Blockin’ Sockin’?

14 Responses to “Blockin’ Sockin’?”

On February 9th, 2008 at 8:28 pm Teresa in OK said:

I have often wondered this myself. I hope someone can answer it.

On February 9th, 2008 at 8:33 pm Amy said:

I use the cute wooden paddles (I got mine at the Loopy Ewe). I THINK that it’s the first washing that you want to block because wool has a memory (think about when you rip something out after it’s been knit for awhile how it retains the shape of the stitch). I don’t think you have to block them every time, I don’t. I just make sure I run them through the hand wash cycle in the washing machine and let them air dry…I’m curious about what other folks have to say too!

On February 10th, 2008 at 7:13 am Tina said:

Well I can tell you what we do here. We block them for photo work and sometimes for fit.

Certainly not every time they are washed. I personally do not block the socks I wear. I just do not have time for that step.

I believe this might be one of those personal preference things.
I know that there are those that swear by it and those that look at you as if you have lost your mind. One of my best moments was overhearing at a show a knitter in her 70’s just roaring when someone explained to her what the wooden sock shaped thing was.

Although, it has been done through the years because I found 3 very cool antique ones. So…

It will be interesting to hear others thoughts on this.

On February 10th, 2008 at 8:14 am Patricia Dixon said:

Blocking socks: If by chance, they end up in the dryer,come out somewhat smaller..wool has a memory..simply re-wet your socks, slip them on your blockers..Voile’ socks are saved, ready to wear again. I use my blockers after I finish a pair of socks, then once in a while after. Too, many pairs to do each time.

On February 10th, 2008 at 1:26 pm adrienne in the bellybutton of california said:

i do block for gifts and publications just because the socks look so much better! if they are my socks, i will wash and just lay them flat to dry…kinda soft blocking them.

On February 10th, 2008 at 6:13 pm Tanya said:

Gee, i am glad i am of the norm on blocking! I figured i was the only one not blocking all my socks. As gifts or for photos…but usually? Nope. When i do i just have some blockers i made from wire hangers and they work fabulous…and were free to make!

On February 10th, 2008 at 7:21 pm RaeDean said:

I live in a log house and sock blockers of many sizes hang from the log center beam in the laundry room. I always use them. I wash my socks in a front loader machine with a no rinse wool wash (ie. soak or euculan) cold water, gentle cycle, and always a color trapper sheet. Colors never bleed onto each other and I have socks that are 10 years old and are still good. I have darning eggs and sock blockers from my Nana who lived to 104 and used them always.

On February 10th, 2008 at 10:13 pm Gail said:

I just started blocking my socks on wooden blockers, (Blue) Moon ones of course! I do this mostly for photography, and sometimes for fit. For routine washing, I don’t block them per se, I either pull and tug gently on them to smooth them out, or pop them on/off the sock blocker if there are just a few pairs to re-shape, before hanging to dry.

On February 11th, 2008 at 9:03 am Amanda said:

I block once (I have Loopy Ewe blockers) after I finish knitting them - mostly for photographic purposes, but also because it makes them feel and look “new” when I slip them on for the first time. Unlike sweaters or other larger objects, I don’t feel socks need to be blocked to drape better or whatever…feet are great blockers!

After the first block and photo shoot, I just wash them and hang to dry - nothin’ special.

On February 11th, 2008 at 11:48 am Johanna said:

I’m with the “for photos and for gifts” camp.

Otherwise, for my OWN socks, I kinda figure - when they’re on your feet, they’re blocked to the right shape/size, right?

I do dry them flat, and of course straighten them out and smooth them down for that, but rarely block beyond their initial model shoot for the knit archive.

On February 11th, 2008 at 1:45 pm Leslie said:

This is hilarious, because I have been wanting to buy some blockers and just the other day thought to myself, *”why?”*! I kinda couldn’t think of a good reason other than they would photograph better for my blog and because, well…I just want some of those cute BMFA blockers with the cute matching marker or beadie thingie or whatever that is!-lol!

On February 12th, 2008 at 10:36 am Kate said:

I have NEVER blocked a sock. The first time that I saw sock blockers I burst out laughing. I thought they were some of the most funny things I had ever seen. (no offense meant to people that block their socks)

On February 12th, 2008 at 5:24 pm Leslie said:

Well, I’ve never blocked a pair of socks, either, and I can’t say that I’ve ever read of any comments by die-hard blockers. I mean, there are definitely those who block their socks, but so far I’ve not read of anyone who is actually passionate about doing it! Like I said, I just want a blocker for cuteness sake and for fun! Another toy to have!

On February 21st, 2008 at 6:57 am Jeanne Michael said:

I have my cute wooden blockers hanging on the wall decoratively, I dress them in whatever I’m working on for admiration - they have one sock on and there’s one on my needles most of the time.
I also have a couple pairs of antique metal adjustable blockers. These are used in to hang the socks on the line - I only use them for the problem sock (twisted, or slightly small), otherwise they all hang by one of those little travel clothespin things - no blocking, no laying flat, but one little dent in the cuff that disappears when wearing.

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