Simple Harmony tutorial #8: Blocking and preparing your embroidery

In this video we will be blocking the finished embroidery for Simple Harmony to square it up, smooth out the linen, and make sure the design is straight so that it will fit your prepared box. I will show you how to prepare a blocking board big enough for the Simple Harmony pieces, how to test your fabric and thread for colorfastness (and what to do if it runs), how to mark your design lines on the board to make blocking easier, and how to dampen, stretch and pin your fabric to square the weave. This is an incredibly important step in finishing generally but especially for this project given the strong linear characteristics of the design. Your stitching must be squared up in order to properly fit the box. The main page for the Simple Harmony SAL including a full materials list can be found here: https://katie-strachan.com/simple-harmony-1 Used in this episode: 22x28" piece of acid free foam core board, from your local craft store, art supply, or Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00IWSHEB0?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details 2/3 yard flannel 1 yard 100% cotton woven gingham check fabric, 1" check recommended. I used this: https://www.etsy.com/listing/910506579/kelly-green-medium-woven-gingham-fabric Stainless steel pins, available from Needle in a Haystack under pins: Specialty Pins, Stainless (200/pkg) http://www.needlestack.com/WebStore/Accessories/Accessories.html Spray bottle to mist your fabric. I used an inexpensive travel bottle from CVS but Mary Corbet recommends this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N7RLM7V?ref=exp_marycorbet_dp_vv_d Metal corner ruler or L square to check everything is straight Painter's tape to mark your design lines Your patterns made in tutorial #1