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Have you ever heard someone use the term “blocking” or tell you to “block” your work? I’m sure many of you are familiar with the term, but even if you aren’t, we’ll be going over what it means to block your crochet work and how it can help you. Blocking crochet pieces can help them in so many ways – including longevity (because who ever wants to say goodbye to their hard work?)
What does blocking mean?
When we say blocking, we mean introducing moisture to set the shape of your crocheted piece. There are a few different methods to do this but essentially, it allows your piece to have a more finished look. The edges of your piece will become more defined and the shaping will be set. For lacework, it will give you stitching more definition and look more polished as well.
Oftentimes, blocking is only used for crocheted garments that are to be worn and not always used for blankets (although, it’s great for getting crisp edges on your blankets, too!)
Why do we block our crochet work?
Blocking really sets the shape of your work. When you wash a crocheted item, for example, the stitches may become looser and the shape can expand. Crochet blocking allows us to perfect the edges and shape of our crochet pieces so that they can retain that shape as we use and wash them. It relaxes and enhances the stitches that we make.
A great example of blocking enhancing a project can be found in lace projects such as the Solomon’s Knot stitch or lacy shawls, like the Lace Harbor Sarong. Prior to blocking, your stitching may seem more jumbled or not as clean as you’d like it. Blocking can really open up and enhance the stitch definition for a crisper look.
When we block a crochet piece, the fibers in the yarn are able to relax and lay flat, creating a cleaner look so you can really see the true stitch definition of a pattern. For crochet garments, this can help them be worn properly and have a good fit.
Is blocking necessary in crochet?
Blocking is extremely important for some crochet projects to ensure you end up with the proper measurements for your piece. It also helps maintain the upkeep of your project. Many times, once you wash a crochet or knit piece, it can stretch or the fabric can relax, causing the shape & size to change. By blocking when your project is finished you can help avoid that change. You will already have a fabric that is expanded and you’ll be able to set the shape as well. All that to say, in many cases, crochet blocking is quite necessary. If you have a project that isn’t going to be worn and that doesn’t have any rounded edges, you may be able to avoid blocking.
Examples where blocking is not necessary are home decor items and amigurumi. The crochet stitches for these types of patterns determine their shaping and size vs. a crochet garment where blocking helps determine the wear. Another example for some patterns may be beanies. Many times, beanies are stretched as they are worn so they don’t always need to be blocked.
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Why is blocking in crochet important?
It is most important for garments where a specific size fit is needed. Most crochet designers use gauge swatches that are both blocked and un-blocked so makers can figure out what the size of their stitches should look like to get a proper fit. The sizes the designer uses are based upon this gauge swatch and assume that the maker is blocking their piece once it’s finished. Without blocking, your piece may not fit as intended.
Another important use is to get crisp edges. Sometimes, crochet projects that have tighter stitching have a tendency to roll up at the ends (I’m looking at you, tunisian crochet). Blocking can help pin down those ends and ensure a smooth project all around. This is helpful for blankets too since it ensures a nice straight edge.
What tools do I need to block my crochet pieces?
Crochet blocking tools are extremely important! You can use a lot of items you already have at home but you will need some tools, regardless of where you get them. I’ve listed some of my favorite tools below as well as home substitutions and uses.
- Blocking boards (a home substitute can be kids foam play mats or a yoga mat). Blocking boards are what you lay your project on to pin it down to block & dry.
- These are my favorite foam boards – they come with a carrying case and pins to get you started!
- For granny squares or blanket square designs, I love these wooden peg boards.
- Pins (you can use sewing pins or any other sharp pin or thumbtack if you don’t have blocking pins. These will hold your project in place while it dries.
- These are my favorite pins – they save so much time and give you perfect straight edges every time.
- Another favorite are these basic pins, you can get a whole bunch for the price.
- Wool wash or non-rinse soap. This is what you mix in with water to block and clean your projects.
- I absolutely love Sewrella Yarn’s wool wash – the scents are amazing and the formula is perfection. It’s definitely a splurge, but it lasts so long.
- A great affordable option is this non-rinse soap from Amazon that’ll last you forever.
- A handheld steamer! This will help when you choose to steam block your projects.
- This small steamer is the one I have and currently use. It’s budget-friendly and gets the job done
- I also really love this handheld steamer and plan to buy it soon. It’s angled better for blocking crochet projects so you don’t have to hold the steamer or your project at an awkward angle while steaming.
How do you block crochet pieces?
There are multiple ways to block crochet projects and I’ve listed the major ones below. There are options for both a quick session and a full one that will dry overnight. Some methods are more suited towards certain projects while others can be used in a pinch on any project.
Prefer to watch? Check out our blocking process video tutorial below!
Blocking Methods:
- Wet Blocking: this method can be used on any project except those made with acrylic yarn but is best suited for shawls, wraps, and lighter weight garments, in my opinion. To do this, fully submerge your project in water mixed with non-rinse soap or wool wash (you can do this in your sink). Once submerged and soaked for a while (15-30 minutes), remove your project and any excess water by gently pressing it out (make sure not to twist or ring your project while doing this). Once the excess water is removed, pin your project on some blocking boards with pins to dry. Place your pins so that they are shaping your project but not pulling it.
- Bonus tip: When getting out water after gently squeezing, you can roll your project up in a towel and press or step on it to get out the excess moisture before putting your project on the blocking boards.
- Steam Blocking: this is one of my favorites since it’s a lot faster than wet blocking. You can steam block just about any project, although if using acrylic yarns, make sure to exercise some caution since excess heat can melt acrylic. This is my favorite method for blankets. You can use any laundry steamer you have in your house to do this. Place your project on blocking boards and secure with pins to shape it. Once you’re satisfied with the shaping, use your steamer held 2-6 inches away from your project and run up and down it. At the end, your project should be a little damp but not soaking wet from the steam. Let dry overnight on the blocking boards.
- Spray Blocking: This is a super quick method that I recommend for garments or the edges of a blanket. Place your project on blocking boards, using pins to secure the shape. Using a spray bottle, mix water and non-rinse soap or wool wash together. Spray the mixture all over your piece until it is evenly damp. Let dry overnight. This is the quickest method and one a lot of makers use in a pinch to get their work blocked. This method may also dry quicker depending on the weight of the yarn and the amount of mixture sprayed. Side note: If your project uses acrylic yarn spray VERY lightly. Acrylic yarn stretches a lot when wet, so you don’t want to wet it too much.
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So, should I block my crochet project?
You can use the guide below to help you determine if you should be blocking a particular crochet (or knit) project.
