How do I flatten a scarf?

Question

I have knitted a scarf. Its knit pearl and really long. Now that its completed its curling up on the edges. I have tried to block it, but it has not flattened out. it looks really weird, like a long tube. Does anyone know how I can flatten it out without ruining the scarf?

I am concerned about ironing it because its acrylic and I am not sure it won't melt?

Answer 1

The nature of stockinette stitch (one row knit, one row purl) is that it tends to curl in on itself. There isn't really any way to keep it from curling even when it's blocked unless you crochet a border. You can also pick up stitches and add a knitted border.

The best way to avoid it in the future is to add a border as you knit. For example, work the first 5 rows in garter stitch (knit every row). Then, do the following:
Row 1: Knit
Row 2: K5, purl to the last 5 stitches, K5
Repeat these 2 rows until the scarf is the desired length and end with 5 knit rows.
Block lightly.

This creates a border around your scarf that should keep it from curling.

Hope that helps.
:-)

Answer 2

When knitting a scarf you usually have to create an edge to keep the scarf from curling. In your situation, you have already knit the scarf so there are a few things you can do.

1. You can blog the scarf by soaking it in wool friendly soap, pat all of the water out with a towel (do not ring) and then pinning it on towels to dry. This will help the curling, but I'm afraid it may still curly a bit.

2. If you know how to crochet, you could put a crocheted edging on which would help.

I hope these suggestions have been helpful.

Wendy

Answer 3

Scarf is finished. There are 5 rows of garter stitch on each each of the scarf but it still rolls into itself. How can a fix the rolling now that the scarf is done?
i.e. I cast on 25 stitches. the first and last 5 stitches on each row are knit. The remaining 15 rows are stockinette. The scarf is about 5' long.

Answer 4

The solution I can give you is for starting at the beginning. First do a few rows of garter stitch (all knit). Begin by slipping the first stitch by putting your needle through the back of the stitch, k1. At the end of the row, the last 2 stitches, do knit 2. Turn and repeat slipping, k1, ending k2. I did the same thing you did and now I have to crochet an edging on my scarf. I learned the above hint after I finished my scarf.

Answer 5

I don't knit myself, but have read some bloggers who do. One that I have read (link below) blocks her pieces. She uses straight pins to pin her pieces in the proper shape and then sprays them with water. Then lets it air dry completely. I would check out one of her posts that discusses it.

Answer 6

Rosylittlethings

Answer 7

Please go with bwendy3's suggestions! It isn't wrinkled, it is pulled. That means you have to try to pull it back, either by relaxing the stitches or putting on a heavier border.
.

Answer 8

what about ironing it, just guessing