Party time! Welcome if you are popping over from Jennifer at Thistlebear for the Winter Link Party. Today I am sharing a block-as-you-go method for blanket squares. All you need is a block of wood, four new unsharpened pencils and a drill.
My squares for my winter blanket vary in size even though they are all done in Stylecraft DK on the same size hook. I have made them over a two year period so the tension varies. It must have been how relaxed I was each time I did one at the cabin. So here's how I am getting them the same size....
Spraying each one as I stretch and layer them up.
I can block loads all at the same time. They can stay there as I join them up.
I left long ends to double crochet them together, I don't want any more ends than is strictly necessary.
If you are making a blanket for your winter project give this a try. I am glad my split chopping board got a new lease of life.
I hope that block idea inspires someone out there. Now what border shall I do?
Looking forward to perusing your winter projects.
Love from Jo xxx
The reason why squares are different sizes is not so much because of your tension but because different colours are different thicknesses. Double knit varies, it is just a rough guide. The thicker colours such as lipstick get filled with dye which adds volume, where the pale colours are thinner because they retain less dye colour. I try and compensate by crocheting a bit looser if I have a thinner yarn colour.
ReplyDeleteThank you, well I never knew that!
DeleteI am so happy to read that, I quite thought that I was going bonkers when each ball of wool seemed to be thinner or thicker than the previous one.
DeleteI have been wondering about that, too. Thanks!
DeleteWow! That explains it! I always wondered why my blanket squares come out different sizes. Thank you x
DeleteThat's a clever idea. Worth knowing, thanks.
ReplyDeleteFor the last few weeks I have nearly bought a wooden blocking board for almost fifty pounds . Im so glad I didn't so thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! Love your blanket!!!! xx
ReplyDeleteThat, my friend, is a really bloody good idea. You probably wont need to block the finished blanket now, and blocking a small square is a lot easier than a big one!
ReplyDeleteI stand and applaud you, a great idea, I do n ot have a broken board but I know where to lay my hands on a piece of plank and I have drill and pencils. This will sort out my granny squares before I start to hook them together.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! Your blanket is beautiful - can't wait to see the border :-)
ReplyDeleteFantastic idea and so much easier to crochet them together when they are all exactly the same size. You are a marvel Jo.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant, Jo! Thanks for sharing your ideas. I love seeing your process and progress on your pretty blanket, and I am cheering you on! xx
ReplyDeleteYou are such a clever cookie Jo!
ReplyDeleteHi Jo, thank you for joining in with my link party! This is such a great technique for blocking. Wow, I'd never think of this on my own. Thank you so much for sharing! Your blanket is gorgeous. I hope you're having a good week, take care.
ReplyDeleteNow that is such a simple but clever idea. Inspirational I will remember that it is remarkable. I love the blanket too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the blocking board idea. Very clever and will be a great help fitting all the bits together later as well as a place to keep the squares neat.
ReplyDeleteThe stretching board is a brilliant idea! A great way to use your old chopping board, Jo, and your blanket is looking gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteBarbara xx
Ingenious! Thanks for the idea!
ReplyDeleteThat is inspired.... I will be pinching this fab idea as my squares seem to be different sizes too. Thank you. xx
ReplyDeleteI will be seriously considering this! I have a relative who is into woodwork so I may ask them to make one for me. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteBest
Eleanor x
I just love your solution to on-going blocking that we all seem to moan about! What a great, yet simple idea. Your blanket looks beautiful with all the bright soft colours!
ReplyDeleteWendy
What a great idea and so simple to make too. I should patent it if I were you, you could make a fortune.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a clever idea, thanks for sharing. And your blanket looks great!
ReplyDeleteMarion