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The Darling Jadore Dictionary
Every knitting and crochet abbreviation, stitch, and technique defined clearly. Whether you are reading your first pattern or brushing up on an unfamiliar term, this is your go-to reference.
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The Complete Guide to Blocking
Blocking is the single most transformative step in finishing any knitted or crocheted piece. It evens out stitches, opens up lace, sets the shape, and gives your work a polished, professional look.
Wet Blocking
The most common and thorough method. Best for wool, alpaca, and most animal fibers.
- Fill a basin with cool or lukewarm water. Add a drop of wool wash if desired.
- Submerge your piece completely and soak for 20 to 30 minutes. Do not agitate.
- Gently lift out, supporting its weight. Never wring.
- Roll in a clean towel and press firmly to remove excess water.
- Pin to blocking mats at your desired measurements using T-pins or blocking wires.
- Allow to dry completely (24 to 48 hours).
Watch: How to Wet Block Your Knitting
Steam Blocking
Faster than wet blocking. Excellent for pieces that just need light evening out.
- Pin your piece to blocking mats at the desired measurements.
- Hold a steam iron 1 to 2 inches above the fabric. Never let the iron touch the knitting.
- Hover over the entire surface, letting steam penetrate the fibers.
- Allow to cool and dry completely before removing pins.
Spray Blocking
The quickest method. Good for pieces that just need a light refresh.
- Pin your piece to blocking mats at the desired measurements.
- Mist the entire surface with a spray bottle until damp (not soaking).
- Gently pat and smooth with your hands. Allow to dry completely.
Snow Blocking
A beautiful, traditional method. The gentle moisture from fresh snow is incredibly even.
- Lay a clean sheet on fresh, clean, powdery snow.
- Place your knitted piece flat on the sheet.
- Cover with a thin layer of snow. Leave for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Bring inside and lay flat to finish drying.
Fiber-by-Fiber Blocking Guide
| Fiber | Best Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wool | Wet blocking | Blocks beautifully. Holds shape after drying. |
| Merino | Wet (gentle) | Can felt if agitated. Handle gently. |
| Alpaca | Wet blocking | Tends to grow. Block slightly smaller than target. |
| Cotton | Wet or steam | No memory. May need re-blocking after washing. |
| Linen | Wet blocking | Gets softer with each wash and block. |
| Silk | Wet (cool water) | Lay flat, away from direct sunlight. |
| Acrylic | Steam (careful) | Can be “killed” with too much heat for permanent drape. |
| Mohair | Wet blocking | Opens up the halo beautifully. |
| Cashmere | Wet (cool water) | Extremely gentle. Never hang. |
Video Tutorials
Learn every technique with step-by-step video guidance from the Darling Jadore YouTube channel.
Free Sweater Masterclass
A complete series walking you through knitting your first (or fifteenth) top-down raglan sweater. Every stitch, every technique, explained clearly.
Knitting Tutorials Playlist
Watch Full Knitting Tutorials Playlist
Crochet Tutorials Playlist
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Individual Masterclass Videos
All Tutorials
Casting on, binding off, increases, decreases, cables, colorwork, seaming, blocking, and more.
Browse All Tutorials on YouTube
Cast On & Bind Off Encyclopedia
Choosing the right cast on and bind off can make or break your project.
Cast On Methods
| Method | Best For | Stretch | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Tail | Most projects | Medium | The workhorse. Neat, flexible edge. Estimate 3x the width for the tail. |
| Knitted | Beginners | Low | Knit a stitch, place it back. Easy but less elastic. |
| Cable | Ribbing, firm edges | Low-Med | Insert between last two stitches. Ropelike edge. |
| German Twisted | Socks, cuffs | High | Stretchier long tail. Perfect for toe-up socks. |
| Tubular | Ribbing | Very High | Invisible, rounded edge that flows into ribbing. |
| Provisional | Grafting, later pickup | N/A | Temporary cast on with waste yarn. Remove later. |
| Judy’s Magic | Toe-up socks | Medium | Stitches on two needles simultaneously for sock toes. |
| Picot | Decorative edges | Low | Small loops along the edge. Pretty for baby items. |
Bind Off Methods
| Method | Best For | Stretch | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Most projects | Low | Knit 2, pass first over second. Simple but can be tight. |
| Stretchy (Jeny’s) | Ribbing, necklines | High | Yarn over before each stitch. Matches ribbing stretch. |
| Sewn | Sock toes, necklines | Very High | Tapestry needle through live stitches. Nearly invisible. |
| Three-Needle | Shoulder seams | Low | Knit from two needles together. Neat seam + bind off. |
| Kitchener | Sock toes | Medium | Grafts live stitches. Completely invisible join. |
| I-Cord | Decorative edges | Low | Small rounded cord along the edge. Beautiful finish. |
| Tubular | Ribbing | Very High | Matches tubular cast on. Invisible rounded edge. |
Handmade Pricing Calculator
If you sell finished knitted or crocheted items, pricing can be tricky. Here is a formula to make sure you are paid fairly.
Try It Yourself
Hourly Rate Guide
| Level | Rate | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | $15/hr | Still building speed and consistency |
| Intermediate | $20/hr | Consistent quality, moderate speed |
| Advanced | $25-35/hr | Complex techniques, professional finish |
| Expert / Custom | $35-50+/hr | One-of-a-kind, intricate designs |
The Fiber Encyclopedia
Understanding your yarn starts with understanding the fiber. Each one has unique properties that affect how your piece looks, feels, and behaves.
Animal Fibers
| Fiber | Source | Feel | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wool | Sheep | Springy, warm | Sweaters, hats, socks, blankets |
| Merino | Merino sheep | Incredibly soft, no itch | Next-to-skin garments, baby items |
| Alpaca | Alpaca | Silky, lightweight | Scarves, shawls, lightweight sweaters |
| Cashmere | Cashmere goat | Ultra-soft luxury | Luxury accessories |
| Mohair | Angora goat | Fluffy halo | Lace, held double for halo effect |
| Silk | Silkworm | Smooth, lustrous | Shawls, lace, luxury blends |
| Yak | Yak | Soft like cashmere | Hats, cowls, luxury accessories |
Plant Fibers
| Fiber | Source | Feel | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Cotton plant | Smooth, cool | Summer tops, dishcloths, baby items |
| Linen | Flax plant | Crisp, softens with use | Summer garments, market bags |
| Bamboo | Bamboo | Silky, drapey | Summer garments, lightweight projects |
Synthetic Fibers
| Fiber | Feel | Care | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | Soft, lightweight | Machine wash & dry | Budget projects, baby items, blankets |
| Nylon | Strong, smooth | Machine washable | Blended with wool for sock durability |
The Complete Yarn Weight Guide
Yarn weight refers to the thickness of the strand. Choosing the right weight is essential for gauge, drape, and the overall look of your project.
| Weight | Names | Needle | Hook | Gauge (4in) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 Lace | Cobweb, Thread | US 000-1 | Steel 6-8 | 33-40 sts | Lace shawls, doilies |
| 1 Fingering | Sock, Baby | US 1-3 | B-1 to E-4 | 27-32 sts | Socks, shawls, baby items |
| 2 Sport | Baby, Fine | US 3-5 | E-4 to 7 | 23-26 sts | Light sweaters, baby items |
| 3 DK | Light Worsted | US 5-7 | 7 to I-9 | 21-24 sts | Sweaters, cardigans, hats |
| 4 Worsted | Aran, Afghan | US 7-9 | I-9 to K-10.5 | 16-20 sts | Sweaters, blankets, scarves |
| 5 Bulky | Chunky | US 9-11 | K-10.5 to M-13 | 12-15 sts | Cowls, hats, quick blankets |
| 6 Super Bulky | Roving | US 11-17 | M-13 to Q | 7-11 sts | Fast blankets, statement pieces |
| 7 Jumbo | Extreme | US 17+ | Q+ | 1-6 sts | Extreme knitting, rugs |
The Finishing School
The difference between handmade and “homemade” is in the finishing. These techniques will take your projects from good to stunning.
Seaming Techniques
| Technique | When | How |
|---|---|---|
| Mattress Stitch | Side/sleeve seams | Pick up bars between edge stitches, alternating sides. Invisible vertical seam. |
| Whip Stitch | Quick seams | Insert through both edges, repeat. Fast but visible. |
| Backstitch | Sturdy seams | Forward one stitch, back half. Strong and stable. |
| Kitchener | Grafting live stitches | Tapestry needle mimics a row of knitting. Completely invisible. |
| Three-Needle BO | Shoulder seams | Knit from two needles, bind off. Quick and neat. |
Picking Up Stitches
- Along a bind off: Insert into center of each stitch, not between.
- Along a selvedge: Pick up 3 stitches for every 4 rows.
- Around a neckline: Divide into sections with markers. Pick up evenly.
Weaving in Ends
- Weave through the back of stitches for at least 2 inches.
- Change direction at least once to prevent loosening.
- Never knot. Knots create bumps and work loose.
- Weave in ends before blocking. Blocking sets them in place.
Washing and Care
| Fiber | Wash | Dry | Store |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wool | Hand wash cool, wool wash | Roll in towel, lay flat | Folded with cedar (moths!) |
| Cotton | Machine wash gentle | Lay flat or low tumble | Folded, no special care |
| Acrylic | Machine wash and dry | Tumble dry low | Anywhere |
| Silk | Hand wash cool | Lay flat, no sun | Acid-free tissue |
Pro Tips
The Darling Jadore Amazon Storefront
All of our favorite knitting and crochet tools, yarns, needles, accessories, and lifestyle items, curated in one place. These are the exact products we use and love.
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Our favorite circular, DPN, and interchangeable sets
Yarn We Love
Worsted, DK, bulky, and specialty yarns
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Stitch markers, scissors, blocking mats, and more
This resource library is continuously updated. Have a topic you want covered? Let us know.
