Sneaking a Peek

(First, a picture to prove that they get along.)

The other thing on my mind: When certain projects begin to get a little mysterious or slightly tiresome because it doesn't yet resemble what you picture will be the outcome and you begin to wonder how it's going to turn out, do what I do: Block it before it's time.

If you block it before its time, you can literally see into the future. Of course, this particular technique, if you can call it a technique, won't work for many things you knit in pieces like some sweaters or whatnot, but the thing is, you can certainly pre-block items like this table runner or scarves or lace items (unless you are a hard-core lace knitter and must use those teeny tiny lace blocker needle wires that I can't even begin to wrap my mind around), but if the item is relatively straightforward, I say, go for it.

But what is blocking, anyway, and are there certain rules we can follow, all of the time?

In a few words: Who knows? And Nope.

I knitted for a couple years before I finally could say to others: "Block as necessary or desired." Truth is, blocking for one person isn't necessarily what blocking is for the next person. Blocking is what you want it to be, really, and you need not be worried about what it is, unless you don't understand what the fiber you are working with can withstand and how it behaves under certain conditions.

Take, for example, this hemp that I'm using for Lisa Shobana Mason's Celebration Table Runner (see sidebar for more info). This is hemp, so really, the sky is the limit when it comes to blocking. If you are mid-project like I am at the moment and cannot wait to see how it will turn out, either keep it on the needles and pre-block like I did today with a mighty steamer or place it on a holder of some type and go for it. When I say "go for it, I mean go for it. Hemp can take just about any type of treatment, including a hot wash in the washer and even a nice tumble dry. But if your work is still on the needles, I'd take the high route and steam it like I did today just to be safe.

If you're using a 100 percent wool, washable or not, for your project, I'd let the semi-finished or finished item soak in some wool-friendly wash and some cool water for a few minutes and then roll it in a towel and lay it flat to dry. Or steam it lightly, instead, which is my preferred method for blocking (but not for laundering). If it's cotton, I'd give it the rough treatment, meaning go ahead and give it the full-on hot steamer or a warm bath and a spin in the washer and then some flat drying. Just make sure that whatever you do, you have it on needles that can withstand the treatment, too, or place the unfinished piece on a plastic holder or something like that. I will say, however, that you shouldn't tell any knitting mavens what you are doing. They might call you out, or worse, ban you from some sort of knitting circle. (And they will also tell you that the stitches on the holder will be looser than the other rows below it, etc., etc., but if you are careful not to get them wet and exclude them from the blocking, everything should turn out alright--but only if you are steaming it or wetting it lightly. Obviously, placing it in the washer will get everything wet.)

Just know that if you are working your knitted item in pieces, you'll have to give the same treatment to all the other pieces before seaming, because the blocking process might make it more difficult to piece the thing together when you're all done.

My Celebration Table Runner is coming along nicely, now that I've blocked my progress! It's so much fun to sneak a peek!

Comments

[Debbie]

Yeah Chuck! I've missed him. Love the shot of the two of them.

Hum, I've never thought about blocking during a knit. Who am I kidding? I rarely think about blocking after a knit!

[margaux]

love the blocking tips! I perhaps am often too "rough" with my blocking but they come out beauties so I think i'm doing fine!!

I laugh every time I read the Rowan labels - "Wash in soapflakes" Burahahaha!

That table runner looks great! Love the sneak peek!

[shobhana]

i love the color that you chose. it definitely gives it a more sophisticated look.

[Celeste]

What type of steamer is that? I haven't seen one like that before.

Runner looks great!

[Raina]

I am so a fan of blocking before its time...there are many a socks in my life that would have never been completed had it not been for premature blocking.

Cheers.

[Debbie]

I love the picture of the doggies. Post their adorable faces anytime! I was thinking about test-blocking something last night, but I just didn't have the umph to do it. I'm glad to see support on the subject. I, too, would like to know what kind of steamer you are using, and if you like it?

[Mariah]

Isn't it so nice to just knit and block "...as desired"? I know someone suggested that I test-block some project at some point -- maybe it was you? -- and now I do it as desired. (Truth is I just love that "as desired" part.) It's a great way to make sure you're on your way to the project you have in mind.

[stephanie]

Your dogs are adorable. What a pair!

[darlene]

Both Chuck and Rocko look like they are just the best of pals.

I was never blocker or a gauger, Im a rogue knitter. But my old age getting me to adhere to things like blocking and swatching.

[MonkeyGurrl]

First, perfunctory compliment on your knitting. It looks beautiful.

More importantly, HOW GREAT TO CHUCK AND ROCK-OH! LOOK TOGETHER?!?!?! And wouldn't it be great if all the men and all the countries could be more like the dogs we love than the "dogs" we call them?! B/c, once they get past the butt-sniffing and the alpha-dogging, and the getting-to-know-you stage, don't ALL dogs get along?! I love the dog park b/c its such a great illustration of what this world *could* be, if it were truly run by, or had gone to, the dogs. Such maligned creatures. Sigh.

[Michaela]

Wow! What a difference! You just made me realize that I really need to go back and block some stuff. Maybe that'll be a part of my "spring cleaning" this year.

[Rachel]

Heh heh, that's a really great tip for those of us who have to sneak a peak at our presents before the actual birthday, lol! I hate waiting till the end to know what it's going to look like!

[donna lee]

There are some people who insist that knitting has rules and you must follow them. When I started knitting, I was intimidated by them but someone once said to me, "if you end up with something you like and it gives you pleasure, you're doing it right". I have lived by that. Now I don't worry about the rules so much. I go for the joy.

[Kristi]

Shhhh! Pre-blocking is a secret! It also makes knitting look much prettier while in process.

[Julie]

Very nice. Blocking is a mystery for a lot of people. But you're right, just keep in mind the fiber, and go for it!

[katie]

I love the way that Chuck is laying. I had a golden retriever that did the same thing, although sometimes his head would hang so low that his nose would rest on the step below!

[Laura]

So cute. How is The Bunny doing with little Rocko? My kitty is the reining queen over my sweet but rambunctious golden, which I guess is for the best. Thanks for the blocking tips. It's still a little mysterious to me. I'm glad you're knitting a little again. It looks fabulous.

[Gaile]

We have the same steamer, I love mine. Blocking before you've got a project completed (especially lace) is a good way to see the design clearly and decide if it's a keeper. I really like the pattern in your table runner.

I have some of elann's hemp, which is a finer gauge than the one you're knitting with. I bought it with no clue what I was going to do but now I may have an idea!

P.S. Love the top pic of the dogs together. We have 2 cats that barely tolerate each other so there aren't photos of them together unless one is waaay in the background!

[Melanie]

I've often wondered about blocking while in progress. My one concern is - what if it isn't turning out right & needs to be frogged? Do you know if it will be more difficult to knit with a frogged yarn that was already blocked? I'm working on something now (cotton) that needs to be partially ripped out but I'm hesitating. It's become a more painful process than I was expecting.

[Wendy]

I have done that a ton of times (frogged and reknit after blocking). But I'm the type of person who just puts their head down and goes for it.

If you were to pre-block, I'd only do it very lightly, just enough to see how it is coming along before you frog.