Blocking Linen - Is it necessary? If so, how?

[sajehill]

Is blocking necessary when you have finished stitching something on linen? I've not blocked anything before but am wondering, after a recent experience, if I should do so.

If I use Aida or evenweave, I can sew around the item ... to make a pillow for instance ... by following along one row on each side of the piece. By doing this my seams are even. However, I recently tried making a little pillow out of a piece stitched on linen & it was impossible to sew the seams this way. The rows in linen do not stay even. Some of them slant downward or upward or even roller coaster across the fabric. Should I try to block the piece so that the rows are all even & at right angles to each other so I can sew the seams as I do for Aida or evenweave? Or should I just sew the seams an equal distance away from the stitched design on all 4 sides & not be concerned about the seams following along a particular line of holes?

If I should block, how do I do it?

Blessings,
Shirlee
http://farmhouseponderings.blogspot.com/" target="_blank

[sajehill]

No one?

Blessings,
Shirlee
http://farmhouseponderings.blogspot.com/" target="_blank

[JA Fan]

Sorry, I've only just seen this.
Yes, linen needs to be blocked. I attempted to block "Night Moves" which is stitched on linen, but my framer said she needed to do it again. As I obviously didn't do it right, it would be best if you got more expert advice.
As you are doing a pillow, it may not be as essential, but the design may look skewed if you don't.
Also, the method for blocking would be different for a piece that will be mounted verses a piece intended for another use.
I hope that helps a little.