Knitters - do you block your tension squares?

[BeBraveAndBeKind]

When I do a tension square, I do it as quickly as possible, get close enough and think "that'll do" because I want to get on with the actual making. I'm never properly happy with the fit of anything I make though.

I've read recently that you should knit the tension square and then properly block it before you start the project so you can be sure of the gauge.

Does anyone actually do that and does it make a difference to the end result?

You do more than I do, I very seldom bother with tension squares! 😆 (I'm only knitting jumpers for myself and stick to dk yarn, and since I'm not making things to fit tightly, there's a bit of leeway). But I think I blocked a tension square once recently whenI was using pure merino. I go for acrylics or blends mostly, so blocking doesn't make much difference.

I wash and dry my tension square because I've had some that grew. If I'm putting all that time into knitting a sweater I want to be able to wear it when I'm done. Anything with silk in it and anything that's oiled for machine knitting are the most likely candidates for a surprise.

I always have to do a tension square as I'm a tight knitter and never knit to tension so it's not much more work to give it a wash.

That's my thinking - all the effort for nothing wearable but I'm too impatient and just want to get started. I need to learn some patience. Either that or knit the tension squares for lots of projects at the same time and get the dullness over with in one big session. 😆