The Block party Handout
WHEN CHOOSING HOW TO BLOCK YOUR PROJECT, CONSIDER THESE 3 COMPONENTS:
The
BLOCK PARTY! choosing the right blocking technique
1
Fibre Type
Different types of fibre respond differently to the addition of heat and moisture.
2
Construction
Cables, colourwork, lace? The fabric construction informs the final shape you’ll want to achieve.
3
Condition
How even is the tension? How well does the garment fit? The condition of the fabric affects how intensely you’ll need to block it.
Blocking by Fibre
Blocking Techniques (Loosely arranged by level of intensity)
LEVEL 1: Steam Blocking
Using steam from an iron or steamer, with or without pinning. LEVEL 2: Wet Blocking
Saturating the item with water, pinning into shape either before or after water application 2A: Spraying
Pinning into shape, then thoroughly spraying with water to saturate.
Wrapping item in a wet towel or cloth to transfer some moisture evenly to the item, then pinning into shape.
Thoroughly wetting item by immersion in water, squeezing out excess water and pinning to shape.
2B: Wet Wrapping
2C: Immersion
LEVEL 3: Washing
How the addition of moisture and heat affect common fibres. Fibre Wool
Moisture weakened, depending on fineness Alpaca slightly weakened, will stretch Mohair weakened, will stretch
Heat sensitive
Blocking steam or wet block
sensitive
Cotton weakened, will stretch a lot Linen strengthened & softened Silk very weakened Man- not made weakened
somewhat sensitive (shrinkage) not sensitive very sensitive melty!
pin & spray or steam pin & spray or steam steam block
somewhat sensitive
immersion pin & spray only wet block
Addition of detergent to immersion blocking technique to allow for deeper saturation of water into fibres. © 2017 Alexis Hoy. Not for redistribution.
www.phibersmith.com
1
GET THE BLOCK PARTY STARTED! Find your blocking starting point
PROJECT TYPE Sweater (garments) Socks, hat (negative ease) Lace shawl (& other lace)
3
Blanket or scarf (large single piece)
BLOCKING TECHNIQUE Use this as a starting point, and increase blocking “intensity” to achieve desired result.
LEVEL 1: Steam Blocking LEVEL 2: Wet Blocking
2
MAIN FIBRE CONTENT Wool Alpaca Mohair Cotton Linen Silk Man-made
2A: Spraying EXTRA TIPS 2B: Wet Wrapping 2C: Immersion LEVEL 3: Washing
1. Follow up with steam to “finesse” your blocking if your fibre is not too heat sensitve. 2. Some gentle manipulation of the fabric when wet before pinning can even out tension effectively. 3. Use 3D shapes (e.g., bunched up towel) for blocking areas of garments that don’t fit well. © 2017 Alexis Hoy. Not for redistribution. www.phibersmith.com
The
BLOCK PARTY! choosing the right blocking technique
1
Fibre Type
Different types of fibre respond differently to the addition of heat and moisture.
2
Construction
Cables, colourwork, lace? The fabric construction informs the final shape you’ll want to achieve.
3
Condition
How even is the tension? How well does the garment fit? The condition of the fabric affects how intensely you’ll need to block it.
Blocking by Fibre
Blocking Techniques (Loosely arranged by level of intensity)
LEVEL 1: Steam Blocking
Using steam from an iron or steamer, with or without pinning. LEVEL 2: Wet Blocking
Saturating the item with water, pinning into shape either before or after water application 2A: Spraying
Pinning into shape, then thoroughly spraying with water to saturate.
Wrapping item in a wet towel or cloth to transfer some moisture evenly to the item, then pinning into shape.
Thoroughly wetting item by immersion in water, squeezing out excess water and pinning to shape.
2B: Wet Wrapping
2C: Immersion
LEVEL 3: Washing
How the addition of moisture and heat affect common fibres. Fibre Wool
Moisture weakened, depending on fineness Alpaca slightly weakened, will stretch Mohair weakened, will stretch
Heat sensitive
Blocking steam or wet block
sensitive
Cotton weakened, will stretch a lot Linen strengthened & softened Silk very weakened Man- not made weakened
somewhat sensitive (shrinkage) not sensitive very sensitive melty!
pin & spray or steam pin & spray or steam steam block
somewhat sensitive
immersion pin & spray only wet block
Addition of detergent to immersion blocking technique to allow for deeper saturation of water into fibres. © 2017 Alexis Hoy. Not for redistribution.
www.phibersmith.com
1
GET THE BLOCK PARTY STARTED! Find your blocking starting point
PROJECT TYPE Sweater (garments) Socks, hat (negative ease) Lace shawl (& other lace)
3
Blanket or scarf (large single piece)
BLOCKING TECHNIQUE Use this as a starting point, and increase blocking “intensity” to achieve desired result.
LEVEL 1: Steam Blocking LEVEL 2: Wet Blocking
2
MAIN FIBRE CONTENT Wool Alpaca Mohair Cotton Linen Silk Man-made
2A: Spraying EXTRA TIPS 2B: Wet Wrapping 2C: Immersion LEVEL 3: Washing
1. Follow up with steam to “finesse” your blocking if your fibre is not too heat sensitve. 2. Some gentle manipulation of the fabric when wet before pinning can even out tension effectively. 3. Use 3D shapes (e.g., bunched up towel) for blocking areas of garments that don’t fit well. © 2017 Alexis Hoy. Not for redistribution. www.phibersmith.com
