Lása KAL starts Thursday 26th May.

When you have finished knitting it is then time to block your knit. How you block will depend on the project type you have created. The purpose of blocking is to even out your stitches and make your finished knit as attractive as possible. For plain stockinette (stocking) stitch you want to pin the edges to prevent curling and even the stitches. For cables blocking will allow uneven stitches in the cables to straighten out. You do need to take care not to stretch the cables too much however. When blocking lace you will have the most dramatic difference. Lace is unimpressive until blocked. You stretch it very far and pin it which opens it all out and totally changes the fabric.

Main blocking techniques:

  1. Wet Blocking
  2. Steam Blocking

Wet Blocking

With wet blocking you soak your knit in a wool wash with lukewarm water. When it's been soaking for at least 30 minutes you will gently press it out between towels to remove the excess water. Do not wring it out! If you have control over your washing machine spin cycle you can also use this at a very low setting. Take great care though as if you spin to vigorously you will felt your garment.

Now you need to open out your knitting and even out your stitches. For most knitting you just smooth it out and pin the edges to stop it curling. For lace knitting you will have to stretch it out (using pins and blocking wires) to really open it up and create an attractive lace finish.

Steam Blocking

My preference is for wet blocking but if you are in a hurry or if you want to block, to check the length, as you work then steam blocking is very useful. You can use either a special steamer or else the steam setting on your iron (without touching the fabric).

You can pin one end of your work and then gently stretch out your work as you steam it, pinning it in place when it's finished. As it only gets slightly damp it is much faster than wet blocking.

Tools Needed

  • Pins
  • Knit Blockers
  • Foam Blocking Mats
  • Wool Wash for wet blocking
  • Steam for steam blocking
  • Wires for lace blocking

three knitted hat beanies in hand dyed yarn

Are you a brand new knitter?

Find everything you need in this starter class, Zero to Knit. This power-packed workshop series takes you by the hand from utter knitting newbie right the way through to completing your first (mini) cardigan.
Don't have the time? 
Don't  worry, we developed this course to be consumed in whatever stolen moments you can find. We fully believe that you can learn to knit with whatever time you have available to you. 
Zero to Knit images and link button

Don't want to shop for the essentials?
We understand It can be confusing, overwhelming and a bit frustrating at the start. To make things easy for you we popped together a full starter kit so all you have to do is click, purchase and start dreaming about handknits as we wrap everything and ship it to you. The starter kit  also includes an access code for Zero to Knit so it really is a one click bundle option. 

Free Knitting Tutorials

Grey knitting project in garter stitch

 

Helping Hand or Knit-curious?

Do you need a helping hand with a new technique? Are you curious about other techniques or are you ready to get a little spicy with your knitting?  Come check out our extensive free tutorial collection here!

We have easy step by step guides/video tutorials on everything from casting on, bind off, short rows, cables and more. As is Carol's style, everything is ready for you in bite sized videos of ten minutes or less so that you can make the most of the time you have available. So what are you waiting for? Let's dive in now:

3 images of a person holding knitting needles and swatches to teach knitting techniques

Learn Knitting Abbreviations

Brioche shawl in blue and grey with matching yarn behind

 

Abbreviations got you stumped?

Starting your knitting adventure can be a little daunting especially when it comes to knitting terms and abbreviations. Don't worry, we've got your back. Check out our list of common abbreviations here so that you can take your next knitting steps with ease and confidence. 

Stolen Stitches Abbreviations list link image

Looking for Beginner Knitting Patterns? 

Bue garter stitch cardigan called dacite

 

Finally we come to putting it all together!

On this page you'll find a collection of patterns that will be suitable for a newer knitter. Here you'll find garments and accessories that help you take your knitting skills to the next level. 

Image of 3 beginner patterns; a blue garter stitch cardigan, a pink lace shawl and a yellow sweater