To Block or Not to Block? That is the Question.

On many of the groups I am in, I often read people's posts about blocking. Some have never heard of it, some never do it, and then there are some like me that do it for certain situations. Anything I give as a gift or sell, I block. By going that one extra step, blocking gives a completed project a professional and finished look.

The beautiful model is my son's girlfriend.

A “tube” top I made this summer is a prime example. I counted each and every stitch. I kept tension even throughout. No matter how precise I was, the yarn I was using would not comply. It was an unintentional uneven mess

. 

Soaked and waiting to be pinned.

Blocking is simply adding moisture to your project, shape it, and then patiently let it dry. You use pins to help maintain shape. There are two methods of dampening the crocheted item. You can lightly mist with a spray bottle of water and then pin. Or, as in the case of the “tube” top, immerse it in water.

Dry and time to complete.

Supplies are simple: spray water bottle, towel or blocking mat, pins (make sure rust-proof because rust stains are never a good look), and measuring tape.

Simple "How to Block"

Prepare the blocking area either with towels or blocking mat.

Lay your finished item on the blocking surface. Pin your item into place. If you are using towels, you will need to use a measuring tape to make sure that the sides are even. If you are using a blocking mat, use the lines on it to be your guide. 

Once pinned, dampen the finished item with water. Leave the item in place overnight or until it is dry. When dry, remove pins. 

As I mentioned earlier, I also use the Soak Method prior to blocking. 

Fill a clean tub with cold water, add a small amount of gentle fabric softener. Place the item in the tub and let soak for 10 minutes.  Drain the tub and then gently press the item against the bottom of the basin to get out more water. 

To remove more water, lay out a towel, place the item on the towel, and then roll it up. Squeeze the towel to absorb all the water (Don't twist, just apply pressure). After that, take the finished and place it on a prepared blocking surface of your choice. 

Pin your item into place. If you are using towels, you will need to use a measuring tape to make sure that the sides are even. If you are using a blocking mat, use the lines on it to be your guide.  Leave the item in place overnight or until it is dry. When dry, remove pins. 

It really is that simple. If you are worried about how the yarn with react, make a 3-4 inch square and run it through the steps.