Monica Knits

Construction techniques that have been used in the projects featured are summarized in this article, along with links to full details and examples using these techniques. This living document is updated as techniques are illustrated. Basic stitches are found in the Stitch Patterns article.

1. CAST ON
2. BIND OFF
3. BLOCKING
4. NOTIONS (elastic)
5. GRAFTING (weaving, joining)
6. BUTTONS
7. SHORT ROWS
8. WASTE YARN PROVISIONAL STITCHES

The Hugs and Kisses wristwarmers were blocked using steam, cardboard templates, a blocking mat and flower and T pins. "Before" and "after" photos are shown at the left and right respectively. Read more ... for additional information and related links.
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I originally purchased the Rowenta steamer to keep my wool suits and clothing looking fresh between launderings, however, it gets used most frequently to block needlework. The steamer has greatly speeded and simplified finishing and also provides a professional-looking finish on garments and other projects made of synthetic yarn. Prior to having a steamer, I did not like creating garments with synthetic yarns as it was both difficult to block them and to obtain permanent or semi-permanent results. Read more .... for additional information and related links.

As I was blocking the Aida cloth for the project I am working on, I remembered the difficulty I had removing creases from one of my first projects. I had ironed the fabric before starting work, and fastened it to stretcher bars before stitching, but this was insufficient. I ended up having to soak the completed project in water and then block it, all the while nervous about the outcome, and whether the bright reds would run and mar the ivory colored fabric and work. Since cross stitch fabric often comes folded in a package or kit, I thought it worthwhile to discuss fabric preparation. Read more ... for details on preparing cross stitch fabric.