Blocking 201 – Cowls
I posted a rather unassuming little picture on instagram a little while ago, and from the comments it got, it seems like you guys are as into blocking as I am. So, as instagram is a bit impermanent, I thought I’d come chat about it a bit here too.
This is how I block cowls.
Let’s break that down a bit. I’ve got blocking wires (mine are from Inspinknity) threaded through the top and bottom edges. Here I’ve passed the wire through the tips of the scallops because I want to emphasize the wavy edge. If I wanted a smoother edge, I’d pass it through more points.
Then I’ve got a pair of long straight needles passed under the wire at the top. They’re there to act as a sort of cross bracing when I set the whole thing down on a roll of paper towels. You don’t have to use paper towels, they’re just usually handy and usually tall enough. Anything that will fit inside the knitting and hold it up off the ground will work fine.
This setup is marvelous because you don’t have to worry about any sneaky creases. If your cowl dries laying down flat, it will have a crease on each side where it’s folded. You can sort of fix that by coming along and refolding it every hour or two, but that’s much more work, especially if you want to pin out scalloped edges every time like on this one. The whole piece is held in tension, and there’s great air circulation so it dries much faster than if it were pinned to a mat or a towel.
And the result? Well I think it’s rather lovely!
The blocking is ingenious and the cowl is *stunning*.
And the pattern is??? (Name, i.e. Clearly, also lovely.)
Not out yet! Probably will be in the spring though, I feel like doing a bunch of hats for the fall/winter!
Thank you! It’s always interesting to see how to block in the round. And the pattern is lovely
Ingenious!! I have a cowl just waiting to be blocked. Thank you.
I have the blocking wires, but I can’t figure out how to fasten the ends together. Your idea is ingenious ! Thanks for sharing.
Paperclip! Or just tuck the ends through the neighboring loops…
Ok, now HOW to block sweaters and cardigans without creases from lying flat? (Please accept the challenge…)
Ingenious! I have flexible blocking wires but nothing to connect the ends in a circle. What do you use, Hunter? Thanks!
I just used a paperclip!
Which ones from Inspinsnity do you use, Premium or Ultra Fine, for your Curls? I have a good set of straight wires but the curves need something else.
I have your 1st brilliant book and am thinking of the 2nd. Thanks so much for the lovely inspiration.
I actually have both and use them both. If I had to pick one I’d go with the heavier ones…I can use them for all but the very very finest yarns. Though if you do a lot of fine yarn, go with the super skinny (you can always double them up if you need something sturdier).