Blocking

[whoisit]

Hi, If you have not received any help yet, perhaps this will be of interest. If your completed "square" measures
4 1/2 inches by 4 1/2 inches or close, you are probably okay. If not, you'll need to go up one or two sizes for your hooks. I ended up using a "J" hook and I'm just barely inside the template.

Next, I'd suggest to measure the template. Some have reported that their templates were big and it seems that the problem is in the printer selections. I believe you have to choose the correct box to make the adjustment. Don't remember what that box was, but it was something about "actual size", I believe. Maybe someone else can give you better instructions with the "Printing" problem if that is the case.

Good Luck to you!!! Whoisit

[vicxen99]

just finished my 2nd attempt with a 6.5mm hook / k - and it's still too small - i reprinted the template - and it measure the proper dimensions.

I will try my next hook size up - 9.00mm / N

any body have an idea - if its normal to go that big with this pattern?

[Missy828]

I crochet pretty tightly so I had to go up to a "J" hook to get mine to come close to the 4 1/2 inches on the template. Just relax and remember that as long as your work is the proper size you are ok, use whatever hook it takes. crocheting is different for everyone, kinda like a signature so some people need bigger hooks and some smaller to get the right size.

[bglknitter]

I just redid all of mine as well - had done them on the 5.0 hook and thought they were fine, but when I tried to block them realized that they are all a shade small ... so used the 5.5 instead and they fit on the block fine. I was of two minds whether to redo them or not as the whole afghan will be my work and if they are all a shade small then the finished product will also be small, but the proportions ought to constant ... just a thought!

My husband made me a block to steam or spray the squares on - it is a block of plywood with a finishing nail on each of the corners. I use my finest knitting needles 2.25 or 2.5 to thread through the edges of the block and then set the needle-framed square just formed over the corner nails. I have sprayed the squares with a fine mist and left them to dry, but also will consider using the steam iron held a couple of inches above it, and again leave it to dry. My homemade blocking system!

[whoisit]

Have you watched the "YouTube" video that Sandy put on there? Perhaps your tension is too tight and you need to loosen there. That shows really well on what her tension is like. Again, hope this helps. Good Luck.

[whoisit]

bglknitter: What a great idea!!!! It's worth trying! Thanks!

[Shandeh]

just finished my 2nd attempt with a 6.5mm hook / k - and it's still too small - i reprinted the template - and it measure the proper dimensions.
I will try my next hook size up - 9.00mm / N
any body have an idea - if its normal to go that big with this pattern?

During our last Mystery CAL blanket in 2010, there were several people who had to go up to size N, P, or Q to get the right gauge. So, you're not alone.

[Shandeh]

My husband made me a block to steam or spray the squares on - it is a block of plywood with a finishing nail on each of the corners. I use my finest knitting needles 2.25 or 2.5 to thread through the edges of the block and then set the needle-framed square just formed over the corner nails. I have sprayed the squares with a fine mist and left them to dry, but also will consider using the steam iron held a couple of inches above it, and again leave it to dry. My homemade blocking system!

Awesome blocking system!

[Shandeh]

if our squares are already the proper size and laying nice and flat, should we still block them?

If they look good already, just let them be.

[Shandeh]

Have you watched the "YouTube" video that Sandy put on there? Perhaps your tension is too tight and you need to loosen there. That shows really well on what her tension is like. Again, hope this helps. Good Luck.

This is the video I made last night, that shows how to crochet the beginning of Clue 1.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkDFM52aWAU

Some people have mentioned that I crochet loosely. I have had to learn to do this, because of my arthritis. When I was younger, I held the hook differently and worked the yarn VERY TIGHTLY. This caused so much pain, that I had to stop crocheting. But, I have learned to work loosely, and now I can crochet as long as I want. And it's easier for me to get gauge now too.