Blocking Handknits (DVD + Streaming)

After you’ve finished knitting a project, use blocking techniques to bring out the best in your work! With knitwear designer and author Kate Atherley as your guide, learn how to use blocking wires to make your stitchwork pop, your knitwear fit, your projects feel soft to the touch, and so much more. Kate will teach you about blocking, drying, and caring for a huge range of fibers, as well as how to protect your projects and supplies from moths and pests. Kate will even demystify using blocking wires to create perfectly straight edges, and pinning projects to form the shape and size you desire. Plus, Kate will take you step-by-step through blocking mittens, hats, lace scarves, lace shawls, one-piece, and multi-piece garments for the fabulous finish they deserve.

NOTE: If you’d like to purchase only the DVD for this class, you may do so through this link. (Please note, any class PDF materials are not on the DVD itself. You must have streaming access to download those materials associated with the class.)

Introduction (05:44)
Meet your Instructor, Kate Atherley, and find out more about the class.

The Importance of Blocking (10:51)
Kate shows a variety of blocked and unblocked projects to show how blocking helps flatten and shape knit pieces and show off stitch patterns.

When to Block (6:51)
Learn how to make blocking part of your finishing process, whether you’re knitting a single item or seaming together multiple pieces.

How to Block (6:02)
It’s as simple as getting your project thoroughly wet! You can use a bucket of water or the washing machine, depending on the project and the fiber.

How to Treat Your Knits (11:58)
Consider your yarn’s fiber content when determining how to handle it. Kate discusses wool washes, blocking with stitch holders and how to dry your project.

Drying Your Knits (17:39)
Some pieces require pins or wires when blocking to show off their stitches and shape. Kate shows you how to use these simple tools for the best effect.

Blocking Your Projects (42:23)
From socks and mittens to curved shawls, your creations deserve the best! You can return to this lesson again and again for tips on blocking any project.

Fiber Care Guidelines (12:39)
Kate discusses how to care for your knitted items and addresses that dreaded foe: clothes moths. Find out the best ways to avoid damage to your precious wool.

Tips & Tricks (9:55)
Kate covers a few last hints for blocking, including dealing with colorfastness, speed-drying and blocking to lengthen a garment.

Kate Atherley

Kate Atherley learned to knit at a young age from her immensely talented grandmother, Hilda. However, her immersion in knitting didn’t take full hold until after university, when she found herself with lots of spare time and a yarn shop around the corner. Kate started with knitting socks, then designing socks, and today, she’s a knitting teacher, designer, technical editor and author. Her books include “Beyond Knit & Purl” and “Knit Accessories: Essentials & Variations.”

How will I receive my DVD class?
Your DVD will be shipped in the mail using the address you provide at checkout. Your purchase also includes access to a streaming version of the class and downloadable PDF class materials. After your purchase, you can find your streaming class and your PDF class materials by logging into your Craftsy account using the user name and password you established.

How do I access the companion materials for my DVD class?
Come to Craftsy.com and log into your account using the username and password you set up when establishing your Craftsy account or purchasing your DVD. In your “My Account” area, select the “Classes” content. On this page, you’ll see all classes you’ve purchased from Craftsy. Simply select the desired class from your content list, and you’ll be presented with your selected class page. From the class page you can easily view, download or print the companion class materials, which are in the “Bonus Materials” tab on the class page. You can log in any time, and download or print the companion materials as many times as you like. Companion class materials are not shipped in the mail with your DVD, and must be accessed on Craftsy.com.

How do I stream my class on Craftsy.com?
Come to Craftsy.com and log into your account using the username and password you set up when establishing your Craftsy account or purchasing your DVD. In your “My Account” content, select the desired class. Stream the video on-demand from the class page any time you like; your viewing access is unlimited. You can stream your class from any computer, tablet or mobile device with Internet access.

Do I have to purchase a Craftsy Membership to get my class?
No, you do not. Every DVD purchased on Craftsy.com includes both the physical DVD in the mail and unlimited on-demand streaming access at Craftsy.com. These benefits are yours with or without a Craftsy membership.

Are DVDs included in a Craftsy Membership?
No, they are not. DVDs can only be purchased on an individual basis and are not included in Craftsy memberships. For non-members, DVDs are a flexible way to purchase only the classes you love best. For members, DVDs are a great choice to build an at-home library you can keep forever and enjoy any time, with or without Internet access.

Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we do ship most physical products, including DVDs, to several International destinations. In addition to the USA and Canada, we ship to Australia, Brazil, India, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, and most Western European countries. If you live outside these countries, you can still purchase digital items including memberships, individual streaming classes, and pattern downloads.

Do your DVDs work on international players?
Yes, our DVDs should be compatible with any DVD player in use today. All our videos have been created with all current Region Codes (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8). If you have trouble viewing a DVD purchased from Craftsy.com, please contact Customer Service.

What is your return policy?
We want to be sure you’re satisfied. If you have trouble playing your DVD, if the content is not correctly presented on the DVD, or you are dissatisfied with the content of your class, we will work with you. Contact Craftsy customer service via email or phone. Upon your request, and upon your return of the DVD to us, we will refund your purchase price or send you another DVD to replace a damaged or incorrect DVD, whichever is your preference. If you do receive a full refund, your streaming video class will also be removed from your Craftsy account, so on-demand video access will no longer be available to you.