Blocking Tips: Acrylic and Other Non-Woolly Fibers

re: Blocking Tips: Acrylic and Other Non-Woolly Fibers

Helen Hayes — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 03:04:41 GMT

I am excited to knit the BABY'S FIRST SOCKS as my third daughter is having twins in May, and another friend just a few days after her. Thanks for the neat patterns you feature.

re: Blocking Tips: Acrylic and Other Non-Woolly Fibers

KatrinaT — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 23:20:42 GMT

I wanna abuse my linen Aleita Shell the way you suggested to get it soft and drapey, But I 'm using a cotton linen mix. Can I do the same thing, or will the cotton shrink? Hep, please

re: Blocking Tips: Acrylic and Other Non-Woolly Fibers

Abby@2 — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:19:40 GMT

I knitted a lacy shawl with a wool-acrylic and the blocking was a failure. I find that anything with a tendency to curl will not stay uncurled if knit in acrylic or acrylic blends. I still use acrylic for things like afghans, but only because of the economy.

re: Blocking Tips: Acrylic and Other Non-Woolly Fibers

ChristineL.Taylor — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:30:32 GMT

Wow Sandi, those were some good tips! I'm going to do some experimenting with my blocking now. Thanks! ~Chris

re: Blocking Tips: Acrylic and Other Non-Woolly Fibers

BarbaraG@2 — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:00:17 GMT

I have found the gentle application of steam improves the appearance and drape of acrylic yarns. Emphasis on "gentle."

re: Blocking Tips: Acrylic and Other Non-Woolly Fibers

Lois Newton — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 13:15:51 GMT

Again, the best way to block acrylic yarn that I've found is take the finished garment to the dry cleaners & have them steam press it. MUCH easier than doing it yourself, and only costs a few dollars!

re: Blocking Tips: Acrylic and Other Non-Woolly Fibers

TeresaK@3 — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 02:50:42 GMT

Love the hair!!

re: Blocking Tips: Acrylic and Other Non-Woolly Fibers

SaraH@2 — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 02:30:18 GMT

I knit a lace scarf from Victorian Lace Today using 100% acrylic yarn, I think it was called Lacette. I wet blocked and pinned it out, just as I would a wool lace shawl, and let it dry overnight. It did pull back in just a little, but I stretched it to death to start with. Overall I was quite happy with how it turned out.

re: Blocking Tips: Acrylic and Other Non-Woolly Fibers

SusanP — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 01:59:31 GMT

IIf blocking with steam, hold the iron at least 1/2 to 1 inch above the knitting and keep the iron moving. Do not let the weight of the iron rest on the knitting, otherwise textured stitches like cables get flattened - permanently. Acrylic doesn't have the spring that wool does so it stretches out, especially if loosely knit. The only way I know of to restore it is to wash it and dry it in a dryer. The dryer helps bring the garment back into shape. Don't forget the fabric softener - otherwise, talk about static cling! You could light up Times Square with the static! If possible, choose an acrylic/wool blend. The wool gives some "life" to the yarn both in appearance, wear, and longevity.

re: Blocking Tips: Acrylic and Other Non-Woolly Fibers

MarieG@2 — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 01:13:05 GMT

For children's items I use an 80/20 acrylic/wool yarn. Blocking makes a world of difference in appearance of the finished garment. I lay it on a towel, spritz it good with cool water, another towel on top and pat vigorously. No more heat for me - I once steamed a ribbed armhole on a wool/acrylic vest - you can guess what happened. Permanently stretched out!!!

re: Blocking Tips: Acrylic and Other Non-Woolly Fibers

KatherineH — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 01:11:31 GMT

The first time I mentioned blocking to the grandmother who taught me how to knit (and who learned how to knit in school herself), I had to explain it to her. She had never heard of such a thing, and was stunned that anyone would spend so much time fussing over finished knitting. To her, it meant that you hadn't done it right in the first place. After several attempts at blocking that left the blocked fabric looking the exactly the same as it came off my needles, I think she had a point. I've had several friends proudly show off items after very elaborate blocking that I saw on their needles, and they look about the same to me (just with the ends darned in). There is no "more even stitches", "more professional appearance", or "less curling" for most pieces. Pinning out lace or pressing colour work I can sort of, kind of, justify, or giving certain fibres a special wash to soften them, but a lot of the rest of the time it just seems like pure superstition to me. This article and the ones preceding it go over the different methods in great detail, but I'm still bewildered as to why you didn't just knit it evenly in the first place.

re: Blocking Tips: Acrylic and Other Non-Woolly Fibers

HeatherA@2 — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:10:14 GMT

As a poor homemaker and knitter, I've used acrylic yarn many times, sometimes for sweaters too. You do have to block it just like any other yarn. It's not the type of yarn that causes a need for blocking, but the stitches. Knit stitches are taller whereas purl stitches are wider so they're going to cause the piece to curl. Whenever I've made something with acrylic that needed to be blocked I pinned it to some cardboard, on top of my ironing board, spray it with water and let it air dry a bit, then I wold steam it with my iron, sometimes pressing if it was not blocking well. The key is to use a thin towel or cloth if you're going to be steam blocking any type of yarn, not just acrylic. I've never noticed any scorching when I've had to do this, although it did pick up an odd smell - it went away with washing. Like fabric, you should use a heat setting on your iron that would be used on a synthetic material.

re: Blocking Tips: Acrylic and Other Non-Woolly Fibers

AllisonK — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:05:32 GMT

Sandy, Canada must be agreeing wit you! Your new haircut really suits you! Ok, and thanks for the linen tip -- I have some in stash with plans for a spring thing.

re: Blocking Tips: Acrylic and Other Non-Woolly Fibers

BethanyH — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:31:58 GMT

I don't have a blocking board. I use the top of my dryer and a piece of cardboard from an old box. I wrap the cardboard in a towel and pin through this to the cardboard. I can't wait to see what other things you suggest!

re: Blocking Tips: Acrylic and Other Non-Woolly Fibers

AmyK — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:51:21 GMT

Sandi, I just noticed your cute new picture. LOVE the darling short "do" with bangs. So flattering! Didn't know where else to post that. Amy in Loozyana