Blocking
From KnitWiki
A step in finishing intended to smooth out and shape a piece of knitting.
Blocking may be performed on a whole assembled article or on the individual pieces of knitting, such as the various parts of a sweater before seaming. Blocking before assembly helps make seaming easier by flattening out and shaping the pieces to their proper measurements.
Blocking is accomplished via immersion, steam, dry pressing, or spraying with water.
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[edit] Wet (immersion) blocking
The article to be blocked is immersed in water of a temperature appropriate to the fiber content of the yarn. Detergent, wool wash, or a small amount of vinegar (to set dye) may be added to the water. The article should be well soaked, then the excess water removed by using the spin cycle only of a washing machine, rolling in dry towels and squeezing, or, per Elizabeth Zimmermann, placing in a salad spinner basket and swinging vigorously.
The article is then laid out on a padded surface such as a towel, blocking board, or bed, molded into the desired configuration, pinned in place if necessary, and allowed to dry.
Lace knitting is typically blocked with this method, pinned out under tension to enhance the pattern.
Fair Isle knitting is also blocked with this method, sometimes with the aid of a sweater stretcher or frame which holds the knitting under tension as it dries.
Wet blocking is suitable for all washable fibers. Always check your yarn label and test on a swatch first.
[edit] Steam blocking
The article to be blocked is laid out on a padded, heat-proof surface such as an ironing or blocking board and pinned into shape, if necessary. Then a steam iron is held above the knitting, without letting the plate of the iron come into direct contact with the fabric, and each section of the garment steamed thoroughly. The article should not be removed from the blocking surface until dry.
Alternately, steam blocking may be accomplished with a dry iron and a damp press cloth, such as a washcloth or square of muslin.
Steam blocking is suitable for fibers that do not have heat-sensitive dyes or finishes. The combination of heat and moisture may cause some dyed yarns to bleed. Check your yarn label and test on a swatch first. Steam blocking will "kill" acrylic yarn, that is, relax the fiber to the point where it becomes limp and flat.
[edit] Dry pressing
The article to be blocked is set up on the pressing surface as for steam blocking and pressed with a dry iron on low heat and minimal pressure.
This method is best suited to the final touch-up blocking after a garment as assembled, such as pressing seams.
Pressing is not suitable for synthetic fibers such as acrylic and nylon, which may melt.
[edit] Spray blocking
The article to be blocked is laid out on a towel or blocking board and pinned into shape, if necessary. It is then sprayed with water from a spray bottle and allowed to dry.
Spray blocking is appropriate for all washable fibers.
