[knitpicky1]

When blocking either knitted or crocheted items, what do you use for the backing? to pin the item to? I have several fairly large wraps that need to be blocked, but they're bigger than the ironing board. Is there a mat?

 

[Beverleyjean]

I block my stuff on the spare bed, I put nice thick towels on the bed and then lay out the article with pins

 

[casey1952]

You can buy interlocking mats at Wal-Mart,Harbor Freight, or the big hard ware stores. You can also use foam insulation from Lowe's or any hardware store. They may even cut it for you. Lastly, you can even use the spare bed. Or the floor.

 

[Cathryn 2ed]

http://www.google.com/search?q=blocking+mats&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=kXgVUoqII6jTiwL5woH4CQ&sqi=2&ved=0CEkQsAQ&biw=1340&bih=734

 

[McOzzy72]

you can also use the big foam floor puzzles you buy for your kids to play with. you put them together and place them on your bed when finish pull the puzzle apart

 

[knitpicky1]

Thank you all! I feel kind of like "duh"...but, I have a much better concept of how to do this, now. You give so many good variations! Saw some of the foam interlocking blocks just the other day at the thrift store, but wasn't thinking creatively. Suggestions were much appreciated!

 

[frankie2963]

Thank you all! I feel kind of like "duh"...but, I have a much better concept of how to do this, now. You give so many good variations! Saw some of the foam interlocking blocks just the other day at the thrift store, but wasn't thinking creatively. Suggestions were much appreciated!

I have to agree with this statement though I knew of all the other suggestions and I have a board I specially made for my doilies I never thought of the interlocking foam blocks my GD has a set she loves to play with now Gramma has a reason to play with them too!!! :thumbup:

 

[ElyseKnox]

you can also use the big foam floor puzzles you buy for your kids to play with. you put them together and place them on your bed when finish pull the puzzle apart

Just a note of caution: I have seen other posts saying that the pink or red tiles from these foam floor puzzles bled onto the work being blocked.

 

[BaraKiss]

You can block on a carpeted floor.

 

[pardoquilts]

You can buy a nice set of gray blocking mats from KnitPicks for under $20. Then you don't have to worry about color transferring from the blocks to your garment.

 

[Ronie]

Thank you all! I feel kind of like "duh"...but, I have a much better concept of how to do this, now. You give so many good variations! Saw some of the foam interlocking blocks just the other day at the thrift store, but wasn't thinking creatively. Suggestions were much appreciated!

make sure that if those foam interlocking blocks are colored that you lay a sheet over them .... some have had some issues with the color transferring.. mine are large and grey so I don't have this problem.. I have also used my Yoga mat.... LOL at least it get used right?? some day I may take up Yoga lessons and use it for its intended use...

 

[Friederike]

I purchased my mat at Menards (the home improvement store). They are jig saw play mats (for little children) and are soft so you can stick needles in easily. They have them in the flooring-carpeting section. They come in packages of 4 (I believe). I love mine! :thumbup:

 

[wyldwmn]

I have a cloth covered padded board that is specifically made for blocking. At one time the printed fabric to make a board like this was available at Lacis in Berkely, CA, but I don't know if they still have them.

It's a simple project to make your own padded board with cotton canvas, marking circles and lines to use as a guide. I like the board because I can put it out of the way when not in use, and move it easily outside to help with the drying process when I've used moisture, or after washing. When not in use, I cover it with a pillow-case type cover that I made from an old sheet so that it doesn't collect dust or acquire marks.

 

[horsenut1948]

I bought 4x8 sheets of pink rigid foam insulation from Home Depot. Works great, you can cut it with a knife to any size you want.
Barb