Sorry this is posted so late in the day, but what can be said? It has just been one of those days.  

If you have been keeping up with my posts, you already know that is “Big N Small” month here on Crochet with Passion.  I have design Theme months where if you follow, you will experience all the crocheting adventures. This is the month where you can choose to work with thread or Jumbo yarn.  

At the beginning of July I had chosen to crochet thread angels and then trim for Christmas gifts.  

I am now at the point where all the pieces are crocheted and am ready to stiffen them.  So I thought we could go through the blocking technique together.  I will be blocking both flat for the wings and over a cone for the angels itself.  So as you read through the instructions you will notice both are being explained.  

Material needed: 

Plastic disposable gloves (optional)

Fabric Stiffener Liquid (I am using Aleene’s but there are other good ones available)

Rust proof T-pins

Plastic wrap

Styrofoam form or foam block

Thread blocking:

Step 1:  put gloves on

Step 2:  pour stiffener into a disposable bowl  or a sandwich baggy.

Step 3:  Place fabric into liquid saturating  it thoroughly.

Tip:  if the stiffener is too thick you can add water to thin it a little.

Step 4: While it is soaking, I usually take plastic wrap and place it over block or styrofoam.  (This will help to protect the form and to keep the thread from sticking to it.) If you are using a bowl be sure to cover it.

Step 5:  Now remove the thread piece from the liquid and squeeze out excess (do not wring, for this may stretch it) .

Tip:  make sure to take the time to smooth out the wrinkles.  What you are looking at is how it will dry.

Flat blocking Step 6:   Spread the fabric over the block and pin the center first.  Then pin all the other points first.  Then lastly you pin all the inner points that need to be shaped.

Cone blocking Step 6:  Take the fabric and drape over the cone as in my case.  Then I will place the piece over some cardboard that is also covered in plastic wrap. Now then , take the time to arrange the fabric how you would like it to dry.

Step 7:  Now you let it dry overnight.  

Tip:  If you are using white thread you can save some of the left over liquid by pouring it back into the bottle.  Do not do this with color thread as it bleeds and changes the color of things.

Blocking just takes these simples steps and a little time and you will have your crochet thread projects looking so professionally made before you even know it.

Be sure to look for the upcoming posts next week.  Monday I will have instructions on how to turn your doily into a cute bowl.  Then on Thursday will be my monthly wrap up when I review the projects for the month.  Would love to hear about what you have been working on this month.  Whether you have chosen thread or jumbo yarn.

Until next time keep those hooks flying.