I thought I would give you an idea of how I block my acrylic granny squares. I did a bit of research on how to block acrylic squares and most of the answers I found said you can't or just to place a wet cloth over them or spray them with a bit of cold water. This method seems to be working for me. It sort of stretches them to exactly 8 inches and after a week they tend to stay the same shape they have been placed in.
If you are using wool or another fiber I found this information quite informative. http://blairpeter.typepad.com/weblog/2012/08/granny-square-sampler-afghan-week-15-blocking-your-squares.html
NOTE: if you decide to combine my method with the wet cloth/cold water spray method make sure you use rust proof nails. Rust stains on your pretty granny squares would not look very nice.
Materials Needed:
- A block of wood slightly bigger than the squares you wish to block. Mine is just over 8 inches.
- A handful of nails.
- Hammer
- Tape measure
- Marker pen
- Granny Squares to block
Step 1: Measure out a 8 inch square (or the size of your granny 6", 12" etc) in your block of wood. Mark each corner.
Step 2: Place a nail in each corner. Now you will notice I have left the heads of my nails up. I have kids so this is a safer option for me although it does make it a pain to get the granny squares on and off. If you would prefer you can hammer your nails right the way through to make it easier and have the pointy end sticking out the block of wood.
Step 3: Evenly place nails in between your corners. I used 3 in between but you may need more or less depending on the size you are blocking.
Step 4: Place your granny square over the nails and leave for a week. I leave my 3 squares from the Granny Square CAL until I have to make room for the next weeks squares.
Here are a few links I found in my research about blocking:
http://blog.bernat.com/2010/11/17/mystery-afghan-crochet-along-assembly/
http://www.littletinbird.co.uk/2011/04/23/blocking/
http://www.crochetme.com/blogs/kim_werker/archive/2007/04/14/how-to-spray-block-crochet-or-knit-squares.aspx
http://blog.bernat.com/2010/11/17/mystery-afghan-crochet-along-assembly/
http://www.littletinbird.co.uk/2011/04/23/blocking/
http://www.crochetme.com/blogs/kim_werker/archive/2007/04/14/how-to-spray-block-crochet-or-knit-squares.aspx
Great work!
ReplyDeleteKisses
Magda:*
I think I will try this method. I usually use a padded quilting board but can only block six at a time.
ReplyDeleteI actually steam block my acrylic work....gently and carefully but it can be done. Obviously a few swatches to try it out on is a good idea and you can experiment with how the duration of the steaming affects the fabric. I've also 'killed' acrylic on purpose, particularly appliques. Just cover the piece with a WET cloth and press with iron. I love the slinky results this gives but its not suitable for wearables really. Anyway, this is just my tuppence worth based on my own research :-) Thank you for all the lovely patterns by the way :-) I really enjoy your work :-)
ReplyDeleteIt wouldnever have occured to me to block, blocks lol thanks!
ReplyDeleteTee heee! I am doing the same with my squares and also posted about it. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteOh wow, I honestly hadn't seen your blog post, didn't even know anyone else was doing it. Great minds think alike right? If anyone would like to see Pigtails blog post you can find it here http://pigstails.blogspot.co.nz/2013/04/4kcbwday6-blogging-blocking.html#comment-form
DeleteMy husband took one look at this and said to use finishing nails! No nail heads OR sharp points!
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