Gently spread the damp item out into a rough approximation of the desired shape — square, rectangle, or triangle — by hand. It is also used to evenly shape pieces; whether they are panels for a sweater or simple granny squares, finished items look a whole lot better if their parts are neatly shaped. Don't know which weight wires you'll need from one project to the next? Our mixed weight sets are what you need. They have the exact same wires as the lace and sweater sets. In fact, they have six of each weight wire. These sets come in tubes with dark purple printing. I aim to reassure you too, that it’s not as intimidating as it can seem. And in addition to my normal disclaimer, as I so often find in crochet, there is rarely only one correct approach. It gives the knitted project a smooth and flat look, which improves your garment’s overall appearance.

Step 1: Pour water into the reservoir of your iron to make steam. Ensure that you first heat the iron to high. Carefully lift the soaked item from the water and gently squeeze out the extra water. Gently does it! In the pictures I am using knit pro T-pins which are super sharp (so please take care!), robust and easy to use, however any rust-proof dressmakers pins should work too.When the water runs clear, put the shawl into a wash bag. Don’t lift the shawl (as this might stretch it) but take the bag to the shawl. An old pillow case works almost as well.

Meanwhile, prepare the surface. Here I am using foam play mats from Lidl. Note that I am using them ‘upside down’ – the flat side up – as I don’t want the ‘print’ of the right side to transfer to my shawl. You may wish to cover the mat with a sheet, especially if your shawl is white. They are essentially boards with holes drilled into them at regular intervals, like peg boards, into which tall solid doweling type ‘pins’ (pegs) will fit.Step 8: Pin it out. You should measure the garment or use the pattern’s instructions and pin it out as you lay down the piece to ensure it is lying according to the desired shape. This is for squishing the water out of your knits. Note I did not say wringing, please be gentle with your wet knitwear! Soak your folded section pieces or finished item in a bowl of lukewarm water and a generous dollop of KnitIQ wool wash.

Once the corners are pinned, assess whether the shawl is stretched enough. If not, pull it a bit further in each direction for a better look.

Buy our blocking wire sets at your LYS

Then pull out each scallop individually. If you need to use pins, make sure they are quilter’s pins – long, with a prominent head – so that you are less likely to spear your next guest.