Blocking Crochet and Knit Projects

Blocking: Why it is Essential for your Crochet and Knit Projects

Are you ready to learn why and how to block your crochet and knit projects? And what is blocking, you may ask.

Well, if you're scratching your head, wondering what blocking is and why it is important for your crochet and knit projects, don't worry! I’ve got you covered.

What is Blocking?

Imagine giving your finished crochet or knit project a spa day – that's blocking! It's shaping and setting your creation into its final form. Blocking smoothens out stitches, evens tension, and enhances the overall look of your finished crochet and knit projects.

You may be wondering why I am talking about blocking. Well, I never used to block my projects. Not until one day I decided to try. From that day I was hooked. Let’s just say that I did not notice the difference before until I noticed it. So now I make it a point to spare some time and block my projects, especially garments and accessories.

Before Blocking

‍When is Blocking Necessary?

Blocking is a crucial step in the finishing process of both knit and crochet projects. While not every project requires blocking, it can significantly enhance your work's appearance, drape, and overall finish. Here's why:

Evens Out Stitches

 Both knit and crochet stitches can sometimes appear uneven or bunched up, especially in more intricate patterns or lacework. Blocking helps to smooth out these inconsistencies, resulting in a more uniform and professional-looking fabric.

Correcting Tension

Tension issues are common in both knitting and crochet. Blocking allows you to adjust the tension of your stitches, ensuring that your project lays flat and has a consistent gauge throughout. This is particularly important for garments and accessories where fit and shape are crucial.

Enhancing Drape and Shape

Blocking is essential for shaping and sizing your finished projects. Blocking allows you to stretch and mold the fabric to the desired dimensions, whether you're making a garment, a shawl, or a blanket. This ensures that your project fits properly and drapes elegantly when worn or displayed.

After Blocking

Opening Up Lacework

Lace patterns, whether knitted or crocheted, often benefit greatly from blocking. Blocking helps to open up the lacework, showcasing the intricate stitch patterns and allowing light to filter through. This can dramatically enhance the beauty and delicacy of lace projects.

Now that you know why blocking is so important, let's discuss how to do it. You can use a few different methods, but the most common are soak (wet), spray, and steam blocking. 

But first, let's see what tools you will need for blocking, what needs to be blocked, whether you should block before or after weaving in ends, and how you can block without a blocking board, mat or pins. We will also check out some frequently asked questions.

What Tools Are Needed for Blocking?

Blocking Mats

These are large, flat surfaces that provide a stable base for blocking your crochet/knit pieces. They're typically made of foam or cork, with grid lines to help you measure and shape your projects accurately. Blocking mats are essential for ensuring that your piece maintains its desired dimensions while drying.

T-Pins

T-pins are sturdy, T-shaped pins that are used to secure your crochet/knit piece to the blocking mat. They hold your project in place while it dries, preventing it from shifting or losing its shape. T-pins come in various lengths and thicknesses, allowing you to choose the right size for your project.

Blocking Wires

Blocking wires are thin, flexible wires used to straighten and define the edges of your crochet and knit projects. They're useful for blocking items like shawls, scarves, and blankets, where crisp, straight lines are essential. Blocking wires come in different lengths and can be bent to fit the shape of your piece.

Spray Bottle

A spray bottle filled with water is handy for wet-blocking your crochet projects. It allows you to evenly moisten the fibers without soaking them, which can help speed up the drying process. A fine mist is ideal for gently hydrating your piece without causing damage or distortion.

Steam Iron

Steam iron is essential for steam-blocking your projects. It provides controlled steam that helps to relax the fibers and set them into the desired shape. Be sure to use the appropriate temperature setting for your yarn to avoid scorching or melting.

Measuring Tape

A measuring tape is useful for ensuring that your piece is blocked to the correct dimensions. It allows you to accurately measure the length, width, and height of your project as you shape it on the blocking mat. This ensures consistency and precision in your blocking process.

Clean Towels

Clean towels are used to remove excess water from your crochet piece during the blocking process. After soaking or steaming your project, gently press it between layers of clean towels to blot away moisture without causing damage. Avoid using colored towels, as the dye may transfer onto your yarn.

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Blocking Pins

Similar to T-pins, blocking pins are used to secure your crochet piece to the blocking mat. They come in various shapes and sizes, including straight pins, forked pins, and U-shaped pins. Blocking pins are particularly useful for securing delicate or intricate lace patterns without damaging the yarn.

What Needs to Be Blocked?

While blocking is beneficial for most knit and crochet projects, some types of projects benefit more than others. Here are a few examples:

Lace Shawls and Scarves

Lace patterns are often intricate and delicate, and blocking is essential for opening up the lacework and showcasing its beauty. Blocking also helps to define the edges of the shawl or scarf and give it a more finished look.

Garments

Sweaters, cardigans, and other garments can greatly benefit from blocking, especially if they're made from natural fibers like wool or cotton. Blocking helps to even out the stitches, adjust the fit and shape, and ensure that the garment drapes nicely on the body.

Blankets and Afghans

Large blankets and afghans can be challenging to block due to their size, but the results are well worth the effort. Blocking helps to smooth out the fabric, eliminate any ripples or waves, and give the blanket a neat and tidy appearance.

Crochet Doilies and Tablecloths

Delicate crochet doilies and tablecloths often require blocking to achieve the desired shape and size. Blocking helps to open up the lacework, flatten out any curls or ruffles, and create a smooth and even surface for display.

Should You Block Before or After Weaving in Ends?

The question of whether to block before or after weaving in ends often arises in the world of knitting and crochet. Both approaches have their merits, and the decision ultimately depends on personal preference and the project's specific requirements. Let's explore the arguments for and against each option:

Blocking Before Weaving in Ends

Pros

• Prevents Distortion: Blocking before weaving in ends allows you to shape and stretch the fabric without worrying about pulling or distorting the stitches. This can be particularly beneficial for projects with intricate stitch patterns or delicate lacework.

• Easier Handling: Blocking a piece without the added bulk of woven-in ends can make it easier to handle and pin onto the blocking surface. This can streamline the blocking process and result in a more uniform and polished finish.

• Ensures Proper Sizing: Blocking before weaving in ends allows you to accurately gauge the final dimensions of your project. You can adjust the size and shape as needed before permanently securing the ends, ensuring that the finished piece meets your expectations.

Cons

• Risk of Unraveling: Leaving ends unwoven-in during blocking poses a risk of unraveling, especially if the project requires aggressive blocking or if the yarn has a tendency to slip. This can result in frustration and potentially damage to your work.

• Difficulty Identifying Mistakes: Blocking before weaving in ends can make it harder to identify and correct mistakes in the stitching. Once the fabric is stretched and pinned into place, any errors may be more challenging to spot and fix.

Blocking After Weaving in Ends

Pros

• Secures Yarn Ends: Weaving in ends before blocking ensures that they are securely fastened and less likely to come loose during the blocking process or subsequent wear and use. This helps maintain the integrity of your work and reduces the risk of unraveling.

• Neater Appearance: Blocking after weaving in ends results in a neater and more professional-looking finish. With all ends neatly tucked away, the fabric appears cleaner and more polished, with no distracting loose threads or tails.

Cons

• Limited Adjustability: Weaving in ends before blocking limits your ability to adjust the size and shape of the fabric. If you later decide that the project needs additional blocking or reshaping, you may find it challenging to make changes without undoing the woven-in ends.

• Potential Distortion: Blocking a piece with the ends already woven in can sometimes lead to distortion, especially if the fabric is stretched unevenly or if the ends are bulky and affect the tension of the surrounding stitches.

Should You Block Before or After Seaming?

Blocking Before Seaming

Pros

• Even Stitch Consistency: Blocking before seaming allows you to address any irregularities in stitch tension across individual pieces. By blocking them separately, you can ensure that each piece has consistent dimensions and stitch appearance, leading to smoother and more uniform seams.

• Easier Access: When pieces are blocked separately, it's easier to access and work with each piece individually during the seaming process. This can make it simpler to line up stitches, match patterns, and achieve precise seam alignment without the bulk of already-seamed pieces.

Cons

• Limited Seam Adjustability: Blocking before seaming can make it challenging to adjust the fit or shape of the pieces once they are joined. If the blocking alters the dimensions of the pieces, it may affect how they align during seaming, potentially resulting in misshapen or ill-fitting seams.

• Potential Misalignment: If the pieces are not blocked to the same dimensions or if the blocking process distorts the fabric unevenly, it can lead to misalignment or puckering along the seams. This may require additional adjustments during seaming to ensure a smooth and seamless finish.

Blocking After Seaming

Pros

• Seam Reinforcement: Blocking after seaming allows the stitches along the seams to settle and blend together, resulting in stronger and more secure seams. This can help prevent unraveling and ensure that the seams hold up well over time, especially in garments or items subject to frequent wear and use.

• Integrated Blocking: Blocking after seaming enables you to shape the entire garment or project as a cohesive unit, ensuring that all pieces are blocked to the same dimensions and shape. This can result in a more polished and professional finish, with consistent tension and appearance across the entire piece.

Cons

• Limited Access: Once the pieces are seamed together, it can be more difficult to access and block individual sections of the project. This can make it challenging to address any inconsistencies or irregularities in stitch tension that may have occurred during the knitting or crochet process.

• Potential Distortion: Seaming before blocking can sometimes lead to distortion along the seams, particularly if the seaming process pulls or stretches the fabric unevenly. This may require additional blocking or reshaping to correct, which can be time-consuming and may affect the overall appearance of the finished project.

Blocking without a Blocking Board, Mat or Pins

Believe it or not there are some people or places where you can’t find the tools needed for blogging. If that is the case, I am glad to tell you that you can still block and get your finished projects looking great. Here are some tips on how to block without blocking tools.

Steam Blocking with Towels

Use a steam iron to gently steam the fabric while shaping it to the desired dimensions. Lay the project flat on a towel and steam it, being careful not to touch the yarn directly with the iron. Repeat until the fabric is evenly damp and shaped correctly, then allow it to dry.

Wet Blocking with Towels

Soak your project in lukewarm water with a gentle detergent, then remove excess water by pressing it between towels. Lay the project flat on clean, dry towels and shape it by hand to the desired dimensions. Allow it to air dry completely.

Dry Blocking

For projects that require minimal shaping, you can simply lay them flat on a clean, dry surface and smooth them out by hand. Allow them to air dry naturally.

Steam Blocking with Garments

If you're blocking a garment like a sweater or shawl, you can use the steam from a hot shower to help shape the fabric. Hang the garment in the bathroom while you take a hot shower, then reshape it by hand and allow it to dry.

Stretch Blocking

For projects that need some stretching to achieve the desired dimensions, gently stretch the fabric by hand while it's damp. Be careful not to overstretch, as this can distort the stitches.

Pat Blocking

Sometimes all a project needs is a gentle patting to smooth out wrinkles or creases. Lay the project flat on a clean, dry surface and use your hands to pat it into shape. Allow it to air dry completely.

Methods of Blocking

There's more than one way to block a knit – or a crochet project. Let's explore three popular methods: Soak (wet) blocking, Steam blocking, and Spray blocking.

Soak (Wet) Blocking

Wet blocking is the go-to for many crafters due to its simplicity and effectiveness. By submerging your project in lukewarm water, gently pressing out excess water, and then shaping and pinning it on a blocking mat, you allow the fibers to reset in their new, more refined configuration. The only downside? Patience is key, as it requires drying time.

Pros: Simple and effective.

Cons: Requires drying time.

Instructions

Submerge your project in lukewarm water.

Gently press out excess water.

Lay it flat on the blocking mat, shaping it as needed.

Pin it in place and let it dry.

Steam Blocking

Ideal for delicate fibers, steam blocking is a quicker alternative. While this method requires extra caution with heat, it's a valuable tool for achieving that professional finish.

Pros: Quick and suitable for delicate fibers.

Cons: Requires extra caution with heat.

Instructions

Hover a steam iron over your project, keeping a safe distance.

Once the fibers are slightly damp, shape it on the blocking mat.

Pin it in place and let it cool and dry.

Spray Blocking

Perfect for acrylic yarn and quick projects, spray blocking involves misting your project with water until damp. While it might not be as effective for heavy shaping, it's a speedy option for those on a tight schedule.

Pros: Ideal for acrylic yarn and quick projects.

Cons: May not be as effective for heavy shaping.

Instructions:

Mist your project with water until damp.

Shape it on the blocking mat and pin it.

Allow it to air dry.

Pros and Cons of Blocking in General:

Finishing Touches

Blocking is the final step in the finishing process, giving your project a polished and professional appearance. It smoothens out any wrinkles or creases, sets the stitches in place, and enhances the overall beauty of your work.

Blocking: The Ultimate FAQs

Q: Can I skip blocking?

A: While you can skip blocking, it's akin to serving a dish without seasoning – it lacks that final touch of finesse.

Q: Does blocking work for all types of yarn?

A: Absolutely! Whether you're working with wool, cotton, or acrylic, blocking can enhance the characteristics of any yarn.

Q: How long does it take a project to dry after blocking?

A: Drying time varies depending on factors like yarn fiber and ambient humidity. Generally, allow at least 24 hours for thorough drying.

Q: Can I block crochet projects made with mixed fibers?

A: Yes, but exercise caution, especially with heat-sensitive fibers. Always refer to yarn labels for specific care instructions.

Q: Can blocking fix mistakes in my crochet project?

A: While blocking can't magically undo mistakes, it can minimize their visibility by evening out tension and stitches.

Q: Is blocking necessary for small projects like amigurumi?

A: While blocking may not be as crucial for small, stuffed projects, it can still refine details and enhance appearance.