No, you should not wet block silk.
Why Wet Blocking Silk Is Not Recommended
According to the provided information, silk is very fragile when wet, and therefore, wet blocking is NOT recommended. This is because the fibers of silk can be easily damaged, stretched, or misshapen when they are saturated with water. Instead of wet blocking, a gentler approach is advised to avoid potential harm to the fabric.
Recommended Alternative: Spritz Blocking
Instead of completely soaking silk, the preferred method is called spritz blocking. This involves the following steps:
- Pinning: Pin your silk item out to the required dimensions on a blocking board or a clean, flat surface. Use rustproof pins to avoid staining.
- Spritzing: Lightly spritz the silk with clean water using a spray bottle. Avoid over-saturating the fabric. The goal is to dampen, not drench, the silk.
- Drying: Allow the silk to air dry completely. The fabric should maintain the desired shape as it dries.
Key Differences
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Method | Silk Suitability | How It Works | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet Blocking | Not Recommended | Soaking the entire fabric in water | Damage, Stretching, Misshaping |
| Spritz Blocking | Recommended | Lightly spraying water on the fabric | Minimal risk, gentle shaping |
Practical Tips for Blocking Silk
- Use distilled water: Tap water may contain minerals that could affect the silk fibers.
- Test on a small area: Before blocking the entire piece, test the method on an inconspicuous area to ensure there are no adverse effects.
- Be gentle: Handle the silk with care, as it is more delicate when wet.
- Patience: Allow the silk to dry completely. Rushing the drying process may result in unwanted changes in size or shape.
Following these guidelines will help you achieve the desired results when blocking your silk items safely.
