Why do you block crochet

What you use as a blocking mat is totally up to you. You could purchase a blocking mat specifically marketed for blocking, but a similar item will suffice. I will say that my frugal self searched for the least expensive, largest foam mats I could find. Had I gotten nine of the foam mats specifically marketed for blocking I would have spent over 3x the amount.

If you are blocking multiple of the same item, use dowel rods strategically placed on your foam mats. All you need is a pack of dowel rods like this , and some foam circles like this. Then decide if you want to wet block or steam block your piece. Lay the piece s out on your fancy used-to-be-the-kids-foam-mat blocking board and get to work! Steam blocking is the method of blocking crochet that I prefer for garments or other larger items.

For this you can use your clothes iron on the steam setting or a steamer specifically made for steaming fabric. I found an inexpensive steamer to test this theory, and it worked like a charm! An actual steamer will hold a lot more water than your iron, meaning you can block much more without having to stop and back fill up.

It is possible, depending on the item, that you will need to block your piece after each and every laundering. This will most likely occur with lightweight shawls or other light items. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. The actual method you choose will vary depending on yarn content, final use and your own preferences.

Consult the yarn label. If different fibers have been combined in the same item, the most delicate fiber takes precedence. Most natural fibers such as wool, cotton, linen and mohair may be either wet- or dry-blocked. Some synthetic fibers do not benefit from blocking and may, in fact, be ruined by careless blocking. Novelty and metallic fibers may need special care and may not be suitable for blocking.

Wet blocking is suitable only for those fibers which tolerate submersion. Wash the piece first, if desired, or thoroughly wet it and gently squeeze out excess water. Do not wring or twist!

For two-diminsional pieces, lay the piece out flat, and gently pat and shape it into the desired finished measurements. Pin the piece securely in place using rustproof pins or blocking wires.

For 3-D pieces, stuff the piece with rolled up plastic grocery bags or other waterproof stuffing. For round pieces, blowing up a balloon to the desired size inside the item works well.

Leave the piece undisturbed until it is completely dry. You can hasten the drying process by setting up a fan to blow over the area. Repeat until the entire project is shaped and pinned down. Spray the piece with water. You want it pretty wet--it needs to soak into the fibers. Allow to stay in place until completely dry. This yarn dried within a few hours, but other types of yarn may take longer to dry, so you might need to find another place to sleep!

Once it's dry, it's blocked and you can remove the pins. No more waves or wrinkles! You can also try this on a plush carpet if you don't want to use your bed. As long as the pins will stay in place it will work. Even though blocking takes some extra time, it is well worth the effort! I didn't even know what blocking meant. Great tutorial it almost makes me want to crochet something, almost. Thanks for the step-by-step. There are more steps than I realized. I have never had to block a finished project but I will be blocking a project soon and I am glad to know about the plastic.

It never crossed my mind to use it. I also would have never thought to use a measuring tape. I can just imagine now what a disaster I probably would have had. I've never blocked anything, which probably makes me a bad crocheter! Although I can see from your examples how much it helps your work. I have been crocheting for years and rarely block anything I like this method, and I can use the bed in our spare bedroom that is not often used.

Thanks so much for sharing this :. I don't have a fancy blocking board either. I have learned that it is really worth the effort I concede that it can be a bit of a palava for that extra finished look. What if your project is super large?

I just finished a mandala from mandala madness and its larger than any towel or bed, but it recommends blocking. Will just washing it losen the stitches and even it out?

Washing it will have the soak effect yes. Very helpful article. Thank you. Hehe, I am with you on the impatience. They are still on my wish list! How do I block something that big? Is it absolutely necessary?

Or is there a different yarn I could use to avoid having to block this? You could block it in sections bit by bit or it may be that hanging it on a washing line outside — if available may be enough? You may just need to block the corners or border, or none at all. Thank you for this. I am making a baby blanket for a friend. Would she have to re-,block it after every wash or can she just ordinary wash and airdry? That depends on the type of stitch and the fibre used.

A simple blanket would likely just need stretching out when damp after a wash. Great article. I would like to know, do you block a blanket before or after making the border?

I think it depends what kind of boarder you are working with. It would depend on the specific design. My intuition would say that drying it flat and giving it an iron would be sufficient.

I hope that helps!! A very useful post for those who do not have a teeny, glorious moggy of 15 months who, when awake, likes to PLAY.. I feel your pain! My girl likes to sit right in the middle of whatever is on the mat and has chew the plastic pin heads. Skip to content. Blocking explained: When and how to block crochet projects February 22, June 14, What is blocking? Should I block every crochet project?

Finished blankets to get the shape right This is not an exclusive list but gives you an idea of the kind of things which would look better after blocking. Should you block swatches? Should I block my project before I sew in the ends? How to block your crochet project Blocking involves dampening the crochet fabric, stretching it out to shape, pinning it out and allowing it to dry.

Always remember to use rust proof pins when blocking to avoid getting orange marks on tour work! First lets look at the different ways you wet your fabrics and which version to use when.

A demonstration of how to remove excess water from a soaked crochet item ready for blocking. Note that the ends have not been sewn in. Spritz Blocking Spritzing is another, form of wet blocking.

Your fabric will be damp but not soaked and ready to pin out. The same goes if you are working with any other delicate fibre. Keep the heat at a distance!