Knitting shawl in acrylic

[seekingsolace1]

Hi all..
I started knitting a shawl using acrylic yarn and for some reason it doesn't feel soft and has a hard brittle vibe to it. Maybe because of the pattern it's a wavy lace stitch repeat...Would it help if after knitting I blocked the shawl using some wool shampoo. Would it soften? Not even sure if I should continue knitting it or use another yarn? I'm using paintbox 100% acrylic rn...

I don’t think acrylic will block like wool. You could try really gently steaming with an iron (not touching with the iron) - this sometimes softens it.

Don't try to block acrylic. It doesn't work and you could ruin it.

Oh okay thanks

Are you using the correct sized needles for the yarn?

How's your tension?

Acrylic will usually soften if washed with fabric softener.

@BridgetInHerBravery

Are you using the correct sized needles for the yarn?

How's your tension?

Acrylic will usually soften if washed with fabric softener.

It says 5mm but I'm using 4.5mm is that a problem?

Smaller needles and/or tighter tension will result in a firmer, less drapey finish. So that could be your problem.

@BridgetInHerBravery

Smaller needles and/or tighter tension will result in a firmer, less drapey finish. So that could be your problem.

Right okay that must be it. Better to fix it now then later...Thank you!!

@WeAreTheHeroes

Don't try to block acrylic. It doesn't work and you could ruin it.

Absolutely this. I knitted a whole sweater and then managed to make the sleeve go all weird and melty. Ruined.