How To Wash A Wool Blanket Without Shrinking It Easy?

Like other delicates, wool takes time to clean. If you’re asking how to wash a wool blanket without shrinking it, you’ve come to the right place!

how to wash a wool blanket without shrinking it

Dry cleaning is one way to go about it, but if you`re short on cash, follow these tips to get your blanket nice and clean.

How To Wash A Wool Blanket Without Shrinking It?

You don’t need to wash wool blankets too frequently as the material is naturally stainless and odour-resistant. However, it’s a good idea to have it cleaned now and then if used for more than a few months.

Here`s how to do it.

Step #1. Shake, hang, and brush

Shake the blanket before you start washing. Doing this will help fluff and refresh the material.

Next, hang the blanket for a few minutes in a well-ventilated area. The clean air will help get rid of any dirt that has settled on it.

If you`ve done this and there’s still some dirt left, lay the blanket on a clean surface and brush the blanket with a soft brush. Make sure each stroke goes in the same direction.

Step #2. Treat spots

If there are visible stains, deal with those first before washing the entire blanket. Vinegar can be beneficial when it comes to cleaning.

Soak the area first, then apply a vinegar solution consisting of one part vinegar and two parts water to a clean cloth. Wipe the affected area until it is clean. 

Step #3. Soak the blanket

Let your washing machine fill up with cold water, and let the blanket soak for about 15 minutes. Pour mild, neutral detergent in with the water.

The water temperature and type of detergent used are essential in soaking and washing. Warm or hot water can cause the blanket to shrink, and stronger detergents can wear out the material.

Step #4. Set up the washing cycle

After soaking, you can turn on the washer and set it to the wool setting. If your washing machine doesn’t have that setting, put it on a gentle or delicate cycle.

Leave it running for only two minutes, then cancel the cycle. If there are still suds, run the blanket through one more cycle until the bubbles are completely gone.

Step #5. Use a towel

Lay down a few clean bath towels and put the washed blanket on top. Gently roll them up so the towels can absorb any excess moisture.

Avoid wringing the blanket to maintain the shape of the material.

Step #6. Air-dry the blanket

Allow the blanket to air dry outside. Make sure not to leave it under direct sunlight as the radiation can affect the blanket’s softness.

Flat drying the blanket is preferable to hang drying. If you hang it to dry, the moisture’s weight can sink to the lower sides, causing it to stretch and lose its original shape.

Is Hand Washing Also Effective?

Hand washing can be an excellent alternative to machine washing because machine washing increases the likeliness of shrinkage. If you choose to machine wash, it’s crucial to follow the procedure above carefully.

If you decide on hand washing the blanket, you can still follow the above steps. For soaking, you can do this in a bathtub or a large basin.

In place of a gentle or delicate spin cycle, you can gently swish the blanket around the water when both washing and rinsing. Don`t rub the fabric together to prevent any strain on the material.

You can use the same method of drying as stated above.

Things to remember

As stated earlier, wool blankets don’t warrant frequent washing, so you should space out how often you want to wash your blanket. Doing this is preferable if you choose to machine wash it.

Always remember to use cold water and mild detergent. These will help maintain the quality of the blanket and keep it from shrinking too much.

You won’t need to iron the blanket, but if you decide to, set the iron on the wool (setting roughly 300°F or 149.89°C) after it dries. Be sure to use a pressing cloth underneath the iron to prevent damage.

If you need to store the blanket and replace it with a new one, you can keep it in a large plastic bag or tightly sealed bin. 

To ward against pests, don’t use mothballs. They release strong odours that can seep into the blanket. Instead, use cedar chips or wood blocks.

These act as natural repellents to protect your blanket from unwanted insects and don`t come with the disadvantages of mothballs.

Conclusion

Wool is a good blanket material that doesn’t warrant excessive cleaning, making it more convenient to use. When you do decide to wash it, it’s essential to do so meticulously and carefully.

That said, being patient is worth it if you have a wool blanket and want to keep it feeling clean and fresh.

Knowing how to wash a wool blanket without shrinking it means, you can properly schedule your next laundry day and prepare everything correctly.

The result is definitely worth the wait!

how to crochet a round blanket

3 Special Steps How To Crochet A Round Blanket?

If you’re planning for your next project and wondering how to crochet a round blanket, then this article is for you! Nothing is better than a UK homemade craft. The effort and personal touches are what makes it exceptional. 

How To Crochet A Round Blanket Flawlessly

Step #1. Choose the right crochet stitches

Before starting the circle, it’s essential to consider the type of stitch you will use, affecting each round’s general development. You can make six single crochet stitches for single crochet after starting with a slip knot and two stitches. 

Step #2. Utilise all of your tools

After the first three rounds, you can alternate using between one and two stitches. You should have 18 single crochets once finishing this circle. Remember to increase the number of stitches by adding another six single crochets per round to adjust to a larger circle. Create two single stitches after every game to prep for the next one.

Step #3. Continue until your finished

Continue repeating and growing the pattern as the circle grows. Once the crochet is large enough to your liking, you can end it as it is or add a slip stitch all around the border to create a more defined edge. 

How To Choose The Best Yarn Fiber?

Each craft may differ depending on the type of fibre you are using. There is a wide variety of yarns that you can choose from, whether from plant fibres or animal fibres. However, the most popular yarns for beginners to use are cotton, wool, and acrylic. They provide a set of advantages suited for individuals who want to discover their knack for crocheting.

  • Cotton 

Cotton is a type of fibre that comes from the cotton plant. It is soft and breathable, which makes it a perfect yarn to use for knitting and crocheting. However, it can be more challenging to use than wool because it tends to shrink, especially when washed. 

It is one of the oldest materials known for crocheting and continuing its legacy today by providing excellent outputs and final products. It is an excellent material for beginners because it’s lighter and delicate to the hands. 

  • Wool 

Wool is a type of fibre that comes from animals, more commonly from a sheep’s fleece. It is typically used for knitting because the threads’ warmth and softness are ideal for sweaters, but they are also an excellent material for crocheting.

More so, they tend to be easier to unravel if you somehow made a mistake midway. It’s important to note that UK people might be allergic to wool, so always do your research before trying this yarn.

  • Acrylic 

Acrylic yarn is a synthetic polymer fibre that is also common to use for knitting and crocheting. It is easy to find in UK stores and often comes in a wide range of colours. Most beginners also opt for this yarn because they cost considerably cheaper than other yarn fibres.

The only disadvantage in using this yarn is it can break easily, but it is still a great tool to practice while still learning.

The best way to achieve a great crocheted craft is to know the type of yarn you are working with. Each one has its characteristics and beauty to offer. The best yarn fibre to use for your next project still depends on your liking.

Why Do Crochet Circles Curl?

The common problem when crocheting is the curling of the edge. Several factors contribute to this situation, and some of those are:

Using an inappropriate hook size

The hook size determines the gapper stitches’ size and the connections between yarns. Each hook size affects the stitches’ outcome, so you cannot just use one size of a hook for different yarn sizes and projects.

Pulling the yarn too tightly

Some stitches require pulling tightly, but it can cause the fabric to have a curly brim for round blankets. While stitching, try to keep your hands from holding the yarn too tightly and just let the yarn and the hook do their jobs. 

The variation of the stitch

The difference between stitch heights doesn’t seem to affect the final output that much until you see it. If you use single crochets and doubles for the others, it won’t create the perfect circle you desire.

Crowded stitches

Ruffling is also a common issue in crocheting, like curling. It is sometimes intentionally done for particular items like hats and baby scarves. It forms when there are excess stitches, and they start to get crowded. You can always avoid this by reducing the number of stitches. 

Tips to Avoid Curling

Most of us are guilty about these things, but it’s also important to note that no one makes perfect crochet outputs during their first try. Some of the things that you can try to keep the edges from curling are:

  • Having a proper lineup of stitches
  • Being consistent with the spacing
  • More practice

Conclusion

It takes a considerable amount of effort to learn how to crochet a round blanket excellently. Always put in mind that perfect round crochet, let alone a blanket, cannot be achieved on the first try – unless you’re born talented with crocheting.

Crocheting is a perfect stress buster, and that’s just one of the many benefits you can get from it. It is undeniably a great way to express one’s creativity. It’s always challenging at first but keep trying and trying until you get the output that satisfies you.

how to block a knitted blanket

How To Block A Knitted Blanket In 3 New Steps?

Blocking a knitted blanket is a process that involves several steps. You first soak it, do the blocking, then steam the seams. You may also steam the overall blanket if that is to your liking. So here is a more detailed explanation of how to block a knitted blanket.

What is Blocking?

First, let us assess what blocking is so we can know what we are doing. The definition helps us get an overview of the job. Blocking is a process wherein you wet or steam your finished products to set their final size. It will also even out the stitched of your clothing. 

Step #1: Soaking the Blanket

The first step is to soak the blanket in a gentle wash. Make sure to keep in mind the instructions given to the yarn. If you own a Sweater Care Kit, you can use the Eucalan Fabric Wash that comes with the kit. 

While you are soaking your fabric, prepare the necessary tools you will be using. In blocking, you will be needing your yarns, blocking tiles, and rustproof pins.

When done with the soaking, drain the water. Gently squeeze your knitted blanket, do not overdo it because it may ruin the material. You can roll it in a towel to extract more moisture. 

This procedure makes the fabric flexible. Thus, making it easier to fit the correct measurement you want your blanket to be. It is as if you are moulding your material.

Step #2: Steaming the Whole Garment 

Steaming the whole garment is optional. It just matters what you find that suits your liking. First things first fix the iron’s temperature to the lowest possible setting for steam. You are steaming instead of ironing, so setting the temperature is vital.

Make sure to saturate your garment with water. And then, press out the excess whilst the iron is still burning. With this, it is not soaking any longer, but it is still wet, not damp.

When you have dense and coarse wool and soften it, spray the entire piece with clean water. This step is not necessary for medium or light blocking. And then lay the pinned pieces on the top of the damp blocking fabric.

Use the iron gently to steam the whole piece. Make sure to make an up and down motion, never side by side. You can spoil your knitting when you press it too hard, so make sure to do it gently. 

Just hit the iron towel and leave it there a couple of seconds. Move to the next place before you have steamed the entire piece. It is the humidity of the vapour that does the blocking.

Step #3: Stretching the Fabric 

Here comes the central part. When starting to do the blocking, lay your damp knitted blanket right-side-up on the blocking tile. Gently stretch the piece of material to the measurement you want it to be. Stretch it horizontally and then vertically to have an even stretch.

When you do the blocking, pin the material around its edges. Place the pins at an angle. Make sure that the top of the pin is pointing away from the fabric. Place your first pin in the top centre and move your way to the bottom centre when placing your pins. With this, you can assess the correct length of your garment. 

With regards to the garment`s width, place your pins on the side. When you finished putting all your pins, allow your garment to continue drying. A preferable method is to air dry it. 

Another method you can do to hold back your garment is to dampen it. Dampening adds weight to the cloth, does prevent the sides from rolling. And, of course, air dry it afterwards. 

Step #4: Steaming the Seams 

After sewing the garment properly, steam the seams, especially if your material is bulky or stiff. Use a hand towel folded and stretched into your upper arm’s size and shape for the shoulder and armhole seams. 

Turn the garment out and place the rolling towel inside the openings for the shoulder and armhole. Steam the seams softly, using the wet squeeze and steam iron and touching the pressure with iron.

Why is Blocking Important?

Blocking is a critical step in professionalising the kneading pieces. It is a way to use humidity and heat to get the job done. Proper blocking can make it look and fit smoother and can help to restore its symmetrical balance. 

Blocking sets the stitches and can also improve the cloth drape. Seaming and edging of blocked parts are simpler. You can also make more minor sizing changes during the blocking process.

Conclusion

Blocking is an essential step in the knitting process. This step-by-step guide shows how to block a knitted blanket. First is soaking or steaming the fabric for it to be flexible and get the correct measurements. Next is to stretch it out to your desired shape or size. And then leave it to dry. These are the three easy steps in blocking a knitted blanket.

how to make a quillow blanket

How To Make A Quillow Blanket In 5 Proven Steps?

A quillow is a popular item to own these days, especially for those in the UK who love camping or travel. You would know how to make a quillow blanket for a fraction of its costs in the UK stores if you can sew.

If you`re not familiar with them yet, the quillow is a quilt with a pocket sewn strategically on it, so you can fold it up to make a pillow.

They can be as big or as small as you want them to be, and you can even customise them to your liking.

Step-By-Step Guide On How To Make A Quillow Blanket

Anyone with basic sewing skills and a few yards of fabric can make their quillow. If you think you`re up for it, here is an easy step-by-step guide to getting you started.

Step #1. Prepare your materials

As with any project, you have to prepare your tools and materials first. Pick your fabric of choice.

Fleece, flannel, and cotton fabric make warm and cosy quilts, and the plush fabric is excellent for baby blankets. However, if you plan on using your quillow for picnics or camping, you should probably opt for waterproof material.

You will also need insulation or padding between your top and bottom pieces of fabric. This material, called batting, should not be too thick so that you will not have any trouble folding your quilt into its pillow pocket. Cotton batting is a popular choice, but you can also use wool or polyester.

How much fabric will you need? For an adult blanket, you will need two pieces of 1.8 meter by 1.5-meter fabric, plus an additional half-meter fabric for the pillow pocket. For a baby blanket, you will need 1.4 meters of fabric to trim 36 by 44-inch fabric and use the remaining fabric as a pillow pocket.

Step #2. Sew the main fabric

Start by laying one piece of fabric down on top of the other with the patterns touching each other.

Lay the batting material on top of the two pieces and pin the edges of the layers together. The batting should be the exact size of the fabric.

Stitch the layers together, leaving a half-inch seam. Take care to leave a 12-inch opening somewhere along the edge, as you will have to turn the blanket right side out through this opening. You can use a pencil to push out the corners.

Sew a ¼-inch final seam along the edges of the quilt, including the opening. This way will secure the edges of the quilt and give it a neater look.

Step #3. Sew the pocket for the pillow

In making the pillow pocket, repeat the process of sewing the blanket, but with no batting. Use the smaller squares for your pillow pocket.

Make sure that the quilt`s edges lined up together before you start stitching.

Step #4. Assemble the quillow

Start by laying the more giant blanket on a flat surface and Pin the pillow pocket to the quilt`s top centre.

Sew around three sides of the pocket. Leave the top open as this is where you will put your folded quilt.

Step #5. Fold the quillow

Lay the blanket, pocket side down. Fold in thirds beginning with the length of the quilt, then from top to bottom. Finally, flip the pocket inside-out over the top to make a pillow. 

When Do You Use A Quillow?

  • For camping

Camping is all about portability, and nobody wants to think about taking pillows and fleece blankets with them. Instead, they can bring their quillows.

These items made to be warm, so you don`t have to worry about freezing at night.

If you have a waterproof quillow, you can also set it on the ground for picnics. This way, you can keep yourself dry in wet grass or easily clean yourself up in dirt or sand.

Quillows are easy to pack up and store and are less bulky than bringing both a pillow and blanket!

  • For travel

Whether you are travelling by car or by plane, you would want to be as comfortable as you can. You can bring your quillow on the plane to keep you warm during long flights.

If you frequently travel by car, you can fold them neatly as pillows instead of messing up in the back seat.

  • For playtime

Quillows are not limited to adult use. Kids could benefit most from them.

Kids can use quillows as play mats or activity blankets to keep them engaged. You can also use it to help them learn a little responsibility by letting them tuck their blankets into pillows after playtime.

Conclusion

Quillows are great craft projects that you can do with your kids. You can teach them how to make a quillow blanket to keep or give as gifts to their friends for birthdays or Christmas.

Quillows can be customised, too, so you can get creative with fabric paint, fluffy glue, and glitter; the possibilities are endless. You can also add zippers and buttons to keep the quilt from popping out and keeping things neat around the UK house.

Experiment with your quillow as much as you want, and it`s a great project to make with your kids.

what is a tula blanket

Free Guide What Is A Tula Blanket For Beginners?

The common question among most parents these days is what is a Tula blanket? Whether you are a mom or a dad in the UK, having a Tula Blanket is convenient for carrying your baby while travelling or doing other chores.

To help you discover the wonders of this article for babies, here is everything you need to know about Tula Blankets. 

What Is A Tula Blanket?

Have you ever watched a TV show talking about the villages of Africa? Or were you able to glimpse into the lives of ethnic people in the Southern Philippines?

Did you notice those colourful fabrics the community women used to wrap their babies close to their bodies?

Perhaps, you are a Youtube subscriber of that family who travels around the world with their babies. They are using the same thing.

Well, it turns out, not all swaddling blankets are created equal.

Tula is a proprietary swaddle blanket that originated in Poland and is now US-based. The standard size is 47 x 47, and the fabric is known for its softness and colourful designs.

Let`s learn more about how they can do that!

Composition

Invented in the early 1900s, Viscose is produced from bamboo pulp and developed to silk. This material is what makes up the Tula Blanket primarily.

Together with the delicate weaving process, it creates the softness the Tula Blankets are known for.

Aside from its silkiness, the materials used and the manufacturing process employed also ensure that the fabric remains breathable and durable.

The fabrics utilised in these blankets’ production passed the Standard 100 by Okeo-Tex, astringent and prestigious certification for textiles.

Much like the fabrics, the dyes used in printing the Tula blankets’ beautiful designs are all ecological and safe for your babies.

This safety brings peace of mind to parents out there, knowing that this won`t cause any allergic reactions commonly associated with lower quality baby clothes.

Presentation

Tula blankets come in a package of three-a-set. Two of these are in solid, typically bold colours, whereas the other one printed.

All these three have patterns that go with the set’s theme – packaged in a cotton bag – making it ideal for giving as gifts for baby showers or birthdays.

Tula blankets, apart from their counterparts, are the intricately woven designs made possible by specialised looms and highly skilled weavers.

In contrast, most of the carriers utilise cotton and just printed after weaving. You can feel the difference once you use it.

Tula blankets feel like it`s woven just for you and your baby, with how it effortlessly drapes around and its unique designs. 

What are wrap conversions?

Simply put, wrap conversions is the transformation of the woven fabric into structured carriers. This is made entirely with hands and takes place in Poland, where the Tula originated.

Structurally, Tula blankets one can categorise into two. The first one is the Full Wrap Conversion, which is a favourite among UK moms. The second one is the Half Wrap Conversion, which offers a greater sense of structural integrity.

Total Wrap Conversions are made entirely of the woven fabric. From the carrier itself to the shoulder straps and waistbands, the use of pure woven fabric made this easy to store and carried around.

On the other hand, Half Wrap Conversions reinforced with an inner shell in the shoulder straps, body panel, and waistband. This reinforcement creates a better hold of the baby while maintaining comfort to mothers due to the woven fabric enclosing the shells.

Both conversions are available with the Coast variation, a trademarked piece for the breathable mesh embedded in the carriers. This structure allows for better air circulation, thereby preventing sweat accumulation in humid environments.

 

Occasionally, the Tula company releases unique conversions, known as the “Fancies”. These unique pieces are usually hand-made entirely, from weaving up to the painting of design.

This technology demands a higher price than ‘fancies’ made with machines made possible with sophisticated materials.

Ula: The Woman Behind Tula

The brains behind Baby Tula, Ula Tuszewicka, is a mom from Poland who used her experience with her first child as inspiration to establish the company.

Aside from making it more comfortable for moms to do chores while having their babies near, Ula created some hot buzz in mom meetups with her creations.

When the demand grew exponentially, she moved the production to Mexico. She also migrated to the US, where she sourced specially woven fabric from seamstresses to create unique designs.

These pieces were phenomenal and even compared to limited-edition sneakers due to the demand for them.

In 2016, she was able to sell the company for almost £74 million. What a fortune! 

Conclusion

No doubt, being a mom in the UK is one of the most undervalued professions. It demands a whole day of work, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The creation of swaddling blankets, specifically Tula, serves as a reward for all the moms out there.

So, if you`re still wondering, what is a Tula blanket? It is a blanket that allows parents to continue with their duties while providing fashion and comfort.

how to block a baby blanket

How To Block A Baby Blanket In Knitting Professionally?

Wet blocking is one of the best ways on how to block a baby blanket in knitting. This method is best for wool, cotton, and other sturdy fibres. 

 

What exactly is blocking? It may sound a little extreme, but it’s a simple process that doesn’t require many materials.

 

There are different methods to match the variety of fabrics out there. This guide will help you improve your knitting prowess.

 

Learn all tricks to make your baby blanket a work of art! 

 

Why Is Learning How To Block A Baby Blanket Necessary?

Have you ever looked at your knitted blanket and thought, “this is not what I want it to look like”?

 

It’s all crumpled up and wrinkled, no matter how much effort you put into it. How can you make it look better? 

 

That is when blocking comes in. It is the “final” process of knitting, and it uses different techniques to make your work look more attractive and smooth.

 

It can even make stitching easier for you. 

 

Blocking may not be necessary for some pieces, but if you’re aiming for beautiful creations, then this process is worth your time. A neat and clean blanket is an excellent gift for your little one! 

 

The Different Blocking Methods

It is common knowledge that there are different knitting fabrics like wool or silk. However, can they all be blocked the same way? 

 

There are different methods you can use for fabrics with varying levels of strength. Here are the three most common blocking techniques. 

 

Wet blocking

As the name suggests, this type of blocking involves soaking the blanket in cool water. You may add some wool wash to the mixture since it will help relax and soften your yarn. 

 

This method is best for wool, cotton, and other sturdy fabrics. 

 

Steam blocking

You pin the fabric on a clean bath towel and hold a steam iron over it. Make sure the iron will not touch your blanket. 

 

The heat from the steam will make the fibres of your piece relax. It will be easier to adjust and shape. 

 

Steam blocking is gentler than wet blocking, so this is best for highly textured fabric like felt or lace. You may also block cotton this way if it meets your preference. 

 

Spritz or dry blocking

This method is best for delicate fabrics like silk or alpaca wool. You can pin it on a blocking board, spray it with a bit of water, and leave it to dry. 

 

This technique is an excellent alternative method if you are not comfortable with completely submerging or steaming your work. 

 

So, which is the best for you? 

 

What Materials Do You Need To Block A Baby Blanket?

The materials you need depend on the type of blocking method you will use. The primary materials you need for wet blocking are a basin, a filter, and an old towel. 

 

Additional materials that may help are blocking mats and T-pins.  They will give you the best results, but don’t panic if you don’t have any. 

 

How To Block A Knitted Baby Blanket

Baby blankets usually made of cotton. You can condition this material through wet blocking. Here are the steps. 

 

Step-By-Step Process How To Wet Block A Baby Blanket

Cotton is a sturdy fabric, so don’t worry about soaking it in water for a long time. Just remember to follow the steps. 

 

Step #1. Finish weaving the ends on the back of your blanket

If you are soaking a piece that you want to sew together, then leave the ends loose at the cast-off points

 

Step #2. Soak the blanket in cold water for twenty-minute

Make sure all parts are submerged. You may use your hands to push the knitting under the water.

 

Step #3. Drain the water from the blanket

.Transfer it to a strainer or large colander. Let it drain for a few minutes, and do not twist or wring the blanket.

 

Step #4. Transfer the blanket to a towel to soak up excess water

Use a towel that has a similar colour to your yarn to avoid the colour leaking.

 

Step #5. Set up your blocking mats

Place them on a water-resistant floor or craft table. Could you not set it up on a hardwood floor?

 

Step #6. Spread the blanket on the mat and adjust the knitting as needed

Take your time in this process and look out for stretchy yarn.

 

Step #7. Pin the edges

You may use T-pins or other blocking pins. Keep in mind that they should be rust-resistant.

 

Step #8. Let the blanket dry

It will dry for 1 to 4 days, depending on air temperature and yarn quality. You may put a fan to help the process.

 

When all this finished, you can give the blanket to your little one!

Conclusion

That wasn’t so hard now, was it? Your creations will all be precise and clean when you learn how to block a baby blanket the right way.

 

Just think about which method works best for you, considering the material and the size of your piece. 

 

You will make beautiful creations that your loved ones in the UK will appreciate. Isn’t that great?

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