How to Block Weave a Scarf

Block your scarf to lengthen or shorten it.

Scarves that are too short or long can be altered in length to suit your needs by blocking, a technique in which a wet, knitted garment made of animal fiber is stretched or shortened. Synthetic fibers such as acrylic cannot be blocked. Though this technique is intended for natural, animal fibers, blends of acrylic and animal fibers may block. This technique can increase or decrease the length of your scarf up to a foot.

Things You'll Need

• Washing machine
• Towels
• Clothesline
• Clothespins

Instructions

1. Wash a scarf that is too long and bundle it in with dry towels, leaving it in a warm place to dry. Doing this will force the fibers to bunch up and shorten the length of the scarf.

2. Wash a scarf that is too short and hang it to dry. Doing this will stretch the fibers and lengthen the scarf.

3. Hold the wet, short scarf with one hand while pulling with the other to stretch it even further.

References

• Wittylittleknitter.com: Washing And Blocking Your Scarf

Resources

• "Knitting Scarves from Around the World"; Kari Cornell, et al.; 2011