Happy #TCJMonday All,
There is a lot of Magpie Darling Hat knit-bling going on right now, very exciting, and I wanted to share some finishing tips with you! You will need a pair of sharp Scissors, a Tapestry Needle, and a Pom Pom (optional).
The first thing you will need to do is carefully cut the mini sequins off the yarn. I do this by cutting the sequins in half, making sure not to cut the actual thread.
Next step, weave in your ends. Thread your Tapestry Needle to the bottom (cast on) thread (both threads at the same time).
On the wrong side of the hat, weave in the end, going up the purl bumps. Cut yarn.
Thread the top of the hat end and with the right side facing, weave in a few times to make sure the top is closed and secure.
Bring the yarn to the wrong side of the hat and weave in a few times through the purl bumps.
If you want to add a pom pom to the top of your hat, bring the yarn back to the right side of your hat and either sew on a snap for your pom pom or leave the tail to sew the pom pom onto the actual hat after you block. Usually there is a loop on the pom pom if there is no snap.
No one wants to wait for their hat to dry after wet blocking, so I suggest steam blocking! Heat up an iron with water in it or a steamer, place the hat on a towel.
Using the steam function, start blasting steam through the hat, hoovering the iron or steamer just above hat.
Be VERY CARFUL not to melt the sequins or the yarn the sequins are attached. I have never had an issue with this and I get the heat pretty close to the sequins; but, please keep in mind, the sequins are plastic, 100% synthetic, and are delicate to heat.
Steam/Iron both sides of the hat, until it lays flat. You can follow the measurements as a guide. If you want to make your hat bigger or slouchier, then be a bit more aggressive with your blocking. Let your hat cool. Snap or sew on your pom pom (if you choose to put a pom pom on it).
Wear and Enjoy! Happy Knit-bling Everyone!
This sample is the Berger Pink & Copper/Rainbow Sequins
One last tip: the sequin yarn can get tangled easily; while knitting with it, keep it in a separate baggie, project bag or yarn bowl. I like putting it in a baggie, so I can zip it up while I am not using it.