7 Steps to Wet Blocking a Hand Knit Shawl

Completing a hand-knit shawl is a gratifying moment for any knitter. However, before you can proudly display your creation, there’s one crucial step left: blocking. Blocking is the process of shaping and setting your stitches to achieve the best possible outcome. Wet blocking, in particular, is a widely used method that involves washing and stretching your shawl to the desired shape and size. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the process of wet blocking your hand-knit shawl step-by-step, ensuring you achieve stunning results.

Benefits of Blocking: Elevating Your Shawl Designs

Blocking is an indispensable step in the knitting process, particularly for shawls. By wet blocking your hand-knit shawl, you not only achieve a polished and professional finish but also enhance its overall appearance and functionality. Here are some key benefits of blocking:

1. Evening Out Stitches: During the knitting process, stitches can sometimes appear uneven or irregular. Wet blocking allows the fibres to relax and evens out any inconsistencies, resulting in a more uniform and cohesive look to your shawl.
2. Setting the Shape: Blocking gives you the opportunity to shape your shawl exactly as you envision it. Whether you want a crescent, triangle, or square shape, wet blocking allows you to achieve precise dimensions and clean lines.
3. Enhancing Lace Patterns: Lace shawls benefit immensely from blocking. The process opens up the lacework, making intricate patterns more visible and defining the delicate motifs for a stunning and airy appearance.
4. Draping and Softening: Wet blocking helps to soften the fibres and drape the shawl beautifully around your shoulders, giving it an elegant and comfortable feel when worn.
5. Fitting the Size: Blocking is an excellent way to adjust the size of your shawl. Whether you want it larger or smaller, wet blocking enables you to customise the dimensions to your liking.

Step 1: Washing Your Hand-Knit Shawl

The initial step in wet blocking is washing your shawl. Besides cleansing it, washing relaxes the fibres, preparing them for blocking. Follow these steps to wash your shawl:

1. Fill a sink or basin with water and add a gentle wool wash.
2. Submerge your shawl in the water and allow it to soak for 10-15 minutes.
3. Gently agitate the water to remove any dirt or grime.
4. Drain the water and rinse your shawl thoroughly with fresh water.

Remember, avoid wringing or twisting your shawl to remove excess water, as it can damage delicate fibres. Instead, gently press the water out with your hands or roll it in a towel.

Step 2: Remove Excess Water

After washing, it’s time to remove the excess water to ensure a successful blocking process. Here’s how to do it:

1. Lay your shawl flat on a clean, dry towel.
2. Fold the towel over the shawl and press down gently to absorb water.
3. Unfold the towel and transfer your shawl to another clean, dry towel.
4. Roll the shawl up in the towel, pressing down gently to remove any remaining water.

Ensuring your shawl is not dripping wet before blocking is crucial to avoid uneven stretching.

Step 3: Prepare the Blocking Surface

To proceed with the blocking process, prepare your blocking board or a clean, flat surface. Follow these steps:

1. Lay out your blocking board or surface.
2. Cover it with a clean, dry towel to protect your shawl from dirt and debris.

Step 4: Utilize Blocking Wires

Blocking wires are a fantastic tool for achieving precise edges and consistent shapes in your shawl. Here’s how to use them:

1. Thread your blocking wires through the edges of your shawl, starting from one corner.
2. Weave the wires through the edge stitches, being gentle to avoid pulling too tightly.
3. Continue weaving the wires until you reach the opposite corner.

If you don’t have blocking wires, long, rust-proof sewing pins can be used to pin out the edges of your shawl.

Step 5: Stretch and Pin

The next step involves stretching and pinning your shawl to achieve the desired shape and size. Follow these instructions:

1. Gently stretch your shawl in the direction you want it to go, being careful not to exert excessive force.
2. Pin out the edges of your shawl using the blocking wires or sewing pins, ensuring they are evenly spaced and the edges remain straight.
3. For shawls with lace patterns, pin out the points to make them more prominent.
4. For a more pronounced curve, use a flexible measuring tape to guide your shaping.

Step 6: Patience is Key

Now that your shawl is expertly blocked, it’s time to exercise patience. Allow your shawl to dry completely before moving on to the final step.

1. Leave your shawl undisturbed until it is fully dry. The drying time may vary depending on the humidity and air circulation in your environment.
2. Avoid speeding up the process with a hair dryer or hanging the shawl, as this may lead to uneven stretching and damage the fibers.

Step 7: Unveil Your Masterpiece

Finally, your shawl is completely dry, and it’s time to remove the blocking wires or pins. Here’s how:

1. Carefully remove the blocking wires or pins, ensuring you handle the shawl delicately to avoid pulling or snagging the fibers.
2. Gently shake out your shawl to ensure no pins or wires remain embedded.

Your shawl is now ready to grace your shoulders or make a thoughtful gift for a fortunate recipient.

Additional Tips for Successful Wet Blocking:

1. Use Clean and Soft Water: When washing your shawl, ensure you use clean water with no harsh chemicals. Gentle wool washes are ideal for preserving the delicate fibers of your knitting.
2. Be Mindful of Fiber Content: Different fibers respond differently to blocking. While wool and other animal fibers usually yield great results with wet blocking, plant-based fibers like cotton may require steam blocking or a different approach.
3. Consider Knitting a Swatch: If you’re unsure how your yarn and stitches will respond to blocking, consider knitting a swatch first. Blocking the swatch can help you gauge the effects on your chosen yarn before committing to the entire shawl.
4. Check Gauge and Measurements: Before blocking your shawl, double-check your gauge and desired measurements. This ensures you have a clear goal in mind when stretching and pinning during the blocking process.

Additional Shawl Knitting Techniques that Benefit from Wet Blocking:

1. Colorwork Shawls: Wet blocking can accentuate the beauty of colorwork shawls by setting the colors and ensuring a smooth fabric surface.
2. Garter Stitch Shawls: Garter stitch can sometimes appear dense and uneven when fresh off the needles. Wet blocking opens up the stitches and creates a wonderfully textured fabric.
3. Cable Shawls: Wet blocking can reveal the intricacies of cable patterns, making them more pronounced and visually appealing.

Conclusion

Wet blocking is an essential process for any knitting enthusiast looking to achieve flawless results with their shawls. By following these seven comprehensive steps, you’ll master the art of wet blocking, ensuring your hand-knit shawls are set to look their best. Be patient, gentle, and attentive throughout the process, and you’ll be rewarded with a breathtakingly beautiful finished product that showcases your knitting talent and dedication.