You have completed your needlepoint embroidery. During the period that you have stitched in the canvas, the canvas is not straight or maintains its original shape. Therefore you would need to pin the canvas on the blocking board to straighten it. This is the most and easy method to straighten your needlepoint embroidery canvas. If you are looking for an answer to the question How to Block Needlepoint Canvas, you should read on.
What is a blocking board?
A blocking board is a light board which can be pinned and has a fabric which covers the board. This fabric has prints which are similar to a grind of squares. When the blocking process starts this grind is used to guide when canvas has to be squared accurately. These boards are easily available in stores where you can buy needlepoint kits.
What are the other things that you need for blocking your canvas?
1. T pins which are rust proof
2. A spray bottle of clean water
3. Steam iron
What is the process?
When you want to understand How to Block Needlepoint Canvas, here is how you do it.
1. The canvas is prepared for blocking by removing any additional tapes which might be hanging from the canvas.
2. Pour mild warm clean water into the spray bottle.
3. Take the spray bottle containing warm clean water and gently spray on the surface of the canvas.
4. You need to dampen the canvas and do not wet it.
5. Allow the canvas to rest for a few minutes this would relax the fibers.
6. If the canvas is small it can be dipped in a tub of warm water and the excess water should be carefully removed without destroying the stitches.
7. Now focus your attention to the four sides of the canvas. Carefully straighten the sides and shape it a bit.
8. Now place the damp canvas on the blocking board after the sides have been gently tugged.
9. The canvas now needs to be pinned on the blocking board along the grind lines which is present in the fabric covering the blocking board.
10. The pins can be placed one inch apart.
11. Let the canvas dry naturally.
12. After it has dried remove the pins.
13. If you place a stiffener on the canvas you would need to place your canvas facing down. The canvas would need to be kept that way till the stiffener dries up and the canvas has been resized.
14. If your canvas has lost its shape you can it with a steam iron when the canvas is damp. After the ironing you can leave the canvas to dry naturally for several days. After this process you can remove the T pins from the side of the canvas.