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This is the method I use to block my lace projects using welding rods instead of pins!
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Signing UpStep 1Getting your lace ready to block
Some people call it "blocking", others call it "dressing" or "finishing". Whatever you choose to call it, it will make a world of difference in the way your finished product looks.
Most people consider blocking a chore. I have learned a few things that make it a pleasure to tackle blocking.
I like to "wet block" my lace items. This not only cleans your lovely lace, but it prepares it for a good stretch!
I fill a clean container with lukewarm water and add a small of amount of any mild detergent and mix it up thoroughly. What kind of detergent? Whatever you prefer! I personally prefer Oxi-Clean, others use Palmolive or Dawn -- your choice.
I then completely, and gently, submerge the knitted lace into the water and let it soak for at least 30 minutes. Some fibers take longer than this to get thoroughly wet, but you'll have to experiment with what you're using. One important issue here, if you are using any type of a wool product, DO NOT agitate! This will have a felting affect.
After the item is thoroughly wetted, I drain out the water and gently press out the majority of the water. NEVER wring your lace!
Rinse and refill the container with water at the same temperature and rinse gently -- remember, avoid agitation! Again, drain and remove most of the water. I usually rinse my items two or three times just to make sure that I get the soap completely out.
Press the item between two bath towels. I usually roll mine up & let them set for a while to soak up most of the water.
Now it's time to start "pinning". First, remember to use rustproof pins!
As you block you can decide how much you want to "open" your lace. Do you want it to open a little or do you want to "go all the way" with it and open the lace pattern wide? The degree you choose will not matter -- you may feel like you're going to tear the piece apart when you start stretching it to its limits, but you will be surprised how much give there is in the fibers. One thing to remember is to stretch your piece in a uniform matter, not just one area at a time.
Most people consider blocking a chore. I have learned a few things that make it a pleasure to tackle blocking.
I like to "wet block" my lace items. This not only cleans your lovely lace, but it prepares it for a good stretch!
I fill a clean container with lukewarm water and add a small of amount of any mild detergent and mix it up thoroughly. What kind of detergent? Whatever you prefer! I personally prefer Oxi-Clean, others use Palmolive or Dawn -- your choice.
I then completely, and gently, submerge the knitted lace into the water and let it soak for at least 30 minutes. Some fibers take longer than this to get thoroughly wet, but you'll have to experiment with what you're using. One important issue here, if you are using any type of a wool product, DO NOT agitate! This will have a felting affect.
After the item is thoroughly wetted, I drain out the water and gently press out the majority of the water. NEVER wring your lace!
Rinse and refill the container with water at the same temperature and rinse gently -- remember, avoid agitation! Again, drain and remove most of the water. I usually rinse my items two or three times just to make sure that I get the soap completely out.
Press the item between two bath towels. I usually roll mine up & let them set for a while to soak up most of the water.
Now it's time to start "pinning". First, remember to use rustproof pins!
As you block you can decide how much you want to "open" your lace. Do you want it to open a little or do you want to "go all the way" with it and open the lace pattern wide? The degree you choose will not matter -- you may feel like you're going to tear the piece apart when you start stretching it to its limits, but you will be surprised how much give there is in the fibers. One thing to remember is to stretch your piece in a uniform matter, not just one area at a time.
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It's an easy, repetitive pattern. Sharon has beautiful patterns.