How to Straighten Circular Knitting

Circular knitting can sometimes appear uneven with slanted rows or stitches. As long as the knitted item is made from natural fibers, it can be straightened by blocking. In blocking, the piece is dampened, then stretched and manipulated by hand to conform to the desired shape and dimensions--in this case, to straighten the rows and stitches. The piece is then secured and allowed to dry in order to "set" it straight. If one try at blocking does not straighten the circular knitting to your satisfaction, simply repeat the process.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric cutting board or cork board Rustproof pins 2 bathroom towels

Instructions

1. Place a bathroom towel over the board; both must be larger than the knitted item.

2. Soak the circular knitted item in cool or warm water until it is saturated, making sure you do not agitate it. Very gently squeeze out the excess water by hand without twisting.

3. Lay your knitted piece flat on top of your towel-covered board. Gently manipulate the piece so that the rows of stitches are straight on both sides of the knitting, and the shape and size conform to your desired finished dimensions. Start at the back of the piece first; if it is a knitted garment, start with the body and then move outwards to the sleeves, collars and cuffs.

4. Starting at the middle edges of the garment, pin the blocked piece in place on the board, placing pins at at least 1/2 inch intervals. Make sure the edges do not curl, and check and adjust the positioning constantly to ensure that the rows of stitches are straight.

5. Cover the damp knitting with another bathroom towel and leave the board undisturbed until it is completely dry. When you remove the towels and the pins, the circular knitting should hold its shape and be straightened. If not, repeat the process.

Tips & Warnings

• Blocking is not effective for items knitted with synthetic yarns, although these are less likely to turn out uneven than natural fibers. Do not pin any ribbing sections of knitting. You may need to repeat the process after washing the knitted piece.

• When working with a piece that's knitted with wool, take extra care not to agitate it when wet, as you may inadvertently felt and shrink it.