Easy Blocking With Spray Starch Tutorial ~ Knit and Crochet Ever After (2024)

FAQs

Easy Blocking With Spray Starch Tutorial ~ Knit and Crochet Ever After? ›

Spray one side of your design with starch and place the starched side down on your blocking surface. Work quickly so that you get the design placed and pinned down before the starch dries.

Spray one side of your design with starch and place the starched side down on your blocking surface. Work quickly so that you get the design placed and pinned down before the starch dries.

You can also stiffen crochet projects using starch. This is how many crocheters block their crocheted doilies. You can use the powdered kind that is dissolved in water or you can use the pressurized starch sprays that are available in the laundry section.

The effects of the blocking process may, however, diminish over time and they are not permanent. Nevertheless, you can always re-block a project if desired. Acrylic Yarn: Blocking acrylic yarn can be tricky, but it's not impossible. Since it's resistant to water, wet blocking is not very effective.

Do you need to block your project after each wash? No, you only block your project once to set the fiber memory. When you wash your handmade items make sure you lay them flat to dry.

To spray block your knitting, all you have to do is pin your item onto your blocking mats and then use a spray bottle to spritz some water onto it. Make sure the piece isn't soaking wet but damp enough to relax the fibres. It's that simple.

Can hairspray be used as an alternative to spray starch? You should never combine hairspray and heat from an iron. This can cause discoloration, staining, and scorching of fabrics.

Aerosol spray starch does expire; however, the amount of time it takes to do so depends on the type of starch used and how it was stored. Generally, store-bought spray starches will last for about two years when stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and temperatures below 70°F (21°C).

Some fibres change their character significantly when blocked. For example, alpaca yarn can grow tremendously after blocking, so your garment will be much bigger than it appeared on the needles. To keep this under control, be sure to block your gauge swatch when you start knitting.

In conclusion, blocking loosens up your stitches and makes them more uniform, making the project more flowy and improving its drape. It gets rid of any curling, particularly in knitting and Tunisian crochet projects, but also in some regular crochet stitch patterns.

How to block knits without mats? ›

You could use any flat surface to block your garments (I'm partial to the Knitter's Block), just be sure that your knitted piece lies flat and fully dries so that its shape sets. Don't forget to check that moisture doesn't soak through and damage anything underneath it.

Submerge your project into a tub of cool water and let it soak for 20 minutes. Drain the water and gently press out the excess water (do not wring or twist!). Use towels to help blot out the rest of the water. Lay the project flat on blocking boards to dry.

The Short Answer

Blocking frames and wires and mats and pins and combs: unless you're knitting a lot of lace shawls, you just don't need them. Wash the pieces, let 'em dry. Easy and so, so worth it.

Weave in ends securely before blocking pieces or sewing seams. Securely woven ends will not come loose with wear or washing. It's best to work in ends as invisibly as possible.

Spray starch is not just for dress shirts. Using a small amount of starch on each article of clothing (or linens!) will speed ironing time and help keep wrinkles away. The more starch you use, the more crisp your garment will be (I'd recommend not going over-board.

You can starch crochet decorations made only with 100% cotton or other natural cellulose-based fiber (linen, hemp, bamboo, viscose) or a mix of these, as well as silk. You cannot starch decorations made with acrylic, wool from various animals or a mix with these fibers.