Silk Road Needle Arts

                        St. Petersburg, Florida
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Blocking Needlework--

Many needlework pieces will no longer be "square" after you work them; it is best to work with needlework stretched taut on a frame to minimize distortion from the beginning. Badly distorted needlework may never be truly square, and the effects of moisture and humidity can cause needlework to revert to its distorted shape.

That said, it is not very difficult to block rectangular or square pieces back into shape.

The first consideration is whether the needlework will "bleed" if moisture is applied; some of the silks and the overdyed threads will bleed and cause problems. Many of the threads will indicate on their labels if they are colorfast. If in doubt, moisten a clean, light colored towel and gently rub against the threads; if you get color transfer to the towel, it will most likely bleed if it gets wet. You will need to block the item "dry" instead of applying moisture.

With a mister, dampen both sides of the needlework; don't soak it, just get it moist.

The needlework will need to be fastened to a board with square edges and straight lines; generally it is fastened face down unless there are raised stitches that will be crushed. Start by fastening the corners first: upper right, lower left, upper left, lower right. Then fasten each side (stapling, pins, or tacks, preferably rust-proof)--all the while pulling the edges to line up straight. For badly distorted pieces, you may have to block it several times, with each blocking getting closer to being "square."

Place the item in a warm, dry place to let completely dry, 24-hours or more.