Monica Knits

Blocking MatI'll admit it, I'm one of those knitters and crocheters who has used a pillowcase stuffed with cardboard for my large blocking needs for more years than I care to say. Although this has worked well, this approach has some shortcomings, including a fixed size and shape that is awkward to store. For smaller projects I use the June Tailor^RT cutting and pressing board as discussed in the Tools & Sources article, however I recently purchased a set of interlocking blocking mats from Knit Picks that have exceeded my expectations.

If you look closely at the photo above (click on the thumbnail to view a larger image), you can see that the shoulders the bodice front run off the top of two of the blocking mats. I had originally thought I could fit this portion on four 12" square blocks (2' x 2'). I had started pinning from the sides, then bottom and then worked my way up--I saw I was going to run out of mat area. I just pulled out 2 more mats inserted them at the top and continued pinning. With the pillowcase I would have had to unpin and move the garment piece. It was quick and easy to attach pins and block the bodice.

Product Description
Nine (9), 3/4" thick, 12" square, foam rubber interlocking mats, reconfigurable to accomodate needlework projects of many sizes. Available from Knit Picks. Click on the "links" tab in the masthead for the url/link for Knit Picks.

I was getting ready to make some lace shawls and I wanted a less cumbersome blocking method than my pillowcase covered cardboard. I had recently seen these blocking mats advertised and they looked perfect for the job. Now that I have them, I am using them for more than lace shawls.

Summary
Good value. Convenient, easy to store and use. Versatile. Highly recommended.

Related Article
Click on link: Product Review - Lace Blocking Wires - Not Only for Lace.