How to Make a Blocking Board

Sometimes things just don't turn out like they should - or the shape and size you want or need them to be. This is when blocking comes in handy. Blocking allows you to make adjustments to your knitting by stretching and shaping. There are three different types of blocking: wet blocking, spray blocking, and steam blocking. The methods vary as to the amount - and form - of water used to relax the fibers and allow you to reshape them and which method you use should be dictated by the type of fiber with which you are working.  I chose to make a pair of blocking boards that way I could move my projects out of the way and have the option of pinning them into shape.

I got the general instructions on how to create a blocking board from Knitting.com. Click HERE for the full article from Knitty.com. Also in that article is a useful guide to which blocking method you should use for which fibers.

I know at first glance the pictures seem small, but if you click on the image, it will show you the full sized picture.

How to Make a Blocking Board


Materials (for two total):

Picture	Item
	2 Sheets of 2' x 2' Drywall (1/2" thick)
	Sturdy tape (such as duct tape, linen tape, or electrical tape)
I used Res-Q Tape because I went in search of linen tape at Jo-Ann's and couldn't find any. The Res-Q Tape is double sided but when you only use one side, the paper on the other is nice and thick and the tape is pretty strong so it worked out. Just use whatever type of tape you think will help keep the edges of your board from crumbling.
	2 yards of 1" gingham fabric
The grid on the fabric will make a useful measuring tool for when you block. The only 1" check I could find was light pink which showed up okay, but I would have preferred a blue or green.
	Staple Gun
The staple gun I used was recommended by my mother who, like myself, has small hands, but - unlike myself - does upholstery. She needed a staple gun that actually worked but was easy to handle and not so large that she couldn't get it into the places she needed to staple. Relatively inexpensive (approx. $10), the Easy Shot was her first pick. After using it, I have no complaints other than a lack of more things to staple.
	5/16" Staples
Make sure your staples will work with your staple gun.

Directions: 

1. Using your sturdy tape, tape around the edges of the squares of drywall. This is to help reinforce the edges and prevent the edges from crumbling.
2. Put extra tape on the corners of the drywall. Like knees and elbows, corners frequently get banged around and bumped into so, while this step isn't strictly necessary, I wouldn't skip it.
3. Iron your fabric! This is important so you don't have any bunches of fabric or wrinkles that will keep your blocking board from being a smooth surface.
4. Spread your fabric out on a smooth, hard surface and place the drywall on the fabric. Make sure the line the top and left side of the drywall up with the lines of the gingham. This will ensure that the grid pattern is straight and will make it a more useful measuring tool.
5. Once your drywall is in position, cut the edges of the fabric so there is a 3" border around the drywall.
6. On one side, fold 1" of the border in towards the drywall. Pin in place. Be sure to place the pins in such a way that when you staple the fabric down, you can still remove the pins. You do this so the cut edge of the fabric is tucked inside and won't fray. If you want to be extra certain that it won't fray, you could also use a product like Fray Check along this edge.
7. Fold the pinned side of the fabric onto the blocking board. While holding the fabric taught but still, staple in place. I stapled about two inches apart along the whole side.
8. Repeat steps 6 - 7 for the side that runs parallel to the first completed side.
9. For the two remaining sides, repeat steps 6 - 7 ensuring that the corners are folded neatly, like a package. To do this, make a triangle in the corner with the fabric. This should help keep the fabric from bunching or being too messy around the corner.
Once all sides have been stapled, you're all done!