1
4
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Dealing with pointed ends at the front of the block At the centre front point, your pinning should be pulled towards East and West rather than disposing of the fullness towards the front fold point (which will create a very bulky point). That area should only consist of the fold pin from the front point.
Lay the fabric flat for blocking. Spray evenly with water to dampen or rub a damp cloth over the fabric.
2 5
If it looks like this, there are not enough pins in the block, and you have not pulled the sinamay far enough away from the right side (top) of the block.
8
The number of pins to use When teaching, I find that students assume fewer pins mean better results. Wrong! I have been known to use between 60 and 120 straight pins to make a perched hat. In the areas of the pulled bias, you may need up to 30 pins. Pin the layers one pin behind the other to help flatten the sinamay. Pins may fall out – that happens. Leave the pointed end of the block until last.
3
When you have layers for a lining, it is advisable to block each layer separately; however, I know that time doesn’t always allow for this. If you want a polished finish, try to work this way (as explained in Issue 93). These areas should be pinned first: the straight parts of the sinamay square.
6
What your bases should look like To get the straw to look as smooth as this, you will need pins – lots and lots of pins. Push pins are acceptable, but as mentioned before, they do not hold the fabric flat. Use straight household pins. There should be pins doubled up, one behind the other, one to hold the sinamay and one to ease out the fullness and keep the fabric flat.
Next, pin between the North, East and West points, along the straight grain only. Sinamay and straws can shrink, but only by up to 0.4mm, or 0.5mm if you are lucky.
At the centre front, pulling the point of the sinamay will allow it to gather, enabling you to fold it into a neat, flat point. Push the point of the sinamay towards the tip of the block. Finish pinning the side straight grain (between the front point) towards the East and West points. If you follow this process for blocks with a point, you will never go wrong.
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