Master the Art of Wet Blocking with TLC Blanket

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Materials Needed for Wet Blocking a Blanket
3. Step 1: Preparing the Water
4. Step 2: Soaking the Blanket
5. Step 3: Spinning the Blanket
6. Step 4: Building the Blocking Mats
7. Step 5: Blocking the Blanket
8. Step 6: Letting the Blanket Dry
9. Step 7: Removing the Blocking Pins
10. Conclusion

Introduction

Wet blocking is a technique used to shape and reshape knit or crocheted items, particularly blankets. By wetting the blanket, stretching it to the desired shape, and allowing it to dry, you can ensure that your finished product has a professional and polished look. This article will guide you through the step-by-step process of wet blocking a blanket, from gathering the necessary materials to removing the blocking pins.

Materials Needed for Wet Blocking a Blanket

Before you begin wet blocking your blanket, it's important to gather all the necessary materials. Here's what you'll need:

• Foam tiles or any other underground surface for pinning the blanket
• Blocking pins or blockers specially designed for blankets
• Wool detergent, such as Eucalan
• Lukewarm water
• Washing machine (optional)
• Sunlight for drying (optional)

Step 1: Preparing the Water

The first step in wet blocking a blanket is to prepare the water. Fill your sink or any other suitable container with lukewarm water. Add the wool detergent, ensuring you use enough to properly cleanse the blanket fibers. Eucalan is a popular choice, as it can be left in without the need for rinsing.

Step 2: Soaking the Blanket

With the water prepared, it's time to soak the blanket. Submerge the blanket fully in the lukewarm water, taking your time to ensure that every fiber is saturated. Gently work the water through the blanket, allowing the detergent to penetrate and cleanse the fibers thoroughly. This soaking process will soften the blanket and leave it smelling fresh.

Step 3: Spinning the Blanket

Once the blanket is thoroughly soaked, it's time to remove the excess water. Transfer the blanket to a washing machine, setting it to the lowest possible spin cycle. This will effectively spin out the water without applying excessive force to the delicate fibers. Aim for a spin cycle of around 400 rpm or lower, if available.

Step 4: Building the Blocking Mats

With the excess water removed, it's time to set up the blocking mats. If possible, choose a sunny location, as the sunlight will aid in drying the blanket. Use foam tiles or any other suitable surface to build an underground for the blanket. Arrange the tiles to create the desired size for your specific project. This step is quick for smaller blankets but may take a few minutes for larger ones.

Step 5: Blocking the Blanket

Now for the main event - blocking the blanket. Start by pinning the blanket down onto the blocking mats, ensuring it is in the desired shape. Use multiple blocking pins or blockers to secure the edges and corners of the blanket. Large triangles are particularly useful for maintaining straight corners, preventing overstretching. Take your time to carefully align and block the blanket, ensuring it meets your specifications.

Step 6: Letting the Blanket Dry

Once the blanket is carefully blocked, it's time to let it dry. The drying time will depend on various factors, including the size of the blanket and the presence of sunlight. If possible, allow the blanket to dry in a sunny location, as the warmth and airflow will expedite the process. Check that the blanket is fully dry before proceeding to the next step.

Step 7: Removing the Blocking Pins

With the blanket dry, it's time to remove the blocking pins. Carefully and gently remove each pin, taking care not to damage the blanket or disrupt the blocked shape. Removing the pins too hastily can result in accidentally tugging or snagging the yarn, which could undo all your hard work. Slowly and methodically remove each pin until they are all safely out.

Conclusion

Wet blocking a blanket is a crucial step in achieving a professional and polished finished product. By following the step-by-step process outlined in this article, you can ensure that your blanket is properly shaped, softened, and dried. Wet blocking not only improves the overall appearance of the blanket but also adds a touch of quality to your handmade creation.

Highlights

• Wet blocking is a technique used to shape and reshape knit or crocheted items, particularly blankets.
• Gathering the necessary materials such as foam tiles, blocking pins, wool detergent, lukewarm water, and a washing machine (optional).
• Soaking the blanket in lukewarm water with wool detergent to thoroughly cleanse the fibers.
• Spinning the blanket in the washing machine on the lowest possible spin cycle to remove excess water.
• Building the blocking mats using foam tiles or any other suitable surface to create the desired size.
• Carefully blocking the blanket by pinning it down onto the blocking mats, ensuring a proper shape and alignment.
• Allowing the blanket to dry, preferably in sunlight, to expedite the drying process.
• Removing the blocking pins with caution to avoid damaging the blanket or undoing the blocked shape.
• Wet blocking adds a professional and polished look to the finished blanket, enhancing the overall quality of the handmade creation.

FAQ

Q: Can I wet block any type of blanket? A: Yes, wet blocking can be applied to blankets made from various materials, including wool, acrylic, cotton, and blends.

Q: How long does it take for a wet-blocked blanket to dry? A: The drying time depends on several factors, such as the size of the blanket, the thickness of the yarn, and the drying conditions. On average, it can take several hours to a day or two for a wet-blocked blanket to fully dry.

Q: Do I need to wet block every blanket I make? A: Wet blocking is not always necessary, especially for blankets made with synthetic fibers that do not have as much bias or memory as natural fibers. However, wet blocking can still improve the appearance and drape of the blanket.

Q: Can I wet block a blanket that has already been blocked or washed before? A: Yes, you can wet block a blanket even if it has been previously blocked or washed. Wet blocking is a versatile technique that can be applied to both new and used blankets to reshape and freshen them up.

Q: Can I wet block a blanket with delicate or intricate stitches? A: Wet blocking is generally safe for most stitch patterns, but it's important to consider the fiber content and the structure of the stitches. Delicate or intricate stitch patterns may require extra care during the blocking process to avoid stretching or distorting the stitches.