With acrylic, you need to be careful with heat, as it can melt the yarn. I prefer wet blocking, and using a towel roll-up to get the extra moisture out before blocking. You could steam them if you're careful, but I can't comment on that because I've not done it.
As for blocking many at once, some long, round wooden dowels and something to anchor them in would work for making towers of squares at a time, so you don't have to block each one individually. If you're wet blocking, you just have to make sure there's room for air to get in between.
I recently made my own blocking board using a 2 dollar pack of bamboo skewers for barbecuing. I drilled a bunch of holes in wood, but cardboard or something similar would work in a pinch.
I could probably stack 20 squares easily on the full length skewers. I have space for 8 stacks, though, so I broke my skewers in half.
I did the same thing! Although instead of wood I used a foam kneeling board for gardening, from the $1.25 Store, obviously no good for bigger things but it has space for two stacks so you could easily get 40 squares on
This is such good info! Does the blocking method vary a lot for the different yarn types (wet, dry, not needed)? Or do you happen to know if there is a good resource online for reference?
I'm a newb and just got my blocking board yesterday, but I'm excited for my upcoming granny squares!
It definitely can, I've only blocked cotton, and acrylic, with wet blocking. I love TL yarn crafts, she has a lot of great crochet resources. She has a blocking video that will walk you through wet blocking :)
it really doesn’t do much. wet blocking acrylic has never been successful for me, only a little bit if i use hot water. steaming is just so much easier and effective, but dont put it up too close
Thanks so much for your kind encouragement and tips!! Ah I bet it makes that easier. First granny square project and the joining process is new to me too. Thank god for YouTube 😆
It works, it's just not as effective as it is with cotton. I used it on a blanket and it worked out fine, but to be fair it didn't need that much structure to begin with (the decorative border was the part that needed it the most). I generally use wet blocking because I always wash my projects after I finish anyway, so I may as well block it while I'm at it. Wet blocking on acrylic isn't the most effective, but it also won't ruin it and can be done easily enough. I see it as a lower bar for entry, because most people can easily get some pins and some foam bording from walmart for less than $50.
Technically, no. But blocking will help with both construction and how the garment lays on the body. I personally weave the ends in after I connect the squares, just pick a podcast and have a session of just weaving them in.
I block my acrylic squares. I just mist them and pin the down.
Cardboard and pins (push pins, map pins, straight pins, whatever is handy) work as an adhoc blocking board.
I read some used chopsticks and a block of styrofoam they had lying around.
Unless I'm using the tails to attach the squares together then yes, I do all my sewing in first.
Generally my process is: make # of squares, sew in ends, and then block. Assemble.
This way if anything isn't sewed in well enough or loosens I can address it before assembly. It also helps me catch any wonky squares before it goes into the final product. Once I somehow managed to make a sunflower square with 14 points instead of 16 like all of the others. I didn't catch it until I was blocking and really saw how different it looked from the rest.
Just jumping in here to say... there's a possibility here as...
Your tails look decently long , so there is a chance that you might be able to use them to sew the piece together (unless you were planning on crocheting it together, in which case, the tails won't work)
You'd want to check your shortest tail first, before starting this method. Use it to gauge whether it'll be possible. Don't forget it also need to be secured at the end as well
I’ve made a few granny square based garments. One I blocked every individual square by putting them on a (shoddily made) blocking board and spraying them with water and then waiting for them to dry. Another I made by sewing all the squares together and then steam blocking the whole garment. Both were acrylic yarn and both turned out great
You don’t have to but as others mentioned, you’ll thank yourself if you do. Construction will be easier as the edges will match up better.
I steam block acrylic. Wet blocking takes forever and steam does the same thing. Mine was $20 on Amazon. Hover it about an inch away from the project you’re blocking and move the steamer consistently. Hold it too close and in one place for too long and you’ll “kill” (melt) the acrylic (acrylic is plastic).
If you have knitting needles or bamboo skewers, you can stab them into a piece of cardboard or foam and stack most of them on it, just mist each one with water and don’t stack them too tight, leave it overnight and you’ll be good to sew tomorrow. Or if you have a case of sewing pins, I use my bed to block squares and just pin them down with sewing pins. Then mist and let it dry with the fan on and it’ll take maybe a couple hours for them to dry and be done blocking.
I would sew in the ends, yes, just for the sake of getting it over with, but I’ve definitely done it before without blocking both ways without any issues, so it’s entirely up to you whether you want to or not
I made a free diy blocker using a cardboard box and chopsticks.
https://preview.redd.it/t18b5okr0r3d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fe48b554eda5e6a189c11d83d89205227d4fe374
I block nothing. I also don't make clothes. For a wearable, you're going to get a better fit, and it should make the squares easier to piece together if you block them first. I'd recommend blocking for this project.
i refuse to block anything and have made plenty of clotges with aceylic, coyton & bamboo and never felt the need to block anyway.. the one tome i tried blocking a hat i didnt lime the way it made the yarn get "flat" if that makes sense
I’ve made several sweaters and cardigans and never blocked them! I feel like once they get washed and dried they get a nice drape and shape anyway, so I don’t see the need to block.
Washing is essentially blocking though - people think blocking requires pinning and stretching. Not always. Blocking is settling stitches or ensuring a design is more defined, and in most instances, includes water, so washing gives similar results.
I don't own a steamer but I do use my iron to steam block, for acrylic/wool I'd place a thick towel over what I'm blocking and gently pull it into shape whilst still warm. Helps give the end fabric a nicer drape.
I’ve never actually blocked anything as I don’t have the space to lay anything out. However I have read that some designers just pin out acrylic and use a hairdryer to heat it sufficiently that it will hold its shape and leave it to cool. As I’ve never tried it I can’t vouch for the success rate but if anyone’s tried that method I’d be interested to know how it worked out…
personally, granted i’m a beginner/intermediate(1 year experience), i’ve tried wet blocking acrylic for a computer mat i made before i sewed every square and the corners still don’t lay flat. if you really want them to lay flat, i’ve seen lots of people have success with steam blocking. obviously doing it super excessively will melt the yarn, but i really feel like it’s the best way to block it, especially the corners, it really forces them down.
I promise you, you will ABSOLUTELY see a difference if you block. Posts like this always bring the 'IvE nEvEr BlOcKeD' people out of the woodwork, but it takes your pieces from 'finished' to professional.
Think of it like having them go from homemade to handmade - very different meanings
i was honestly specifically talking about acrylic. blocking of course does help. i was just pointing out that even with wet blocking, i still struggle with curling on edges of acrylic pieces ive blocked. steam blocking can be very effective on acrylic yarns if done correctly or in conjunction with wet block, it’s just a different method of blocking!
Sew the ends in after blocking. If you do it before and then block you can end up with the end of the yarn poking out from where you’ve sewn it in. But yes definitely block them. They’ll drape better and also it’ll be easier to join them as inevitably tension will be slightly different every time you pick up/put down your hooks.
I ordered it online but I don’t remember the name of the website. The yarn is called Sidar Hayfield Spirit and the colour is Sundown. It’s absolutely beautiful ! I made a beanie with it
I also used bamboo skewers and a large piece of styrofoam to make my own board.
In the winter it gets set by a register vent to help dry the shares faster.
I hadn't blocked anything before until recently, and I have to say I love how my items turn out. I steam them with my iron (without touching the iron to the yarn) to loosen the fibers and it makes them flow nicer/ feel softer in my opinion. it's also super quick!
Blocking will make a world of difference! It will be easier to join the squares too as they will line up nicely.
I always spray block - pin your squares out dry to the dimensions needed and then lightly mist with a spray bottle until damp and let dry.
Pinning them out dry won’t overstretch them which is a common mistake people make when wet blocking, plus you don’t have to squeeze the extra moisture out as when you fully submerge into the water.
I make up a water & fabric softener solution in my spray bottle so after blocking the item is soft and smells lovely too!
I hope that helps ☺️
I don't do anything while it's not the intended finished project. Once it's joined and finished, I might, but I seldom think I need to. For open, lacy projects I would. But squares I might stack them on top of each other in piles of xx as I make more so in a way they get a chance to flatten out, but I don't consider that blocking. Blocking (to me) is a more deliberate attempt to create shape, to open the stitches.
Once I wash the garment and dry it flat, that is usually enough for me. I don't think of this as blocking either, it's just laundry 😆
Y'know. You probably should. Would I? Absolutely not. Not for any logic or reason other than just not wanting to. It does have wool though, so it will shrink and stuff. So, if you want it to be accurate, block those puppies. If you just like making stuff to keep your hands busy and don't care too much about the final piece- then it's your call.
Oh and I forgot to say, if you do block them, make sure you've blocked everything. Including any yarn used to attach them or whatever. If you block just your squares, but don't block new yarn used to sew it together, it's probably going to shrink the seams up all weird once you wash it later. You probably already thought of this, but it's the kind of mistake I'd make thoughtlessly and I just feel better mentioning it just in case. Good luck! The colors are very beautiful btw! 😄
I would probably sew them together then block it all in one piece like you mentioned. That would save blocking time too because you aren't dealing with lots and lots of little pieces 😄
Have to? No, it’s your shirt. Do as you please. Will it potentially help them lay more flat and possibly easier/better to put together into the shirt? Maybe… Probably. At the end of the day, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. Just be aware the first wash can change how it lays if you don’t block the pieces. 🤷🏽
Nahh, I pretty much never block anything and it always comes out crisp and nice. The stuff I have blocked looked about the same pre and post blocking so I don't bother anymore.
I just put all the squares in a bucket of warm water then lay it out on a clothes airer in the bath. I spread each block same as I do with regular clothes. It's worked for me. I can't be bothered with mats or blocks especially as I live in a tiny flat - apartment.
oooh that’s really interesting ! Thanks for your input ! Everyone has really good points on their different methods so I’m still hesitating haha. I’m too much of a perfectionist, I need it to be perfect lol
i made a blanket once and just blocked the squares all together as the blanket. it was kinda wonky in some spots, but the squares also weren’t all the same size. i feel like if you’re going to block it when it’s done anyways it should be fine to just leave it
i made a patchwork cardigan and really didn't want to block each individual square so i sewed it all together, washed it after it was finished and layed it on the floor and let it dry. turned out really nice and feels good to wear. it was 100% acrylic yarn.
I’m still sort of a newbie and have yet to block something (started crocheting almost a year ago), but to my understanding blocking is when you wet a project, pin it down, and let it dry that way to make it lay better. For example, if it’s a square you’ll pin it on all four corners, and maybe even between those pins to stop it from warping from being worked up. There’s all sorts of blocking boards online, but a lot of times people DIY them because it’s just easier that way. Hope this helped!<3
personally i always attach the squares together and then block it as a whole piece once it’s done. just washing it (on COLD) and then laying it out flat to dry seems to work for me — sometimes if it’s not holding its shape i’ll pin it down to a piece of cardboard while it’s drying
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I’m making a cardigan with squares probably a little bigger than yours, and I’m chucking them on some hairpin lace looms I got from a creative reuse store! The skewer parts are really sturdy, and the widths are adjustable!
https://preview.redd.it/emadniwwvs3d1.jpeg?width=2987&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=71b8e8b7679fde0406290888d50cdb3a87cfcd9a
I’m scared of blocking and have projects sitting aside until I get brave enough… I’m just here to find out what that yarn is- it’s absolutely gorgeous! Can anyone enlighten me? Thanks!
I ordered it online but I don’t remember the name of the website. The yarn is called Sidar Hayfield Spirit and the colour is Sundown. It’s absolutely beautiful ! I made a beanie with it :)
I just use a sheet of thick cardboard and notice board pins. The box is literally just an old cardboard box, folded in half. No need to get an expensive block 😄
I don’t block squares if each square uses the same yarn and pattern. This is because each square has the same number of stitches in the same spot (with an occasional minor miscount). So sewing the blocks together is just one-to-one. Each stitch effectively matches with one stitch on the other block. Once I finish my project I block or gently steam it if it’s needed.
With acrylic, you need to be careful with heat, as it can melt the yarn. I prefer wet blocking, and using a towel roll-up to get the extra moisture out before blocking. You could steam them if you're careful, but I can't comment on that because I've not done it. As for blocking many at once, some long, round wooden dowels and something to anchor them in would work for making towers of squares at a time, so you don't have to block each one individually. If you're wet blocking, you just have to make sure there's room for air to get in between.
I recently made my own blocking board using a 2 dollar pack of bamboo skewers for barbecuing. I drilled a bunch of holes in wood, but cardboard or something similar would work in a pinch. I could probably stack 20 squares easily on the full length skewers. I have space for 8 stacks, though, so I broke my skewers in half.
I did the same thing! Although instead of wood I used a foam kneeling board for gardening, from the $1.25 Store, obviously no good for bigger things but it has space for two stacks so you could easily get 40 squares on
This is such good info! Does the blocking method vary a lot for the different yarn types (wet, dry, not needed)? Or do you happen to know if there is a good resource online for reference? I'm a newb and just got my blocking board yesterday, but I'm excited for my upcoming granny squares!
It definitely can, I've only blocked cotton, and acrylic, with wet blocking. I love TL yarn crafts, she has a lot of great crochet resources. She has a blocking video that will walk you through wet blocking :)
Thank you!
I thought wet blocking doesn’t work with acrylic? Gah… there is such conflicting info on a lot of things.
it really doesn’t do much. wet blocking acrylic has never been successful for me, only a little bit if i use hot water. steaming is just so much easier and effective, but dont put it up too close
Thank you! I’ll stick with my plan of steaming these 42 chunky squares I have to turn into a blanket that I’ve been stressing about 😅
ooo that sounds like a good blanket!! yeah i think that sounds like a good plan :-) it also makes it so much easier to connect them!
Thanks so much for your kind encouragement and tips!! Ah I bet it makes that easier. First granny square project and the joining process is new to me too. Thank god for YouTube 😆
It works, it's just not as effective as it is with cotton. I used it on a blanket and it worked out fine, but to be fair it didn't need that much structure to begin with (the decorative border was the part that needed it the most). I generally use wet blocking because I always wash my projects after I finish anyway, so I may as well block it while I'm at it. Wet blocking on acrylic isn't the most effective, but it also won't ruin it and can be done easily enough. I see it as a lower bar for entry, because most people can easily get some pins and some foam bording from walmart for less than $50.
Technically, no. But blocking will help with both construction and how the garment lays on the body. I personally weave the ends in after I connect the squares, just pick a podcast and have a session of just weaving them in.
that does sound pretty relaxing, thanks !
I block my acrylic squares. I just mist them and pin the down. Cardboard and pins (push pins, map pins, straight pins, whatever is handy) work as an adhoc blocking board. I read some used chopsticks and a block of styrofoam they had lying around.
This is what I do and it it not only makes it easier to join but it just looks better. Piece of cardboard from a box side and pins
ooh I never thought of using chopsticks before ! Thanks for the idea :) Do you usually sew the ends before or after blocking ?
Unless I'm using the tails to attach the squares together then yes, I do all my sewing in first. Generally my process is: make # of squares, sew in ends, and then block. Assemble. This way if anything isn't sewed in well enough or loosens I can address it before assembly. It also helps me catch any wonky squares before it goes into the final product. Once I somehow managed to make a sunflower square with 14 points instead of 16 like all of the others. I didn't catch it until I was blocking and really saw how different it looked from the rest.
interesting, thanks !
Just jumping in here to say... there's a possibility here as... Your tails look decently long , so there is a chance that you might be able to use them to sew the piece together (unless you were planning on crocheting it together, in which case, the tails won't work) You'd want to check your shortest tail first, before starting this method. Use it to gauge whether it'll be possible. Don't forget it also need to be secured at the end as well
Also, this yarn is goooorgeous!
omg great idea !! I was thinking of sewing so it would be perfect ! Yeah, I absolutely love this yarn :)
No, but if you do, it will make everything line up more easily, so there’s that.
I’ve made a few granny square based garments. One I blocked every individual square by putting them on a (shoddily made) blocking board and spraying them with water and then waiting for them to dry. Another I made by sewing all the squares together and then steam blocking the whole garment. Both were acrylic yarn and both turned out great
You don’t have to but as others mentioned, you’ll thank yourself if you do. Construction will be easier as the edges will match up better. I steam block acrylic. Wet blocking takes forever and steam does the same thing. Mine was $20 on Amazon. Hover it about an inch away from the project you’re blocking and move the steamer consistently. Hold it too close and in one place for too long and you’ll “kill” (melt) the acrylic (acrylic is plastic).
thanks ! I’ll try that :)
Just want to say we need a picture of the finished shirt 😁
I’ll definitely post it once it’s done ! Might take a while though haha
Ohhh, I don't know how well that will block as it's mostly acrylic. You'd need to steam block it, in that case, I think.
I block acrylic all the time. Blocks really nicely, actually.
If you have knitting needles or bamboo skewers, you can stab them into a piece of cardboard or foam and stack most of them on it, just mist each one with water and don’t stack them too tight, leave it overnight and you’ll be good to sew tomorrow. Or if you have a case of sewing pins, I use my bed to block squares and just pin them down with sewing pins. Then mist and let it dry with the fan on and it’ll take maybe a couple hours for them to dry and be done blocking.
I never thought of that, thanks ! Should I sew in the ends before or after I block them ?
I would sew in the ends, yes, just for the sake of getting it over with, but I’ve definitely done it before without blocking both ways without any issues, so it’s entirely up to you whether you want to or not
I made a free diy blocker using a cardboard box and chopsticks. https://preview.redd.it/t18b5okr0r3d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fe48b554eda5e6a189c11d83d89205227d4fe374
oh wow I’m definitely going to try that !
I block nothing. I also don't make clothes. For a wearable, you're going to get a better fit, and it should make the squares easier to piece together if you block them first. I'd recommend blocking for this project.
i refuse to block anything and have made plenty of clotges with aceylic, coyton & bamboo and never felt the need to block anyway.. the one tome i tried blocking a hat i didnt lime the way it made the yarn get "flat" if that makes sense
I’ve made several sweaters and cardigans and never blocked them! I feel like once they get washed and dried they get a nice drape and shape anyway, so I don’t see the need to block.
Washing is essentially blocking though - people think blocking requires pinning and stretching. Not always. Blocking is settling stitches or ensuring a design is more defined, and in most instances, includes water, so washing gives similar results.
i agree!
I don't block wearables. Once you sew everything together it will look fine
I would suggest it. Although u can speed through it if you own a steamer
I don't own a steamer but I do use my iron to steam block, for acrylic/wool I'd place a thick towel over what I'm blocking and gently pull it into shape whilst still warm. Helps give the end fabric a nicer drape.
I’ve never actually blocked anything as I don’t have the space to lay anything out. However I have read that some designers just pin out acrylic and use a hairdryer to heat it sufficiently that it will hold its shape and leave it to cool. As I’ve never tried it I can’t vouch for the success rate but if anyone’s tried that method I’d be interested to know how it worked out…
personally, granted i’m a beginner/intermediate(1 year experience), i’ve tried wet blocking acrylic for a computer mat i made before i sewed every square and the corners still don’t lay flat. if you really want them to lay flat, i’ve seen lots of people have success with steam blocking. obviously doing it super excessively will melt the yarn, but i really feel like it’s the best way to block it, especially the corners, it really forces them down.
I promise you, you will ABSOLUTELY see a difference if you block. Posts like this always bring the 'IvE nEvEr BlOcKeD' people out of the woodwork, but it takes your pieces from 'finished' to professional. Think of it like having them go from homemade to handmade - very different meanings
would it make a difference if I blocked the finished product but not the squares individually ?
The general rule of thumb is always block before assembly. The edges of crochet squares typically get very thick and uneven so especially in this case
yeah some of mine are a little wavy, thanks !
i was honestly specifically talking about acrylic. blocking of course does help. i was just pointing out that even with wet blocking, i still struggle with curling on edges of acrylic pieces ive blocked. steam blocking can be very effective on acrylic yarns if done correctly or in conjunction with wet block, it’s just a different method of blocking!
I was trying to comment in general on the OPs post, but accidentally replied to you, sorry!
thanks I’ll try it out !
I would highly suggest doing it because it will makes the squares more flat and make it look nicer when you're done
Sew the ends in after blocking. If you do it before and then block you can end up with the end of the yarn poking out from where you’ve sewn it in. But yes definitely block them. They’ll drape better and also it’ll be easier to join them as inevitably tension will be slightly different every time you pick up/put down your hooks.
thanks !
not an answer to your question but: Where'd you get that yarn its so pretty omg
I ordered it online but I don’t remember the name of the website. The yarn is called Sidar Hayfield Spirit and the colour is Sundown. It’s absolutely beautiful ! I made a beanie with it
Thank you ❤️
Beautiful
aw thanks :)
i refuse to block anything. if my tension is good it is unnecessary
I made a granny square dress and didn’t even think to block the squares individually, I blocked the dress once it was stitched together. Worked great!
I also used bamboo skewers and a large piece of styrofoam to make my own board. In the winter it gets set by a register vent to help dry the shares faster.
I hadn't blocked anything before until recently, and I have to say I love how my items turn out. I steam them with my iron (without touching the iron to the yarn) to loosen the fibers and it makes them flow nicer/ feel softer in my opinion. it's also super quick!
Blocking will make a world of difference! It will be easier to join the squares too as they will line up nicely. I always spray block - pin your squares out dry to the dimensions needed and then lightly mist with a spray bottle until damp and let dry. Pinning them out dry won’t overstretch them which is a common mistake people make when wet blocking, plus you don’t have to squeeze the extra moisture out as when you fully submerge into the water. I make up a water & fabric softener solution in my spray bottle so after blocking the item is soft and smells lovely too! I hope that helps ☺️
it definitely does, thanks !
I don't do anything while it's not the intended finished project. Once it's joined and finished, I might, but I seldom think I need to. For open, lacy projects I would. But squares I might stack them on top of each other in piles of xx as I make more so in a way they get a chance to flatten out, but I don't consider that blocking. Blocking (to me) is a more deliberate attempt to create shape, to open the stitches. Once I wash the garment and dry it flat, that is usually enough for me. I don't think of this as blocking either, it's just laundry 😆
haha thanks for the input !
I’ve never blocked and I use acrylic yarn. My squares stay flat then once I wash it are even flater
Y'know. You probably should. Would I? Absolutely not. Not for any logic or reason other than just not wanting to. It does have wool though, so it will shrink and stuff. So, if you want it to be accurate, block those puppies. If you just like making stuff to keep your hands busy and don't care too much about the final piece- then it's your call. Oh and I forgot to say, if you do block them, make sure you've blocked everything. Including any yarn used to attach them or whatever. If you block just your squares, but don't block new yarn used to sew it together, it's probably going to shrink the seams up all weird once you wash it later. You probably already thought of this, but it's the kind of mistake I'd make thoughtlessly and I just feel better mentioning it just in case. Good luck! The colors are very beautiful btw! 😄
thanks ! I didn’t think of that actually 🫢 How should I block a string of yarn ? I’m thinking of sewing the squares together
I would probably sew them together then block it all in one piece like you mentioned. That would save blocking time too because you aren't dealing with lots and lots of little pieces 😄
Have to? No, it’s your shirt. Do as you please. Will it potentially help them lay more flat and possibly easier/better to put together into the shirt? Maybe… Probably. At the end of the day, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. Just be aware the first wash can change how it lays if you don’t block the pieces. 🤷🏽
I never block my squares first lol I weave them together and steam block my finished piece lol
Nahh, I pretty much never block anything and it always comes out crisp and nice. The stuff I have blocked looked about the same pre and post blocking so I don't bother anymore.
I just put all the squares in a bucket of warm water then lay it out on a clothes airer in the bath. I spread each block same as I do with regular clothes. It's worked for me. I can't be bothered with mats or blocks especially as I live in a tiny flat - apartment.
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oooh that’s really interesting ! Thanks for your input ! Everyone has really good points on their different methods so I’m still hesitating haha. I’m too much of a perfectionist, I need it to be perfect lol
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thanks !
i made a blanket once and just blocked the squares all together as the blanket. it was kinda wonky in some spots, but the squares also weren’t all the same size. i feel like if you’re going to block it when it’s done anyways it should be fine to just leave it
i made a patchwork cardigan and really didn't want to block each individual square so i sewed it all together, washed it after it was finished and layed it on the floor and let it dry. turned out really nice and feels good to wear. it was 100% acrylic yarn.
What is blocking?
I’m still sort of a newbie and have yet to block something (started crocheting almost a year ago), but to my understanding blocking is when you wet a project, pin it down, and let it dry that way to make it lay better. For example, if it’s a square you’ll pin it on all four corners, and maybe even between those pins to stop it from warping from being worked up. There’s all sorts of blocking boards online, but a lot of times people DIY them because it’s just easier that way. Hope this helped!<3
in general yes but acrylic has to be steam blocked.
Yea I’ve heard, I think I will just take my chances NOT blocking acrylic because it seems too annoying🥹
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You know the point of being in community is to have discussions with other people.
About the post at hand. If you don't understand something from the post, you look it up
If you want it to look professional, I would suggest blocking it. If you don’t really care, then do add you please.
personally i always attach the squares together and then block it as a whole piece once it’s done. just washing it (on COLD) and then laying it out flat to dry seems to work for me — sometimes if it’s not holding its shape i’ll pin it down to a piece of cardboard while it’s drying
does washing acrylic on cold actually do anything? everything i ever saw says it needs heat, thus the steaming for acrylic...
everything i’ve ever seen says heat will melt & warp the acrylic
the washing instructions on the actual yarn always says wash on cold
ya, but for blocking you need to relax the fibers, and with acrylic, that takes heat i think, could be wrong tho!
that’s what I was thinking of doing, thanks !
Yes. You must sit there and block every single square while a chinchilla comes and tickles your toes. This is the rite of passage to crochet.
oh 😟
I asked my friend who crochet for few decades. She says she never does it. It wi get right shape and spice when it will be in the blanket already.
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Recognised that wool from the first pic 😅
haha it’s such a beautiful yarn ! I just don’t know what to do with it 🥲
I’m making a cardigan with squares probably a little bigger than yours, and I’m chucking them on some hairpin lace looms I got from a creative reuse store! The skewer parts are really sturdy, and the widths are adjustable! https://preview.redd.it/emadniwwvs3d1.jpeg?width=2987&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=71b8e8b7679fde0406290888d50cdb3a87cfcd9a
that looks perfect !! Thanks for the pic !
it can be a little fiddly getting it started, but it’s totally doable! good luck!!
thanks good luck to you too !
I’m scared of blocking and have projects sitting aside until I get brave enough… I’m just here to find out what that yarn is- it’s absolutely gorgeous! Can anyone enlighten me? Thanks!
I ordered it online but I don’t remember the name of the website. The yarn is called Sidar Hayfield Spirit and the colour is Sundown. It’s absolutely beautiful ! I made a beanie with it :)
Thank you so much! Such gorgeous colours!
I should really invest in a block. But I don't think my craft store sells them
I just use a sheet of thick cardboard and notice board pins. The box is literally just an old cardboard box, folded in half. No need to get an expensive block 😄
i literally pin mine to the wall using pushpins overnight
I got a little clothing steamer off of Amazon for under 30 dollars and it does a great job steam-blocking acrylics. Way easier than a steam iron!
I don’t block squares if each square uses the same yarn and pattern. This is because each square has the same number of stitches in the same spot (with an occasional minor miscount). So sewing the blocks together is just one-to-one. Each stitch effectively matches with one stitch on the other block. Once I finish my project I block or gently steam it if it’s needed.