How to properly block scallops?

[jackandahat]

I just knitted the Half-Camping shawl - my first big lace thing. And I love it... except the scallops. I cannot get them to block neatly - it says five pins per scallop, but mine look jagged from where they pulled against the pins. They're not horrific, but it seems a shame after how well the rest of it turned out.

Does anyone have any advice, either for this shawl specifically or pinning scallops in general?

Comments

[pinesandmaples]

Scallops are rather touchy beasts. I have to wait until I'm well-rested, in a peaceful mood, and with a patient helper to block mine. I rely on rooibos to help me adjust the shawl around as we pin, because pulling too much makes the pin marks stay.

So if you plan to re-block, having a second set of hands would be really helpful.

But I think using an iron to steam-block just the scallops would be a better choice than re-blocking the whole shawl. You are out much less time and effort if it doesn't work. If it does, you have a shawl with purdy scallops! (And I've seem some pretty convincing blog posts so I think steam-blocking does work. It seems to be a wonderful tool. I'll admit that I've never tried it, despite having an awesome German iron of awesomeness.)

[jackandahat]

*rubs hands together* Time to recruit my housemate! (She says she doesn't knit. I say she doesn't knit yet. I already have her helping me pick out colours and enjoying it, so...)

Thank you very much.

[caro]

I have no advice about blocking, but that is a gorgeous shawl!

[jackandahat]

Mine turned out a bit on the small side because I used a too-small needle, but I am pleased with it - and it knit up a lot faster than expected.

[tephra]

A tip I picked up in the blocking before and after thread on Ravelry was to use a zip tie or piece of weed whacker line to block scallops. Just weave it through the edge like you would a blocking wire and pin it out at about five points for a smooth curve.

[jackandahat]

Ahh, so pin the wire rather than the knitting?

[tephra]

Yes. I pin at the corners between the scallops, at the center of the curve, and the two points in between usually. I'll pin more if the scallop is larger or if the tension of the knitting deforms the zip tie/heavy plastic line.

[eruanna]

I just wanted to say what a beautiful shawl that is. :)

I'm just starting to attempt lace, so I don't have any advice. I've only knit one shawl and I think I need to re-block it.

[jackandahat]

Good luck with your lace!

[babs_bee]

No advice unfortunately, but I just wanted to say that is an awesome shawl!

[jackandahat]

I'll have to take pictures of mine when it's all done, I'm really pleased.