Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

How to Block

by

Yesterday I wrote about where knitters block, today I’m giving you websites with tips on how to block.

[tag]Kim Werker[/tag], editor of [tag}Interweave Crochet[/tag], has a great tutorial on [tag]spray blocking[/tag] using a blocking board. Kim is showing how to block crochet squares, but the idea transfers to any knit project as well.

Another great article is at [tag]Knitty[/tag], written by [tag]Jessica Fenlon Thomas[/tag]. Jessica explains the nature of some popular fibers and explains how to block these fibers as all natural fibers require small tweaks in the blocking process. Jessica also has a supply list of tools necessary for the blocking process, including directions on how to make your own blocking board. The two unusual items she uses in creating her blocking boards are gingham and [tag]homosote[/tag] which is also spelled [tag]homasote[/tag]. Gingham helps you keep projects squared up and homosote helps wick away water faster.

Next Pattern:

Comments

  1. I’ve looked at all these sites but not one of them lets you know if how far to stretch your piece when blocking. I am making an afghan composed of blocks but I can’t seem to get them to stay blocked after spray blocking. I am using a 75% acrylic 25% wool yarn and they are all mostly uniform but need minor adjustments. I don’t know how far to stretch them without ruining the yarn, and if anything else will allow it to stay in place.

Have you read?

Stitch Your Favorite Fruit on a Sweater

The other day I saw a post from Pinterest about trends for summer and it said one of them was “cultivating whimsy.” 

Well, I don’t know where Pinterest has been all this time, but we’ve been cultivating whimsy here at Craft Gossip for a long time. I love sharing projects that are a little different, things that make you smile when you see them, and will make you smile when you knit them and wear them or use them. 

Such it is with the Tutti Frutti tee knitting pattern from Bea Creative Knits. 

This cute little baby tee is worked top down in the round with contiguous shoulder construction to shape the sleeve caps. There are short rows for the neckline and folded hems with picot edging at the hemline, neckline and edges of the sleeves. 

All of this would be great on its own, but then there’s the addition of a super cute fruit icon, which is added with duplicate stitch. There are a lot of options, including strawberry, banana, orange, cherries, watermelon, lemon, blueberries, kiwi, peach, dragon fruit, apple and pear, so it’s likely you can add on your favorite fruit. 

It is offered in eight sizes, to fit a bust measurement ranging from 28-30 inches (71-76 cm) to 56-58 inches (142-147 cm). The design is meant to be worn with around 6.3 inches/16 cm of negative ease, but you can choose the fit you prefer. There’s also optional bust and waist shaping included in the pattern if you want to make it even curvier.

This is considered an advanced beginner or intermediate project because of all the skills involved, but it’s sure to be a lot of fun even if some of these techniques are new to you.

Grab a copy of the pattern for yourself form Bea Creative Knits on Etsy. 

[Photo: Bea Creative Knits]