The Magic of Blocking: Why Your Knits Need a Spa Day

You've finished your project, all those hours of knitting or crocheting but before you weave in the ends and call it done, there's one final step: blocking.

What is blocking?

Blocking is the process of gently washing and shaping your finished products so the fibres relax and the stitches even out. It helps your project look amazing by making the patterns more visible and helping it stretch to its final shape.

Whether its a sweater, shawl, hat, or blanket, blocking can:

• Smooth out uneven stitches
• Open up lace patterns
• Set your finished piece to the right dimensions
• Give drape and softness to natural fibers

The Three Ways to Block

1- Wet Blocking: perfect for wool, alpaca, and other natural fibres. Soak your finished piece in cool or lukewarm water with a gentle wool detergent. Gently squeeze all the water out and wrap into a towel for about 10min to get most of the water out. Then lay the piece on a mat or tool and pin it to shape. Let dry completely before unpinning. 

2- Steam Blocking: best for acrylic or delicate fibres that can't be soaked. Lay your project flat and hover a steam iron or steamer just above the surface (never touch the fabric!). Use your hands to gently shape as you go. Allow it to cool and dry in place. Steam blocking works wonders to relax stiff acrylic or cotton projects and gives a polished finish.

3- Spray Blocking: a gentle middle ground between the two. Pin your dry project to desired shape and lightly mist it with water until damp. Let it dry completely.

Why Blocking Matters?

You'll notice the difference immediately, stitches that looked uneven suddenly bloom into perfect rows, lace patterns open up to show the details, and edges lay flat. It's the secret step that makes your handmade work look more professional. 

A Few Tips

• Always check your yarn label, some fibres respond differently to water and heat.
• Use rust-proof pins or blocking wires for clean edges
• Make sure to block your gauge swatch before starting your work
• Be patient! Don't unpin until your project is 100% dry

Blocking might seem like a laborious step but it's truly the best finishing touch that elevates your handmade piece. After all, your beautiful garments deserve to shine and blocking helps them do just that.