Expert: Marla - 4/4/2009

Question
I have made several afghans as gifts this year, both baby and regular size.  Do you wash afghans before giving them as a gift?  Is there anything special I should do?  I have heard of blocking, but not sure what that is also.
Thanks,
Mary Jane Swift

Answer
Hi Mary Jane!
Thanks for asking. These are good questions. While you are crocheting, you are constantly handling the afghan and the oils on your hands come off onto it. Because of this, most people, it seems, prefer to wash it before giving it away. But in my opinion, this is just a personal thing. The afghans I have for myself I just machine wash it in warm water then put it in the dryer. If you decide to wash it, I would suggest cold water, and delicate cycle just to be safe.  Then tumble dry on low heat. But this is just my opinion. Or follow the instructions on the yarn label. Whether or not you decide to wash it, include the washing instructions along with it.  I went to this website: http://www.crochetville.org/forum/archive/index.php/t-40390.html and it gave some opinions for washing. This may be more helpful than me. And there may be other websites that give opinions, too. You may even want to ask other expert opinions, too, to get their input.
As for blocking, it may or may not need blocking. I lay mine on a bed on top of a sheet and look at it, to see if is squared and straight. If not, I dampen it, and pin it into shape with rustproof pins and let it dry. I went to a web site and found three methods of blocking. The website is www.michaels.com. Then in the “Entire Site” box you click on “Tips and Techniques”. Then you type in the search box “blocking” and when you get to the next page, click on “Blocking a Crocheted Piece”. This gives you much nicer instructions than I can. Sorry I can’t be of more help. Good luck!

Marla