TNS: Blocking - stage 1
February 7th, 2005 at 8:25 pm (the-nanny-sweater)
I finished both fronts of TNS; and did a 3 needle bind off with the back. In order to see how long I need to make the sleeves, I need to block it. From my swatch, I know that it will grow width wise a bit and was counting on this fact when planning the size. Here it is all laid out on my fab blocking board:
I decided to do a full wet blocking. That’s how I did my swatch too. This is also the washing method I would expect to be used once it’s finished. I filled my sink with enough water to cover the sweater (can I call it a sweater even though it doesn’t have sleeves? It looks a bit like a mutant vest right now), swirled a bit of Eucalan in to make it smell pretty and the just laid the sweater in, pushing it down into the water. Drained the water from the sink and gently squeezed out the water from the sweater using a few towels.
Then I took it to the blocking board. I did some pre blocking measurements and post blocking measurements. Now, while it’s drying, here are my findings:
| Before Blocking | After | |
| Back width | 18" | 21.5" |
| Back Height | 25 3/4" | 28" |
| Left Front width | 9" | 10" |
The width grew just as I expected it to. My measurements for the number of stitches to cast on were right on target. It grew in length more than I expected. I didn’t measure my swatch before and after, but for some reason made the (stupid?) assumption that the width was growing because of the cable pattern, and it didn’t really change lengthwise. That’ll teach me to go by gut feel!
I tried to be very careful when handling it to not stretch it in any way, but somehow it must have happened a bit. When I first laid it out, the fronts were at 28" and the back was only 26" in length. I’m so glad I measured it before leaving it to dry. I pulled on the back a little bit to make it match the length of the fronts. I’m hoping I haven’t commited some horrible blocking error in doing this. Worst case scenario, I get it wet again and re-block it, eh?
So I’m hoping that you’ll share your blocking experiences with me. Do you block before sewing the pieces together? (on Hardangervidda I didn’t) What method of blocking do you prefer? Steam? Wet? Light spray mist?
Marta said,
February 8th, 2005 at 12:26 pm
Yes! I always block before assembly and Yes! I am planning on coming this Saturday (unless weather prohibits). I’ll probably bring along AL…maybe….depending on his mood. So, if he’s there, I’ll try to come later because he’ll only want to stay for a while. cool. looking forward to it. Oh! And, I’ll have cookies (said in a dangling type, tempting voice).
marta said,
February 8th, 2005 at 12:28 pm
oh…and, I guess I would prefer washing and blocking but am usually way too impatient and wind up steaming. I think it makes that whole “blanket stitch” thing go much better to have flat edges.
judy said,
February 9th, 2005 at 1:50 pm
I’m too impatient to block the pieces before sewing up. I sew up, do any finishing needed, then do a wet block/wash to finish.
If you have the same number of rows on the front and back of TNS, then it should be fine.