Can someone talk to me about blocking

[alfiemama]

Ive been knitting for a while now but I have to say I have never blocked anything and not sure how to begin (they all seem to do this now)
I don't really want to ask on ravelry for fear of looking like stupid.
Can somebody come and tell me what the best way to do this is?
thanks

I pin the garment to something flat (I use the ironing board), spray it very lightly with water and sometimes iron it, (if there's not cabling etc), normally I just leave it overnight.

If the garment is lace etc, blocking is more complicated and you need to wet it completely and then pin it out very carefully. I bet there are tutorials about this on YouTube (there's a lot of howto stuff there).

Blocking's not always essential but jumpers etc look better, less curled edges - it gives a more professional finish.

for basic baby knits etc I just iron each bit under a damp teatowel and leave flat to air before sewing together

Ooh that's a good idea staranise thanks.
Would this work Mrsbadger if I have a baby garment (apple blossom on Rav) which is knit in one piece but has a lace pattern on half of it?

You mainly need to be carefu about blocking cable as it can flatten it too much. ANd MrsBadger's right about using a teatowel, especially if the yarn is at all delicate.

Brilliant, thanks for the advice ladies. Feel much more confident now.