What is blocking?
Think of blocking as the icing on a cake. It’s the final step that takes your project from “homemade” to “handmade.” Blocking is a way to shape your finished crochet (or knit) project, usually with moisture, to give it a more polished look.
Essentially, blocking involves coaxing the fabric into the shape you want, evening out any tension issues, and making those beautiful stitch patterns really pop. It’s the secret weapon for getting the perfect drape and overall look for your finished piece.
This article will cover everything you need to know about crochet blocking, including why it’s so important, the different methods you can use, the materials you’ll need, and special considerations for different types of yarn and projects.
Why block your crochet project?
Blocking crochet projects makes them look better and hang more nicely. It’s especially important for clothing and accessories.
Blocking is particularly helpful for lace and textured stitches, because it helps them “open up” and show off their details. Blocking can make even a simple project look more impressive!
Also, blocking can even out tension. Sometimes, while you’re crocheting, your tension might change a little without you even realizing it. Blocking relaxes the fibers and makes the tension consistent.
Finally, blocking can change a project’s dimensions. While it won’t drastically change the size, it can help you stretch or shrink the fabric slightly to get the perfect fit.
When should you block your crochet projects?
Not every crochet project requires blocking, and the decision really depends on the item, the fiber you used, and the stitch pattern. For example, amigurumi almost never needs to be blocked.
However, there are some general guidelines that can help you decide:
- Before sewing in ends: Blocking before you weave in the yarn ends usually creates a cleaner, more professional finish. After the fabric has been properly shaped, you can weave the ends in more seamlessly.
- After washing: If your projects get wet (either from washing or rain), they may need to be re-blocked. This helps them regain their original shape and size.
What do I need to block crochet?
Blocking crochet projects requires a few essential materials. Here’s a breakdown:
- Blocking Boards or Mats: You’ll need a flat, stable surface to pin your project. Foam mats are popular because they’re easy to stick pins into and come in different sizes.
- Rust-Proof Pins: Use T-pins or knit blockers that won’t rust. Rust can stain your yarn, so this is important!
- Water Source: If you’re wet-blocking, you’ll need a clean sink or basin. Use cool or lukewarm water, depending on what kind of yarn you have.
- Towels: You’ll use towels to soak up extra water after you soak or spritz your project. Make sure the towels are clean and absorbent so they don’t transfer any dye or lint.
- Steamer or Iron: For steam blocking, you’ll need a steamer or an iron with a steam setting. Check to make sure your steamer or iron is clean.
- Spray Bottle: For spritz blocking, you’ll need a spray bottle full of water. Adjust the nozzle to a fine mist.
- Blocking Wires (Optional): Blocking wires are helpful if you want to create very straight edges, especially on lacy or complicated patterns.
- Measuring Tape: Use a measuring tape to make sure your project is blocked to the correct dimensions.
Blocking Methods: A Detailed Guide
There are a few different ways to block a crochet project. Here’s a look at the most popular methods:
Wet Blocking (Soak Blocking)
With wet blocking, you fully immerse your crochet item in water. This technique works best for natural fibers like wool, cotton, and linen.
How to do it:
- Fill a clean sink or basin with cool or lukewarm water.
- Gently place your crochet in the water, making sure it’s completely covered.
- Let it soak for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Carefully lift the project out of the water. Resist the urge to wring or twist it.
- Roll the project up in a clean towel to squeeze out the excess water.
- Pin the project to your blocking board, shaping it to the size and shape you want it to be.
When to use it:
Use wet blocking for projects that need a lot of shaping or stretching, such as lace or garments.
Spritz Blocking (Mist Blocking)
Spritz blocking is a gentler method that involves lightly dampening your crochet with a spray bottle. It’s a good choice for delicate fibers or projects that don’t need a lot of shaping.
How to do it:
- Lay the project flat on a blocking board.
- Fill a spray bottle with water and set it to a fine mist.
- Lightly spritz the project until it’s evenly dampened, but not soaking wet.
- Pin the project to the blocking board, shaping it to the size and shape you want it to be.
When to use it:
Use spritz blocking for projects that only need a little shaping or for fibers that don’t react well to being fully immersed in water.
Steam Blocking
Steam blocking uses steam from an iron or steamer to shape your crochet. This method is often used for acrylic and other synthetic fibers.
How to do it:
- Lay the project flat on a blocking board.
- Hold a steamer or an iron with a steam setting a few inches above the project. Be careful not to let the iron touch the yarn directly.
- Gently steam the project until it’s slightly damp.
- Pin the project to the blocking board, shaping it to the size and shape you want it to be.
When to use it:
Steam blocking works well for acrylic and other heat-sensitive fibers. Be careful not to overheat the yarn, or you could melt or distort it.
Dry Blocking
Dry blocking is the gentlest method. It’s often used for wire crochet.
How to do it:
Lay the project flat on a surface, such as your knee or a table, and gently adjust it.
When to use it:
Dry blocking is best for wire crochet or other projects that don’t need much shaping.
Pinning Techniques for Blocking
Pinning is an essential part of the blocking process, helping you shape your crochet project to the correct dimensions and open up the stitches. Here are some tips to help you get it right.
General Pinning Tips
- Use plenty of pins. The more pins you use, the more perfect your edges will be, especially for complex patterns.
- Pin the center of the sides first. When you’re pinning your project out, start by pinning the center of each side before you move on to the corners. This helps distribute the tension evenly.
- Angle the pins. Place your pins at an angle away from the edges to keep them from slipping out.
Pinning Circular Projects
Circles can be a little trickier to pin than squares or rectangles. Here’s how to handle them:
- Start at the center. Begin pinning from the center and work your way outwards, being careful to maintain the circular shape.
- Evenly distribute the pins. Make sure your pins are evenly spaced around the circle so the shape doesn’t get distorted.
- Adjust as needed. Keep checking the shape as you pin and adjust the pins as needed to keep the circle looking the way you want it to look.
Pinning Garments
When you’re blocking a garment, accuracy is key. Here’s how to pin it right:
- Refer to the pattern schematics. Consult the pattern schematics to make sure you know the correct measurements and shape of each garment piece.
- Pin to the measurements. Pin the garment pieces to the measurements given in the schematics, making sure everything lines up correctly.
- Pay attention to the seams. Pin the seams carefully to ensure they’re straight and aligned.
- Block garment pieces individually before assembly. For best results, block each piece of your garment before you sew them together.
Alternative Blocking Methods: Wires and Peg Boards
Besides the methods described earlier, some crocheters like to use blocking wires or peg boards.
Blocking wires are thin, flexible wires that you thread through the edges of your project. These are especially handy for lace projects or anything with scalloped edges because they help you create super-straight lines.
Blocking peg boards have evenly spaced holes where you stick pegs to hold your project in place. These are great when you’re blocking a bunch of identical pieces, like granny squares.
Fiber Content and Blocking Considerations
The type of fiber your project is made of will determine which blocking method you should use.
Natural Fibers (Wool, Cotton, Linen)
Natural fibers usually respond well to wet blocking. Handle wool carefully to prevent felting. Cotton and linen are more durable and can handle more aggressive blocking.
Synthetic Fibers (Acrylic)
Acrylic fibers are best blocked with steam. Be careful not to overheat the yarn, because it can melt or change shape.
Blends
If your project uses a blend of fibers, consider the properties of each fiber when choosing a blocking method. It’s a good idea to test a swatch to see what works best.
Always check the yarn label for specific care instructions before blocking.
Will blocking last forever?
Unfortunately, no. Blocking isn’t a permanent process. How long your project holds its shape depends on the yarn, the stitch pattern, and how you blocked it in the first place.
For example, superwash wools tend to “grow” when they’re wet, so a blocked superwash project may stretch over time. Natural fibers like cotton tend to hold their shape better. Projects that get a lot of use or that you put in the washing machine will probably need re-blocking sooner rather than later.
Summary
If you crochet or knit, blocking is a skill that’s well worth learning. Once you master a few different blocking techniques, you’ll be able to dramatically improve how your finished projects look and feel.
Don’t be afraid to experiment to find out what works best for your favorite yarns and patterns!