Bagsmith Block N Roll 38" x 55" Blocking Mat for Knitting Quilting Needlepoint

Bagsmith Block N Roll was exactly what I was looking for! I bolcked my sweater and it was perfect. The measurments on the board were great and pinning was easy with the foam mat.

Having used this mat twice now, I feel more qualified to review. (I really don't think Amazon should send review request almost at the same time as receiving the product. It must be about the packaging & timing and not the product.) I am very happy to give a good review of this timely helper in blocking hand knit / crocheted items. The grids on the mat for surity of shaping, and the ability to pin to the mat are my biggest applauds. You don't have to continually measure to make sure garment is not pulling back as it drys. The mat resist this pulling action. I do see a little pull back or raising of the mat, but it did not affect my measurements because I used pins in the middle of the garment as well as the edges. And I put heavy blocks on the corners which stopped the raising of the mat.However, drying is my only issue with the mat but one I can live with. Please be prepared to allow an additional day for drying. This is probably due to the foam backing on the mat. But it is well worth the additional time, I promise.If Bagsmith were to consider ANY changes to the mat, (and maybe it exist already); I would hope that it would be to make it even bigger. Although this size wonderfully accomodates sweaters and even a long swimsuit cover skirt that I blocked on it, I am pretty sure that when I finish a fall season sweater coat, full length, I will not be able to use this mat. The coat will finish at about 56-58" long from shoulder to the hem, (not counting maybe 2" for the collar).

I Chose the Bagsmith Block N Roll because I have Started Lace Knitting and although I could easily block small scarves I Just finished a Large Shawl and needed a large surface to block it. The shawl was large and wet, this was perfect because it was a water proof surface and anyone working with lace knows that the item has to be damp to be able to stretch out all the fine stitches. "JUST PERFECT".

I ordered this especially to block the squares for a knitted afghan that are supposed to be 12" square. From the picture, I assumed the squares would be 1", but instead they are some fraction of an inch, making it very difficult to block the knit pieces to the desired measurements. My second disappointment is that after just one use, the mat is full of holes from the pins designed to go with it. I can't imagine that this item will last very long. It is not worth it for the price paid, even with Amazon's discount.

I have block some of my other projects, well worth the money

Makes blocking exact. Would like to have a larger surface. I blocked an acrylic afghan that just fit on the mat.

Knitters definitely need this item so that blocking of finished items can be done professionally and neatly. This item works for that purpose EXCEPT that it isn't long enough to block scarves. Other than that, it's an excellent item and rolls up and ties neatly for storage.

I bought this for my mother as a holiday gift and I'm sure she will like it and get a lot of use out of it as well.