knitting process. If you have been working on your project for a long time or it has been stored in a project bag, it may have developed creases or folds that can be difficult to remove. Wet blocking can help to smooth out these wrinkles and give your finished item a neater appearance.
What Kind of Yarn Works Well with Wet Blocking?
Most natural fibers, such as wool, alpaca, cotton, and linen, can be wet blocked. However, some yarns are better suited for wet blocking than others. For example, superwash wool may not hold its shape as well during wet blocking, while non-superwash wool is more likely to felt. In general, it is a good idea to check the care instructions for your yarn before wet blocking.
One type of yarn that is particularly well-suited for wet blocking is wool. Wool has natural properties that make it responsive to blocking, including elasticity and resilience. When wool fibers are wet and stretched, they can be shaped to hold their new form as they dry. This makes wool an ideal choice for garments that need to be shaped or adjusted during blocking, such as sweaters or hats.
Another type of yarn that works well with wet blocking is alpaca. Like wool, alpaca fibers have natural elasticity and resilience, which makes them easy to shape and set during blocking. Alpaca also has a soft, luxurious feel that can be enhanced by wet blocking, making it an ideal choice for scarves, shawls, or other accessories.
How to Wet Block Your Knits
How to Wet Block Your Garments Step by Step
To wet block your knitted items, you will need a few tools and supplies, including:
A basin or sink large enough to hold your garment
Cool water
A gentle wash for knits or mild soap
Towels for drying
Blocking mats or a clean, flat surface
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Once you have gathered your supplies, follow these steps to wet block your garment:
Fill your sink or basin with cool water. You want the water to be cool to prevent any felting or damage to your garment.
If desired, add a small amount of wool wash or mild soap to the water. Be sure to use a gentle detergent that is specifically designed for wool or other natural fibers.
Gently submerge your garment in the water, making sure that it is completely saturated. You may need to press it down gently to ensure that all of the fibers are wet.
Let your garment soak in the water for 15-20 minutes. This will give the fibers a chance to relax and become more pliable.
Drain the water from the sink or basin and gently press out any excess water from your garment. Do not wring or twist your garment, as this can cause it to lose its shape or stretch out of shape.
Lay your garment flat on a clean towel and roll it up to remove any additional water. Be sure to press down gently to remove as much water as possible.
Lay your garment out on a blocking mat or other clean, flat surface. Use T-pins or blocking wires to shape your garment to its final size and shape. Pay particular attention to the edges and any areas that need shaping or adjustment.
Allow your garment to dry completely. This may take several hours or even overnight, depending on the size and thickness of your garment.
Once your garment is completely dry, you can remove the T-pins or blocking wires and enjoy your newly blocked item!
Benefits of Wet Blocking
How to Wet Block Your Knits
In addition to the benefits already discussed, wet blocking has several other advantages. For example, wet blocking can help to remove any lingering odors from your knitted items, such as the smell of smoke or pet dander. Wet blocking can also help to remove any excess dye from your yarn, which can be especially important for brightly colored yarns that may bleed during washing or wearing.
Finally, wet blocking can help to extend the life of your knitted item. By shaping and setting your garment to its final size and shape, you can ensure that it fits properly and wears well over time. Wet blocking can also help to remove any stress or tension that may have built up in the fibers during knitting, which can help to prevent stretching or distortion over time.
Wet blocking is a valuable technique that every knitter should consider using to improve the appearance and fit of their finished items. With the right tools and supplies, wet blocking is a relatively simple process that can be done at home. By taking the time to properly block your garments, you can ensure that your knitted items look their best and fit properly for years to come.