Blocking Technique

Lace points are adjusted during the blocking demonstration.

At Sunday's workshop, Galina demonstrated a wonderful lace blocking technique.

She told us to use nylon cording because a wet shawl will not stick to the cord; thus, it can be positioned easily. Also, the nylon cord will not stretch and distort the lace as it dries. 

Thread the cord through the yarn over holes on the lace points, alternating from front/back on the dry lace points. 
Secure the cord with a slip knot and launder the lace in 40 C or 100 F water for 15 – 20 minutes. Use a gentle soap like Ivory or Dawn to cut the oil the lace has absorbed from your hands. Rinse well and squeeze out excess water. 

The item can be blocked on carpeting, a bed or any flat cushioned surface. Have a friend hold the cord at top corners and gently stretch the knitting by adjusting the cord corners only. Pin the four corners when the piece is the desired size.

Notice the pins are not touching the lace - only the nylon cording.
The corners have two strands of cording - one threaded through
the lace and stretched out to form the desired shape, and one that
forms the square plumb lines around the lace. To adjust the shape the
corner pin is moved and adjusted, moving both strands.

With the long end of the cord form a square by wrapping cord around corner pins (see photo). Do not cut the cording so you can use it for your next project. 

Measure the distance between corners to square the item. Adjust pins, if necessary. 

Pin the cord between the lace points to stretch. (see photo) The pins never touch the lace.