How To Block A Knitted Baby Blanket

Knitting a baby blanket is a wonderful way to show your love and creativity. Once you have finished knitting a baby blanket, it is important to block it properly to give it that perfect finish. In this article, I will share my personal experience and guide you through the process of blocking a knitted baby blanket.

Why Block A Knitted Baby Blanket?

Blocking a knitted baby blanket is important for a few reasons. Firstly, it evens out the stitches and makes the blanket look smoother and more professional. Secondly, it helps the blanket to hold its shape and size. Lastly, it can help to remove any unevenness or curling that may have occurred during the knitting process.

Step By Step Guide

Here is a step by step guide for blocking a knitted baby blanket:

1. Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water and a small amount of wool wash.
2. Place the knitted baby blanket in the water and gently press it down to fully submerge it.
3. Let the blanket soak for around 15 minutes.
4. Remove the blanket from the water and gently squeeze out the excess water. Do not wring or twist the blanket.
5. Lay the blanket flat on a clean towel and roll up the towel to absorb the remaining water. Repeat this step with a second towel if necessary.
6. Lay the blanket flat on a blocking mat or other flat surface. Use T-pins to pin the edges of the blanket to the desired size and shape. Take care to ensure that the corners are square and the edges are straight.
7. Leave the blanket to dry completely, which may take several hours or even overnight.
8. Once the blanket is dry, remove the pins and enjoy your beautifully blocked knitted baby blanket!

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

Here are some top tips and ideas for blocking a knitted baby blanket:

• Always use lukewarm water and a wool wash that is gentle on the fibers.
• Be gentle when handling the blanket to avoid stretching or distorting it.
• Use T-pins to ensure the blanket is pinned securely and evenly.
• If you don’t have a blocking mat, a clean towel or foam puzzle mat can work well.
• Consider using a steam iron to help set the shape of the blanket.
• Experiment with different blocking techniques, such as wet blocking, steam blocking, or spray blocking.
• Try blocking your blanket in different shapes, such as a square, rectangle, or diamond.
• Use blocking wires to help achieve a straight edge on your blanket.
• Consider adding a lace border or other embellishments to your blanket after blocking.
• Take your time and enjoy the process of blocking your beautiful knitted baby blanket!

Pros and Cons

Like any technique, there are pros and cons to blocking a knitted baby blanket:

Pros:

• Results in a more professional-looking finished product.
• Helps the blanket hold its shape and size.
• Can help to remove any curling or unevenness in the fabric.
• Allows you to experiment with different shapes and sizes for your blanket.

Cons:

• Can be time-consuming and require patience.
• May require additional equipment, such as a blocking mat or T-pins.
• Can be intimidating for beginners.
• May not be necessary for all knitted projects.

My Personal Review and Suggestion

As an experienced knitter, I highly recommend blocking a knitted baby blanket to achieve the best possible finish. Although it can be time-consuming, the results are well worth it. I suggest using a blocking mat and T-pins to ensure the blanket is pinned securely and evenly. Experiment with different blocking techniques and shapes to find what works best for your project. Overall, blocking a knitted baby blanket is a satisfying and rewarding process that will give your project that extra special touch.

Question & Answer / FAQs

Q: What is blocking?

A: Blocking is the process of shaping and setting the size of a knitted or crocheted item using water, steam, or other methods.

Q: Is blocking necessary for all knitted projects?

A: No, blocking is not necessary for all knitted projects. However, it can be particularly beneficial for items like blankets, shawls, and sweaters.

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

A: The time it takes to block a knitted baby blanket can vary depending on the size of the blanket and the blocking method used. It may take several hours or even overnight to dry completely.