Blocking Your Knitting: When and How to Do It

Blocking is one of those final steps in knitting that can take your project from good to amazing. Whether you’re working on a scarf, sweater, or intricate lace shawl, blocking can transform the texture, shape, and overall finish of your piece.

But when exactly should you block your knitting, and how do you do it properly? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the importance of blocking, when to block, and how to do it in a few easy steps.

What is Blocking?

At its core, blocking is the process of wetting or steaming your finished knitted piece and shaping it to achieve the desired dimensions and finish. Blocking helps even out stitches, open up lace patterns, and ensure your project has the right drape and fit.

Blocking can be done in several ways, depending on the fiber content and the end result you’re aiming for. Whether you use water, steam, or a spritz of moisture, the end goal is the same: to enhance the final appearance and structure of your knitting.

When Should You Block Your Knitting?

Not every project needs to be blocked, but many do benefit from it. Here are some instances when blocking is essential:

• Lace Projects: Blocking lace is a must! Before blocking, lace patterns can look bunched up and uneven. Blocking opens up the stitches, revealing the full beauty of the design.
• Garments: Sweaters, cardigans, and other fitted garments often need blocking to smooth out stitches and ensure they fit correctly. It also helps seams lie flat and edges to relax.
• Textured Stitches: Cables, ribbing, and other textured stitches can sometimes pull in or look uneven. Blocking allows these textures to settle into their proper shape.
• Curled Edges: Stockinette stitch has a tendency to curl. Blocking helps flatten those stubborn edges, especially in items like scarves or blankets.

While blocking is beneficial for most projects, there are some cases where it’s not necessary. For example, tightly knit pieces with little to no texture may not require blocking unless you’re aiming for a very specific shape.

How to Block Your Knitting: Step-by-Step Guide

There are different techniques for blocking depending on the fiber and type of project, but the most common methods are wet blocking and steam blocking. Below, we’ll cover these two methods in detail.

Wet Blocking

Wet blocking is ideal for most fibers, especially wool and other animal fibers. It’s a gentle way to relax the stitches and set the fabric into shape.

1. Soak Your Piece: Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water and a small amount of wool wash or mild soap. Submerge your knitted piece, making sure it is fully saturated. Let it soak for about 15-20 minutes to relax the fibers.
2. Gently Remove Excess Water: After soaking, carefully lift the piece out of the water. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric, as this can distort the stitches. Instead, gently press the water out by rolling the piece in a clean towel.
3. Shape and Pin: Lay your knitted item flat on a blocking mat or another flat, clean surface. Gently shape it to the desired dimensions, ensuring the stitches are even and smooth. Use rust-proof pins to hold the edges in place. For lace or items with specific measurements, you may need to stretch the fabric slightly to achieve the correct dimensions.
4. Let It Dry: Allow your piece to air-dry completely in a well-ventilated area. Depending on the thickness of the yarn and the size of the project, this could take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days.

Steam Blocking

Steam blocking is another effective method, especially for fibers that don’t react well to full immersion in water, such as acrylic or cotton blends. It’s also faster than wet blocking.

1. Lay Out Your Piece: Place your knitted item on a blocking board or flat surface, shaping it as you go. If your piece needs specific dimensions, pin it down to hold its shape.
2. Steam Gently: Using a handheld steamer or the steam function on your iron, hover the steamer about an inch above the fabric. Do not press the steamer directly onto the fabric, especially with delicate fibers, as this can flatten the stitches too much. The goal is to allow the steam to relax the fibers, not to soak them.
3. Shape and Let Dry: After steaming, gently pat the fabric into its final shape. Allow it to cool and dry completely before removing the pins.

Tips for Successful Blocking

• Know Your Fiber: Different fibers react differently to water and steam. For example, wool responds beautifully to wet blocking, while acrylic is better suited to steam blocking. Always check the fiber content before choosing a blocking method.
• Don’t Rush the Process: Blocking takes time, especially for large projects like blankets or shawls. Make sure you give your item plenty of time to dry completely before removing the pins. This ensures the shape holds.
• Invest in Tools: A good set of blocking mats, rust-proof pins, and blocking wires (for lace) can make all the difference. These tools help you achieve a clean, professional finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Swatch: Always block your gauge swatch before starting your project. This will give you an accurate sense of how the yarn behaves when blocked and help ensure that your final piece comes out the right size.
• Overstretching the Fabric: When blocking lace or textured patterns, it can be tempting to stretch the fabric too much. Be gentle, and remember that blocking should enhance the shape, not distort it.
• Using the Wrong Temperature: If you’re using steam blocking, make sure you’re using the appropriate heat setting for the fiber. High heat can damage delicate yarns like wool, so keep the steam at a safe distance.

Blocking is an essential step in the knitting process that often gets overlooked. By understanding when and how to block your projects, you can ensure that your finished pieces look polished, professional, and ready to wear or gift.

Whether you’re working with lace, cables, or stockinette, blocking helps bring out the best in your knitting, making it a must-do for any serious knitter. So next time you cast off, don’t skip the block!

Did you find this post useful or inspiring? Save THIS PIN to your Knitting Board on Pinterest! 😊