15: Ironing
(cont.)
If you suspect that a light cool ironing would be possible, use your
tension square as a test (you did knit a tension square, didn’t
you?). Measure the square, and after ironing it, make sure that it
is the same size. If the knitting looks flat and smooth, it means
that the fibres have not been able to withstand the heat. If the
square is unaffected, go ahead and iron all the pieces, but remember
to make sure that the iron is set at the same heat that you used
when you carried out the test. You are doing this at your own risk,
so be very careful. Don’t expect to go back to the yarn shop to
whine if you ruin all your hard work.
Make sure that you check the temperature setting before you put the
iron on the knitting. It is too easy to forget that you had the iron
turned to the hottest setting for something you ironed yesterday,
and then ruin something that requires a very cool iron.
Always iron lightly and preferably use a low heat. You can go over
the same area until it is as flat as you wish, but don’t use a hot
iron to force the knitting into shape. Iron on the wrong side as
much as possible, and as an added insurance, use a damp cloth placed
over the work. I must say I rarely do this because I can’t properly
see what I am achieving, but using a damp cloth will protect the
knitting. If possible, iron seams on the wrong side, and then iron
very lightly on the right side if necessary. Avoid stretching the
seam, just smooth it.
Ribbed bands can be wrecked if ironed roughly. They lose their
elasticity, which is one of the reasons for using a rib stitch in
the first place.
If you are trying to coax a piece of
knitting into a shape and it’s putting up a fight, or if the yarn
won’t flatten enough for your liking, or if you want to press an
edge so that it will sit really flat, use an old tailor’s trick.
Iron on the wrong side with steam, and then place something really
heavy on the area that you are trying to flatten, and leave the
weight there until the heat is gone. It should then be set as you
want it.
Use an iron carefully. It can be a deadly weapon!
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