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I’ve had a couple knitters ask recently how I get the edges of my swatches to look so pretty. Do I use a special bind-off, or what?
The secret is blocking wires. By far, they’re the best way to get smooth, even edges on your knitted pieces.
How? Prep your fabric for wet blocking as usual – that is, immerse in a basin of tepid water until sodden, wrap in towels, and squeeze until just damp. Thread a blocking wire into each bind-off loop, each cast-on stitch, or each selvedge stitch.
Or, if you’re blocking something with points, thread a blocking wire through each point. Then lay flat, and pin out the wires.
Voilà! Perfectly even fabric edges, or perfectly spaced points.
If you don’t yet own blocking wires, do get yourself some! Look for a set that contains both straight wires in various lengths, and some flexible wires. I’d recommend the kind that I have, except I’m not in love with them. They have rounded tips, but I’d much prefer tapered tips. If you know of any blocking wires like that, please let me know! |
