Steaming is a great and gentle way to finish your knitted garment or accessory. Just like wet blocking, steaming allows your stitches to bloom and the fabric to even. The benefit to steaming is that it takes less time to dry! You can block, steam and throw on your fabulous garment or accessory in no time at all.
A little over a month ago I used this method as I was finishing a summer top. I needed to be able to try it on to gauge where I was going to add a peplum waist. In order to get a more accurate fit while I knit I decided to steam the piece as I worked.
Crystal is wearing her Sprite. This fun pattern was designed by Kate Oates.
When I steam a piece, depending on what it is and my needs are, I will either steam it on a hanger or will lay down my foam blocking pieces on a large table. I primarily use the latter when I need to pin or use blocking wires and especially when it is a larger item such as a shawl or wrap. You can also use a fluffy beach town and your floor - just be careful if you are using pins at all!
For steaming, you can use your everyday iron or if you have a handheld steamer that works great too. Add water and set your iron setting to steam. I use both - again - just depends on my needs.
For my iron, I did purchase a guard and I just leave it on at all times. I also have 2 different handheld steamers. Here are some links:
This is my absolute favorite steamer - it's great beacuse you can hold the steamer horizontal or flat and it works great and does not spillout. Many you can only hold upright but this lets you do all the angles! LINK
Another great steamer that is small and easy to handle. You need to keep this one vertical or it can spill out. I keep this one in my bathroom so I can brush my teeth and steam a garment all at the same time! (I'm usually running late for something or behind so this is perfect multi-tasking for me!) And is it small enough to travel with easily. LINK
I bought this cover for my iron years ago - it has been so good to use, easy to install and has held up through multiple uses. LINK
So once you are all set-up and ready, hold your steam iron or steamer over your piece about 0.5”/2 cm away from the surface. If you are using an iron, you want the steam to penetrate the piece without the weight of the iron pressing down on it. As you do this, you will see your knitting relax right before your eyes!
Once complete, just let your piece set for at least 30 minutes to dry and then it'll be ready to show off!!
Happy Blocking!
Cheers & Stitches, Crystal
PS...Want to check out the Factory Girl's favorite blocking tools? Check out this Blog Post!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.
Comments