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.