After you’ve finished knitting a project, use blocking techniques to bring out the best in your work! With knitwear designer and author Kate Atherley as your guide, learn how to use blocking wires to make your stitchwork pop, your knitwear fit, your projects feel soft to the touch, and so much more. Kate will teach you about blocking, drying, and caring for a huge range of fibers, as well as how to protect your projects and supplies from moths and pests. Kate will even demystify using blocking wires to create perfectly straight edges, and pinning projects to form the shape and size you desire. Plus, Kate will take you step-by-step through blocking mittens, hats, lace scarves, lace shawls, one-piece, and multi-piece garments for the fabulous finish they deserve.
Class Sessions
Introduction
5:45
Meet your Instructor, Kate Atherley, and find out more about the class.
The Importance of Blocking
10:54
Kate shows a variety of blocked and unblocked projects to show how blocking helps flatten and shape knit pieces and show off stitch patterns.
When to Block
6:55
Learn how to make blocking part of your finishing process, whether you're knitting a single item or seaming together multiple pieces.
How to Block
6:06
It's as simple as getting your project thoroughly wet! You can use a bucket of water or the washing machine, depending on the project and the fiber.
How to Treat Your Knits
12:01
Consider your yarn's fiber content when determining how to handle it. Kate discusses wool washes, blocking with stitch holders and how to dry your project.
Drying Your Knits
17:43
Some pieces require pins or wires when blocking to show off their stitches and shape. Kate shows you how to use these simple tools for the best effect.
Blocking Your Projects
42:26
From socks and mittens to curved shawls, your creations deserve the best! You can return to this lesson again and again for tips on blocking any project.
Fiber Care Guidelines
12:42
Kate discusses how to care for your knitted items and addresses that dreaded foe: clothes moths. Find out the best ways to avoid damage to your precious wool.
Tips & Tricks
9:58
Kate covers a few last hints for blocking, including dealing with colorfastness, speed-drying and blocking to lengthen a garment.
Your Instructor
Kate Atherley
Kate Atherley learned to knit at a young age from her immensely talented grandmother, Hilda. However, her immersion in knitting didn't take full hold until after university, when she found herself with lots of spare time and a yarn shop around the corner. Kate started with knitting socks, then designing socks, and today, she's a knitting teacher, designer, technical editor and author. Her books include "Beyond Knit & Purl" and "Knit Accessories: Essentials & Variations."
Bonus Material
Blocking Handknits - Pattern Names
Download and print this PDF as a helpful supplement to your Class video.pr
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
FAQs
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
Do I have to be a Member of The Knitting Circle to purchase a Class?
No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on The Knitting Circle content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great knitting videos and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
How do I purchase a Class?
First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
How do I access/view my Class?
Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of The Knitting Circle. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.
Do I have to take the Class right away?
No. Any Class you buy will be accessible to you always. You can view your Class whenever you want, and you can view individual Sessions in whatever order you like.
Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
No. Your access never expires. You can view any Class you purchase as many times as you want, whenever you want.
Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?
No problem. Most newer-model smartphones or other mobile/tablet devices with an internet connection are able to play the Class videos. Simply Log In on The Knitting Circle, and you can view any Class you’ve bought through the MY ACCOUNT section. Or, you can click on the “View Class” link within the email confirmation you’ll receive upon your purchase.
How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?
Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.
How does the Class Q&A Resource benefit work?
Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but your Class Instructor and TKC contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?
Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
Why do you need my email?
We need it to acknowledge your purchase of a Class, and send you a confirmation of your transaction. Also, in order to maintain your permanent access to the Class videos, you’ll need to Log In to theknittingcircle.com. We guarantee that we will not share your email with any third parties. You may receive email updates from The Knitting Circle from time to time, with details of new Classes and updates. You can easily unsubscribe when you receive any email.
Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?
Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.
How do I contact The Knitting Circle Academy?
If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at knittingcircle@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-833-622-6523. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
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