blocking

[SinisterSal]

What does this mean and is it worth it. Am nearly finished all my largish squares for Xmas present and wondering is this a layer of work that I could get away without doing. What do you crochet experts think?

Are all your squares the same size? If so, you may be able to get away with it? If not, then blocking them could help straighten things up and make it easier. If you're planning fancy edging then you could block it afterwards.

Does this help?

Oh, and all my blocking is 'pin out roughly on ironing board, wave steaming iron over, leave over night' ....

What yarn did you use? What are the squares for?

Have to admit I don't bother blocking for blankets.

Thanks!
well I suppose I did block them after they'd been patched together, if blocking means laid out flat with books weighing the edges down.

Still a bit ...erm... folksy and charming though!

I used a mix of bargain bin dk weights. It came out alright I suppose. The colours are nice.

Blocking means completely soaking the garment and then pulling it to the shape/size you want. You then pin it like that and leave it to completely dry. This opens up all the details, gets it to fit correctly and gives a professional finish. It is essential if knitting lace as it opens up all the details and completely transforms it.

However, this can only be done with natural fibres. Acrylic etc can be blocked but need a different technique.

I can't emphasise enough how blocking transforms your knitting. Try it. Please.

I've really got into blocking lately, only because it makes my blanket edging much easier to get consistent. The most recent blanket was a granny square baby blanket made with stylecraft acrylic dk. It helps make all the sides even. It also looks nice when giving it as a gift.

I also block bits of knitted garments before assembly, it makes it so much easier when knitting up.