Reddit reviews Take it Personally Knit & Lace Blocking Wires Kit

It's no secret - hookers love yarn. But it can be difficult buying yarn for someone you don't know. Especially if you don't know much about yarn (it's probably much more expensive than you might think, and picking some out could send you into a very Jeremy Renner picking out cereal in The Hurt Locker kind of moment). It can also be difficult buying hooks. There are... a shitton of hooks. And each one is very different. Picking those out could be like trying to pick out guitar strings for someone you've never met or heard play. My point: you'll really want to do your homework - stalking in 3... 2... 1.. go! If you can't find something they've specifically fawned over, you might stick with tools. Something I think every hooker should have, well - you can't go wrong with Lace Blocking Wires.

You can get them here from Knitpicks ($19.99 plus shipping).

Or here from Amazon ($23.99 and free shipping if you have Prime).

Another option is a travel Yarn Bin. Something like this from Amazon, which is killer on sale right now for $9.99 (regular $19.99) and free shipping with Prime. Or this little ditty from cafe press.

If you need some small filler type stuff - stitch markers are absolutely invaluable to hookers (just make sure they open and close like a D-ring. You don't want the circle ones that don't open - those are for knitting and can't be used for crochet.). Darning Needles in assorted sizes kick ass and get used on pretty much every project. Same with a stitch counter - crochet gold right there.

Anyhow - I know the wires are a few bucks over budget, but they're a great tool to consider if you aren't able to find something fool-proof for your giftee. Hope this helps :D

WIRES: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B000WV84UK/ref=ppx_yo_mob_b_old_o0_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

MATS:
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B01FVI1IGK/ref=ppx_yo_mob_b_recent_o1_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Edit: If you scroll down through the comments, someone mentions you can get the wires cheaper from Canadian Tire.

You can get away with pretty basic or improvised materials for blocking most things. For beanies/toques you can use a balloon and a bowl, and slouchy hats/berets can be blocked on a plate. For socks, gloves and mitts you can make your own blocking forms with cardboard and tape.
For flat items I started off with nothing more than regular straight pins and my bed! After a couple of years though, I decided to upgrade.

My recommended supplies are T-pins and blocking mats, with the option for blocking wires as well. T-pins are sturdier than regular sewing pins, and the heads are better at holding down knitted fabric. Blocking mats provide a flat surface that you can push the pins through without accidentally distorting the shape of your project. Blocking wires cut down on the number of pins needed to create a straight edge, and they help with creating symmetrical angles/shapes.

You could probably get T-pins in any craft store, and they're also sold as office supplies. Kids' foam play mats are the same material as "blocking mats" for knitting, and way easier to get a hold of. You can even make your own blocking wires from MIG welding supplies, or order a blocking kit from Amazon.co.uk. Other than the blocking wires, you should be able to buy everything you need in department stores. Hope this helps!

There are also blocking wires that can make straight edges a lot easier.

Thanks!

I bought the American Craft Knit and Lace Blocking Wires Kit from Amazon because it was cheap and I wasn't sure if I would like them. They're thinner than I expected, but blocked my DK-weight yarn just fine. I used 4 of the 36" wires for this project.

i'm almost certain this is the set i purchased a while back. under $20, and it will last you pretty much indefinitely, as long as you don't step on the wires.

Blocking wires

I bought these from Amazon :)

What kind of yarn are you using? The answer will depend on that.

A good idea is to block before you weave the ends together - it's easier to pin it into place that way. I'd use a ruler to make sure that both ends are the same width, or you can use lace blocking wires to ensure the whole thing is as straight as possible.

I have used the kids mats in the past but generally put a sheet between them and the project, just to be safe. You might not see any color rub off when you just wipe over them, but you are putting a wet piece of fabric in direct contact with the boards for several hours.

My personal kit includes these gym mats. I find that the gym mats tend to be built thicker and more durable than the kids play ones, as they're meant to protect floors from some pretty heavy exercise equipment. The price per square foot is a little better with these, too.

My blocking kit is this one. By the way, if you've never blocked with wires before, be prepared for them to Change. Your. Life. So much easier to get clean symmetry, and good grief no more pin fingers. Switching to wires literally cut out 75% of the time I spent shaping.

I've blocked with cats before, and they generally go insane when you close the door, so I know that can be challenging. The ideal scenario would be to put the blocking boards on a bed (out of toddler reach) with the door closed. If you have to keep it in a kitty-zone, I would keep a spray bottle of water handy and just keep an eye on the piece while it's drying, and when a cat comes to investigate, give him a little spray. If any water gets on the piece, it's no big deal.