Stitches

Anyone know how to block needlework?

I would like to block a needlepoint piece, any suggestions on the best method?

Public Comments

1. I learned how in Jo Ippolite Christensen's The Needlepoint Book... check with your library -- there's a fair chance they have a copy. http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/39625142/editions?editionsView=true&referer=di Basically, you need a board that you can push pins into deeply (I use a piece of Cellotex covered with plastic), some rustproof pins (I use stainless steel T pins) and your needlepoint, damp. Find the center of the needlepoint... N/S and E/W. Pin through the canvas (face down) into the board on the center of the N edge, then the center of the S edge, stretching to fit the finished size. Do the same E and W. Continue working N/S on both sides of your center pins by a couple of mesh, then E/W in the same fashion. Alternate sides and directions until the piece is pinned out flat and square. Allow to dry completely, pull the pins and remove the blocked piece.