The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Food & crafts => Crafts => Topic started by: wayfarer on November 26, 2013, 11:56:38 am

Title: Blocking a hat
Post by: wayfarer on November 26, 2013, 11:56:38 am
I used to knit but have never had to block anything.  I have knitted an aran style hat that the pattern says I now need to block and shape using a pudding basin.  Can someone tell me how to do this please.
Title: Re: Blocking a hat
Post by: jaykay on November 26, 2013, 02:05:53 pm
You get it damp, put it over the shape, and then adjust the hat to be the shape you want it, and let it dry.

Personally I like to use something that I can pin the hat to, to get it to the shape I want. You can get polystyrene 'heads' or make a papier mâché ones. Shorter term, a pair of tights, stuffed with others, makes a possible alternative though it doesn't dry as fast.

Blocking knitting gives it a good 'finish'.
Title: Re: Blocking a hat
Post by: Fleecewife on November 26, 2013, 06:52:46 pm
I don't block much knitting and wouldn't bother with a hat - it gets pulled into shape on your head anyway  :knit: :knit: 
Title: Re: Blocking a hat
Post by: Louise Gaunt on November 26, 2013, 07:01:11 pm
Is it an American pattern? Our friends across the pond seem obsessed with blocking everything knitted. I agree, it will become the right shape when worn. And there is the risk if you get it too wet it could shrink!