Steam blocking involves using a steam iron or hand steamer. You can get fast
results with steam blocking because the drying time is shorter than with wet
blocking. Again, you need to check your ball band’s care instructions to ensure
that it is safe to apply steam to your yarn and at what temperature. Steam blocking
is best for wool, cotton, cashmere, and alpaca. The key to steam blocking is not
to press the knitting with the iron, but to run the iron lightly above the knitting to
steam it. Lay a light cloth, such as a pillowcase, over the piece to be blocked; this
will protect your work from the high heat and any potential staining.
1 Lay a knitted piece flat on a padded surface. Pin only at enough points to
hold the piece straight for the time being.
2 Measure the knitted piece to ensure that it has the same dimensions that the
pattern specifies. Adjust the pins as necessary to match the measurements
and to make the piece even.
Note:Do not stretch and pin ribbing at cuffs and hems unless the pattern indicates to do so. After
ribbing is stretched and blocked, it is no longer elastic.
3 When the measurements are correct, pin the piece all around.
Finishing Techniques
chapter 114 Cover the piece with a light cloth. (You can dampen the cloth with a spray
bottle, if desired.) Slowly and gently, run the iron over the entire piece,
excluding ribbing, taking care not to press or distort the knitting.
5 Allow the piece to dry and then remove the pins.
6 Repeat steps 1–5 for all pieces of your project. Be sure that all the pieces are
completely dry before sewing the seams.
Steam Blocking