Saturday, June 02, 2007

Just Wondering

I understand the need to block some knitted things. Lace shawls need to be set so the pattern is visible. Sweater pieces need to be flat so you can sew them together. But what I really want to know is....

Do socks really need to be blocked?

Lace socks maybe. But, you put them on your feet, so could that first wearing be considered blocking?

8 comments:

Erin said...

I've never blocked my socks. Even the more lacy ones. To me, it's less essential, because your foot stretches the fabric out and makes it look the way it's supposed to. Whereas sweaters or shawls just drape and need blocking to smooth things out.

margene said...

I only block socks if they're gifts...otherwise feet do a good job while wearing;-)

Valerie said...

IMO, if your socks are knit to fit properly, they don't need to be blocked.

Rhonda the Stitchingnut said...

I never block them and no one seems to notice ;-)

Leigh said...

Oops. It never occurred to me to block socks.

Anonymous said...

I don't block socks either. Maybe gift socks. I mostly use my sock blockers for posting pictures.

f. pea said...

Clearly, the verdict here is that sock blocking is for freaks.

David T. Macknet said...

Oh, now, I wouldn't say "freaks" too loudly. After all, to the rest of the world, we're all freaks for continuing to knit (or spin, or bake bread) in today's modern world.

I can't imagine blocking something out if you're going to wash it after a couple of wearings, as you do with generic socks, nor something which would see as much stretching as everyday socks do.

However, if you're talking about a sock which is lacy and beautiful, I can certainly see blocking it out, especially to take pictures of. If it's more of a stocking, such as would be worn with shorts or a skirt, and would be seen below the hemline? Certainly! That's part of the art of making beautiful pieces, isn't it? You can't see it if you don't block it.