this post was submitted on 26 Aug 2023
25 points (100.0% liked)

Knitting

2002 readers
1 users here now

A place to show off your knitting, ask questions, and generally enable each other!

Lemmy

CURRENT THEME

🧶 CABLES 🧶

LAST WINNER

RULES

  1. All instance rules apply: see legal.lemmy.world

  2. WIP/FO Posts should include pattern details (at least name, preferably link)

  3. Relevant self-promo from community members is acceptable but will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Exclusively salesy posts will be removed. (more info)

UPCOMING THEMES

TBA!

founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS
 

Hello new favorite community! I have a question about what to do when you’ve finished a project. There are so few completed projects in my house I’ve never really looked up what to do when you finish one. I’m self taught via YouTube and books. After casting off is there something you have to do to make something like a shawl look nice? The patterns don’t say. Things always have a crumpled up look after I’m done.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] catsdoingcatstuff@lemmy.nz 2 points 1 year ago

Chiming in with another vote for blocking. Be sure to use no-rust pins or wires, or they will leave ugly, permanent spots. I learned the hard way...

I would wet block natural fibers. I would also lightly block acrylic. You might not get as dramatic of an effect when blocking acrylic, but it still makes the shawl look more finished and even. Pin damp acrylic to shape and lightly steam without touching. Be careful not to melt or "kill" the acrylic by steaming it too aggressively.

You'll need to reblock your shawl if you wash it, or if the block slowly relaxes over time.

What pattern did you make? The process is pretty magical! It will turn from yarn spaghetti into a really nice finished object.