How to Steam Block Crocheted items with a Jiffy Steamer

  My mother crocheted for years, for as long as I can remember, she had yarn and needle in her hands.  She made mainly afghans, baby blankets and lap blankets, but was talented enough to make anything.  These items that she made over the years have been cherished, toted, and kept many people warm on cold nights.  Her loving touch went into every loop and knot. She would finish an item and was pleased that it was complete, however she would always block the crocheted item to give it that finishing touch before presenting the afghan as a gift. 

Blocking is a method of stretching and shaping crocheted items, to enhance their appearance, as well as aiding in shaping, setting the pattern and holding the yarn into place.    Blocking will also allow you to remove the wrinkles and creases that may have been created when preparing the item.  Steam blocking is a popular and successful way to finalize any crocheted or knitted item.  The Jiffy Steamer can be fabulous tool that can be used to steam block.  The J-2000 would be the recommended steamer for this application.  There is a precise procedure to steam blocking, by following these steps, you should receive your desired results.  

           

1.   Most experts recommend to steam from the backside of the garment or item, so if you have a pattern or such on the front, the heat will not damage it. 

2.   Use rust-proof pins to shape the item out on a flat surface.  If you are blocking a sweater or other garment, this is when the schematics are necessary. 

3.   Laying the item on a flat surface is the best way use steam, however, if you have a Jiffy Steamboard and can steam vertically, we would suggest this you do so to avoid any spitting and a better quality of steam.  When steaming, do not touch the items directly, however, allow the steam to penetrate the yarn and fabrics.

4.   Another option is to steam the item first, making it flexible and pliable and then placing on the board with the pins and steaming again into shape. 

5.   Leave the item to dry thoroughly before removing pins.



 

 

Jiffy Steamer J-2000
The J-2000 is equipped with an on/off switch, which heats up in 1 minute. The standard Model J-2000 Residential Garment steamer is recommended for home or light commercial usage with 1300 watts of steaming power. The J-2000 is equipped with a clear, plastic 3/4 gallon water reservoir with a no-drip check valve system, a 5 ½ foot flexible hose with a plastic steam head and handle, and easy roll casters for mobility.

Steaming has been around for ages, from steaming and shaping hats in the 1940's, to steaming garments for wrinkle removal.  We now sell the Jiffy Steamer for all types of applications, including blocking knitted and crocheted items.  A steamer can make this task easier and less taxing for you.  Steam is usually safe for most fabrics, however, we suggest that you read the care labels to make certain steam is permitted. The power of steam can make the final outcome of the item beautiful and the gift priceless.  If only my mother has know the east of steam blocking, it would have save her time and the extra steps.  Indeed, I cherish the memories of my mother crocheting, treasure the afghans that she made.  She touched many lives with her talents and gifts, just as you will with your handmade items.