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by Knit Picks Podcast on June 26, 2020
Sagebrush Shawl Let’s take a look at lace knitting. Now, lace is a polarizing topic in our offices here at Knit Picks and we’re betting that it’s the same way in the broader knitting world. Either you love it, hate it or just haven’t taken the plunge and started your first project. If you’re lukewarm about lace or a newbie, this podcast episode is for you! We’ve just released a new collection of heavier weight lace patterns that are a great way to get started. Stacey talks with Kalurah Hudson, one of our designer extraordinaires and a contributor to this collection about lace. Starting with fingering, worsted or even bulky weight lace projects means you can get comfortable with charts ... |
Category Archives: blocking
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by Knit Picks Podcast on January 10, 2020
In the spirit of a new year full of crafting goals and bursting project queues, we’re taking a moment to think about the act of FINISHING knits. More than just weaving in ends, using the right finishing techniques for each project means you’ll have garments and accessories that will be treasured and look good for years to come. First up, Erica and Hannah talk about the importance of taking your time. Each finishing step, from picking the perfect buttons to using the right techniques along the way, add up to a subtle but important difference in the finished project. Next, Lee and Stacey cover the mysteries and intricacies of blocking. Truly one the last steps in the process, blocking can be much ... |
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by Stacey on October 29, 2019
Have you found yourself looking at a gorgeous lace shawl and thinking: “Oh, I could never do that!” Well, we think that anyone can knit lace – even the most intricate of shawls is simply a series of knit, purls, increases, and decreases. The real key to expert lace knitting is the right materials – and patience. While lace can be incorporated into projects, there are some things to keep in mind if you are going with the big guns – intricate lace shawls and wraps. Yarn While lace can be knit on any weight of yarn, if you’re drawn to the classic shawls and wraps, you’ll want to choose a lighter weight yarn. As the name implies, lace weight yarns are commonly used to get an airy fabric. |
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by Hannah on August 22, 2017
Pair your next project with the perfect tool! We love these tools so much that we've taken the time to develop different styles to suit a variety of crafters. Today we're going to dive into some of our favorite tools, comparing and contrasting features to get the perfect fit. |
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by Jenny K on September 11, 2012
After investing a great deal of time into knitting a sweater, you want to give it a beautiful finish. This often involves blocking the sweater to the proper dimensions. When you block a sweater, you are setting the stitches and evening out the fabric in addition to preserving the correct sizing. Generally, sweaters can be wet blocked (good for cotton and linen), spray blocked (good for wool and alpaca) or steam blocked (good for wool and alpaca) depending on their fiber content. And to make sure that your first sweater blocking session is a success, we have a handy video tutorial that walks you through all of the steps! The video also shows you what to do for the three different blocking methods (wet, spray and steam). That way you can match a blocking technique that is best suited for the fiber type of your sweater. |
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by Jenny K on June 12, 2012
My summer knitting ritual consists of finishing up any sweaters that I may have still on the needles in favor of lace. It can be anything from a very large, traditional shawl to a cute, elongated shawlette - if it's got lace, then it has a home on my needles during the warm, summer months. But, in order to fully appreciate all of the time and effort that went into the lace project, I definitely have to set aside a day of blocking for my projects. If you are anything like me, you might even have more than one lace project set aside, just waiting to be blocked out into its full lace glory. It’s okay to admit it - blocking your project takes a bit of time and patience. Unfortunately, it is a necessary evil (in my opinion, anyways!) since your finished lace project will come off of the needles looking akin to an ugly duckling. The lace yarn is so feathery light that it cannot hold its intended shape. And like the duckling, it is awkward and clumsy. But fear not! With a little dedication, blocking will transform your duckling into the beautiful swan it wants to be. And to help you reveal the regal and delicate elegance of your lace project, we've got a wonderful video tutorial to help you block your lace into shape! |
