They are the perfect wardrobe staples. Simply pin the top of the damp shawl to the clothesline with clothespins. The self-healing cutting mats that quilters use are popular as well. Oh, and you want to grab sewing pins if you dont have those on hand. I live in Texas and love to crochet and knit items for myself and family. concrete), I could stick the pins diagonally into the towel and they would stay put. If you want, place a trash bag over the ironing board to help with dry time and keep it from getting soaked. Since corkboard is made for pinning things to it, this makes it attractive for blocking. Cover it with a trash bag (although this is optional) to keep it from getting soaked. For more information on this method, I found a guide on how to do the washing line method on this blog post. Let the piece dry. My bath mat is made of foam and Im not worried about ruining it (plus its old). Each mat is 30cm x 30cm and suitable for blocking small and large projects. So grab a skein of yarn, a crochet hook or knitting needles, and let's get started! However, the bath mat is a great solution in a pinch or for small projects. The edges straighten out, which is beneficial for seaming. 10 Summer Knitting Patterns - Must Make Wardrobe Staples. And measure the circumference of the bowl to make sure the hat will be blocked to the proper dimensions. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sewhomey_com-leader-2','ezslot_12',113,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_cmd != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_cmd.push('div-gpt-ad-sewhomey_com-leader-2-0');}else{ __ez_fad_cmd = ['div-gpt-ad-sewhomey_com-leader-2-0'];};What I like about towels is that they are thick enough for a pin to stick to on its own. Bonus, if its hot outside, your shawl will be blocked and dry in no time. Celebrate the joy of creating! Blocking is done for a few reasons: There are 3 main types of blocking. Enjoy How to Make Envelopes Out of Magazines | Quick + Easy DIY Gifts. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'sewhomey_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_10',111,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_cmd != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_cmd.push('div-gpt-ad-sewhomey_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');}else{ __ez_fad_cmd = ['div-gpt-ad-sewhomey_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'];}; Do make sure you block in this manner on a spare bed. But if you find yourself with a corkboard that is no longer in use, this could be an option for blocking your knit or crochet pieces. This type of mat would work because it is made to withstand water (thats how they get cleaned). My mom has an old cutting mat that is made from cardboard. LoveCrafts Group Limited (or its affiliates, including LoveCrafts Makers Limited) 2022, registered in England and Wales (no. Welcome to Sew Homey! The only downside is the size of the item that can be blocked is directly related to the size of your ironing board. Lace Blocking Mats by KnitPro are a must-have set for lace knitters. However, this is typical of blocking anyway. Convenient to assemble, fit together like puzzle pieces to make the size and shape you need. New selection may affect price, shipping options and product availability, Arrives within1 - 2working days with speedy delivery. Basically, all I am saying is that if you use towels to block, you are not limited to a soft surface to use pins. The damp fabric can be placed directly on the bath mat and left to dry. 11 Ways to Block Knitting Without Blocking Mats Using Materials From Home, link to 10 Summer Knitting Patterns - Must Make Wardrobe Staples, link to How to Make Envelopes Out of Magazines | Quick + Easy DIY Gifts. Leave it to dry.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'sewhomey_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_11',112,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_cmd != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_cmd.push('div-gpt-ad-sewhomey_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');}else{ __ez_fad_cmd = ['div-gpt-ad-sewhomey_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'];}; I will chance it and say that nearly everyone should own an ironing board. Pack of 9. I'm always researching and teaching myself something new about crochet and knitting, which I share with you on the blog. This site is owned and operated by Abby Adams. Blocking knit items can be done inexpensively with a towel and flat surface. The result is similar to pinning the shawl into place on a blocking mat. Wouldnt want your project to kick you out of your own bed! 8072374, respectively) both at Aviation House, 125 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6NH, UK. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Then keep reading to find out the 10 ways to block without mats, ONLY using household materials.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sewhomey_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',106,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_cmd != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_cmd.push('div-gpt-ad-sewhomey_com-medrectangle-4-0');}else{ __ez_fad_cmd = ['div-gpt-ad-sewhomey_com-medrectangle-4-0'];}; Blocking is the process of applying water to a knit or crochet piece of fabric, shaping the piece and then letting the fabric dry. I used to skip blocking my knit and crochet projects because of my concern for time, my lack of knowledge, and the cost of equipment. The already padded surface will work for blocking as well as ironing. I always use old towels just in case the dye from the yarn bleeds. This lady hammered several nails into a piece of wood in the shape of a square and made her own blocking board. Next, place a trash bag over the cushion. Cover the surface with a towel and pat the piece into shape. The piece matches the size stated in the pattern. I suggest removing the couch cushions so that no one accidentally sits on your drying project. If you have any other suggestions on materials to use for blocking mats, please let me know in the comments. I used towels and only towels for the longest time before I got blocking mats. The main benefit of this is that your pieces will always be blocked to the exact size you want, without measuring. You can unsubscribe by clicking the unsubscribe link in any email. Just a couple of things to keep in mind about the bowl. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sewhomey_com-banner-1','ezslot_6',108,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_cmd != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_cmd.push('div-gpt-ad-sewhomey_com-banner-1-0');}else{ __ez_fad_cmd = ['div-gpt-ad-sewhomey_com-banner-1-0'];}; The nails are used instead of pins. They are useful for items that need to be pinned. Then place the item, for example a headband, over the rolled up towels, pin and leave to dry. The material is super durable and will not show any marks from pins. Its okay, and probably best, if the hat hangs off of the bowl by a few inches. The surface can be a table, floor, desk, etc. Find out more about how we use your personal data here. Steam might damage the bath mat, depending on the material it is made of. I actually turned mine into a world map. All of my siblings and I owned one and we decorated them with photos back when we were in school. Download the PDF, print Hi, I'm Abby. Either way, the floor will remain dry so blocking can be done nearly anywhere. Adding a homemade touch to gifts has never been so easy! You dont want the hat to take on ridges or odd shapes. Many yoga mats are made out of waterproof material, making them a great solution for blocking at home. I'm the owner of Sew Homey. The piece looks more professional because stitches even out. Also, if your project bleeds dye, the sheet will absorb it, not the bed. Whether you inherited it or purchased it for yourself, put it to use (if its been sitting in the closet like mine) and use it as a blocking mat. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sewhomey_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_7',128,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_cmd != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_cmd.push('div-gpt-ad-sewhomey_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');}else{ __ez_fad_cmd = ['div-gpt-ad-sewhomey_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'];}; A bath mat is made of materials that can withstand water and resist mold. This summer roundup of knitting patterns includes 5 tank tops and 5 tees of varying styles. Fancy tools are not required. Ive listed several options that substitute blocking mats, using materials from your own home. Ill leave it up to you whether or not you want to stick pins into it. I'm still learning, but I share free patterns here and create tutorials to demonstrate how to make my designs. Just as the other methods I covered, place your fabric onto the ironing board. Then pin my pieces in place and let them dry to complete the blocking process. And recently I discovered my passion for design. Make sure that it is sturdy. Wet, spray, or steam block your fabric then press the piece into shape and leave it to dry on the cutting mat. Round items, such as cowls or headbands, can also be blocked using towels. This works best if the bowl is placed upside down on top of a cup or something of the like (pictured above). The weight of the fabric + clothespins will pull the stitches down and open them up. The only issue with sewing cutting mats is that items cannot be pinned down. Looking back, this was silly of me, especially worrying about the cost, because with a little research and a few household items, blocking was only one step away. But if the surface was hard (i.e. If I placed the towel on carpet, I could pin straight down and the pins would stick to the towel and carpet. If you knit or crochet pieces that are the same shape and size all the time, like granny squares, take a look at this video. Perfect for use as a blocking mat, just make sure it lays flat. Pin or just press into shape. I would recommend spray and wet blocking only if you still use your bath mat. Take a look below. And other mats are made of hard materials that dont allow pins to stick. However, I have a hard plastic cutting mat that would work nicely. Yoga mats are also a great solution because the material is squishy, meaning it can imitate foam. Lay the corkboard flat on the ground. Home dcor is different for everyone and if you have a leather couch (or something of the like) dont use this suggestion. While a clothesline is not ideal for all projects, this is a great way to block shawls. The water will be absorbed by the bath mat, so it may take time for the fabric to dry. Then you can pin the damp fabric to the sheet and let it dry. The sheet will protect whatever is underneath it from the pins. Eventually you may want to invest in a set of blocking mats, but for starting out, this way of blocking will work just fine. For some yarn, blocking makes the fibers softer. Doing so will ensure that the hat brim does not get stretched out, but the crown stitches get smoothed out. Before blocking though, make sure your mat is water-resistant. Im a beginner who likes to practice stiches intermittently. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. With this simple guide, upcycle old magazines and turn the pages into envelopes and stuff with a thoughtful card. Most everyone has a spare towel and a little space to dedicate for the blocking process. Share your craft and knowledge or pick up some tips. Sewhomey.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. And of course, the bath mat restricts the size of the pieces that can be blocked. No expensive blocking mats required. Summer knits are lightweight and comfortable to knit and wear. I dont recommend you stick pins into yours. Use more clothespins to clamp onto the rest of the shawl. Pins leave holes in self-healing mats that will either take a while to disappear or remain permanently. Bowls are the perfect shape for blocking hats. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'sewhomey_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_4',127,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_cmd != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_cmd.push('div-gpt-ad-sewhomey_com-medrectangle-3-0');}else{ __ez_fad_cmd = ['div-gpt-ad-sewhomey_com-medrectangle-3-0'];}; At this point, youve seen the word blocking about a dozen times already, so if you are not familiar with this topic, it gets explained in the next section. Place your damp fabric onto the trash bag and pin it into the correct size and shape. Roll up a towel(s) into the circumference needed. Corkboards are common, mainly when children live in the home. For lace, the fabric goes from a lumpy blob of yarn to a piece of fabric with a lot of drape and the stitches are clearly seen. I did a study on blocking 100% acrylic yarn (read about it here) and found steam yields the best results.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sewhomey_com-box-4','ezslot_2',107,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_cmd != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_cmd.push('div-gpt-ad-sewhomey_com-box-4-0');}else{ __ez_fad_cmd = ['div-gpt-ad-sewhomey_com-box-4-0'];}; Blocking knits (and crochet) can be done anywhere with just a few items. To use couch cushions as blocking mats, lay them flat on the ground. Then place the damp fabric onto the cork, pin into place and let dry. Towels can also be used in place of a sheet for the same reasons. Each one has its purpose and can be used on a variety of projects. The fabric wont take as long to dry since its not doubled up. Then the hat can be placed on top of the bowl and left to dry. There wont be any creases where the object was laying flat. Spread an old sheet over the bed. Great info and examples. Im always curious how others like to block (without mats). if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'sewhomey_com-leader-3','ezslot_13',129,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_cmd != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_cmd.push('div-gpt-ad-sewhomey_com-leader-3-0');}else{ __ez_fad_cmd = ['div-gpt-ad-sewhomey_com-leader-3-0'];}; Hi, I'm Abby. Drying will take some time. We dont use them any more. The one recommendation I have is to steam block fabrics made from acrylic yarn. This is useful because: My hope is that you found at least one item that you already own that could be used for blocking. These blocking methods work for both animal and synthetic fibers. If you choose to place the fabric directly onto the yoga mat, dry time will be similar to that of actual foam blocking mats. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. All she must do is place the damp square onto the nails in order to block. The fabric can be pinned easily to a yoga mat and left to dry. Obviously, that wouldnt hold up during the blocking process. A word of caution though, pins will leave marks. Make sure to tuck in the sheet really tight, like if you dropped something it would bounce back to you. Pinning is best done on a yoga mat that you dont use any more. If you like to knit or crochet big items, such as shawls or blankets, then this is an option for you. Use cushioned surfaces, such as carpet, cushions, or a yoga mat for items (like lace) that need to be pinned out. Or, pin the fabric then spray or steam block and let dry. It should be smooth. If you dont have a bowl that will work, a blown-up balloon, mannequin head, or ball will do the same thing. You are a little more limited on what you can block, but if you have a cutting mat on hand, this would do in a pinch. There is a good chance that you have a sewing cutting mat at home with you already. Looking forward to learning more from you in the future. This is the final step to any knit or crochet project. But if you choose to place a towel in between, the dry time might be longer. I have an old couch, however, where the cushions are removable and I dont mind sticking pins into it. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sewhomey_com-leader-1','ezslot_8',110,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_cmd != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_cmd.push('div-gpt-ad-sewhomey_com-leader-1-0');}else{ __ez_fad_cmd = ['div-gpt-ad-sewhomey_com-leader-1-0'];};There are a couple of reasons sewing cutting mats are a great option for blocking. 07193527 and no. Block your shawls and jumpers using these mats to protect your fabric and the surface your blocking on! I would lay a towel on a flat surface, such as the floor, concrete, table, etc.
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