Beginner's Guide: Why and How to Block Your Crocheting

You’ve probably heard you should block crocheting, but have you tried it? This often-overlooked step can take your projects from good to great.

In this guide, we explore everything you need to know about blocking in crochet, including why it matters, how to do it, and when you can actually skip it.

What is Blocking in Crochet?

Blocking is the process of manipulating the fibers of a finished crochet piece to shape and size it. The most common methods–wet blocking, steam blocking, and spray blocking–all involve adding moisture to the crochet project and letting it dry. 

Why It Matters

Blocking your crocheting can make a huge difference in the neatness of your projects. It can help to straighten edges and smooth out uneven stitch tension. This is especially important for crochet sweaters and accessories, where fit and drape matters a lot to the appearance of the finished item.

Types of Blocking

There are three main types of blocking that every crocheter should know:

Quick Start Guide: How to Wet Block Crochet 

Wet blocking is one of the most common and effective blocking methods. Here are the general steps to follow:

1. Put your crocheting in a basin of lukewarm water. Press down gently to make sure it gets wet throughout. Some crocheters add a bit of wool wash or detergent at this step.
2. Leave your project in the water for about 15-20 minutes.
3. Remove excess water by gently squeezing your project. Don't twist or wring it too hard because that can damage the yarn.
4. Lay your crocheting out on a clean towel and carefully roll it up to get rid of more moisture.
5. Put your crochet piece on a foam blocking mat or dry towel. Position it in the dimensions and shape you want it to dry in. Use T-pins and blocking wires or knit blockers to ensure the edges are straight.
6. Leave your project to dry completely. Then remove the pins and marvel at the magic of a good blocking! 

Do I Need to Block My Crochet? 

Are you still wondering if you have to block your crocheting? 

I’ll be honest. Not always. 

Projects That Benefit from Blocking

Before you ignore the idea of blocking altogether, let’s discuss why you should give it a shot. 

Gauge Swatches: 

If your crochet pattern instructs you to block the final project, it's essential to block your gauge swatch before measuring it. This is because the pattern gauge provided assumes the final stitch tension. Blocking can open up your crochet stitches, thereby changing the tension.

Lace: 

With a quick blocking, delicate crocheted shawls, scarves, dresses, and tops will look even more beautiful. When crocheting lace doilies, blocking is essential to reveal the negative space between the stitches.

Socks: 

Although blocking crochet socks may not seem important, using a sock blocker can help shape your completed footwear to the appropriate foot size.

Garments: 

Crochet cardigans and sweaters are most appealing when the yarn flows smoothly and gracefully, creating a flattering drape. This is particularly true for crocheted garments with complex shaping or design elements, like cables or tapestry colorwork.

Colorwork: 

Blocking can help even out the tension between color changes and make colorwork look more crisp.

“Curly” Edges and Slanted Stitches:

Some crochet stitches tend to curl at the edges naturally. Similarly, certain stitches, such as the waistcoat stitch, begin to slant when worked in the round. Blocking can help correct slanting and uncurl edges that won’t lay flat on their own.

Tips for Successful Blocking

Blocking crochet doesn't have to be complicated. Here are some tips that apply to any method you use.

Read Your Yarn Label: 

Fibers will require different treatments, so checking the yarn label to determine the fiber content and care instructions should be your first step. 

Don’t Be Stingy With Your Pins: 

Use a generous number of blocking pins around the edge of your project to avoid the yarn shrinking and creating distorted points around the pin.

Smooth and Stretch Evenly: 

Make sure to stretch the stitches across the project, not just on the edges. This will ensure an even distribution of tension and prevent distortion as your project dries.

Try a Swatch First:

If you're uncertain about blocking, give it a go on a swatch first to see how the process impacts your yarn. Does it stretch? Does it bounce back to it’s curly, pre-blocked state? If so, you might need to choose a different method of blocking.

How to Block Crochet Step-By-Step

As I mentioned, various blocking techniques are appropriate for different fibers and crochet projects. Let's examine the three most common types of blocking, along with an additional technique you can use if you don’t have a foam mat, pins, or steamer.

If you already know your preferred method, click the link below to jump to those instructions:

• Wet Blocking
• Steam Blocking
• Spray Blocking
• Blocking with Household Supplies

How to Wet Block

This method involves soaking your finished project in water, and then shaping it into the desired dimensions. This is a great technique for projects that need to stretch or for evening out irregularities in your fabric.

Here's how to wet block:

Step 1. Prepare the Water: 

Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild detergent if you’d like.

Step 2. Soak the Project:

Submerge the crocheted piece in the water and gently press down to ensure it is completely saturated.

Let the piece soak for at least 20 minutes, then gently squeeze out the excess water. Avoid wringing or twisting, as this can damage the fibers.

Step 3. Remove Excess Water: 

Lay the piece flat on a clean towel and roll up the towel to gently press out any remaining water.

Step 4. Pin to Shape: 

Pin your crocheting to the desired dimensions using rust-resistant T-pins or blocking wires. If your pattern includes a schematic, follow the included measurements to make sure your project is the correct size and shape.

Step 5. Let it Dry: 

Let the piece air dry completely before unpinning.

Pro Tip: If you want to speed up the drying process, use a fan or hairdryer on the cool setting. Avoid using high heat or placing your project in direct sunlight.

How to Steam Block

Do you want to skip dunking your precious, newly-finished project in a tub of water? I don’t blame you! Steam blocking is an effective alternative. This method involves using a steam iron or garment steamer to add moisture to the project while shaping it. 

Follow these steps to steam block your crochet:

1. Fill your iron or steamer with water and heat it to the lowest steam setting.
2. Lay the crocheted piece flat on a blocking mat or clean towel. Smooth wrinkles as much as possible.
3. Holding the steamer or iron a few inches from the yarn, direct steam at one area for a five-ish seconds before moving to the next section. (I like to think of this motion as similar to a paint sprayer. Slow and steady.)
4. Once the yarn fibers have opened up from the steam, gently shape the piece to the correct dimensions. Make sure edges the edges are straight by following the grid lines on your blocking mat or using a yard stick.
5. Secure the work by pinning it down with any combination of T-pins, blocking wires, and blocking combs. 
6. Let the crochet fabric dry completely before removing the pins.

How To Spray Block

Finally, spray blocking is a quick and easy method that involves misting your project with water using a spray bottle. This process is particularly useful for delicate projects that can't handle a lot of moisture. 

Here's how to spray block your crochet:

1. Place your crochet project on a foam blocking board or clean towel and smooth out any wrinkles. 
2. Fill a spray bottle with clean water and spritz the yarn thoroughly and evenly.
3. Gently shape your project to the correct dimensions. 
4. Anchor the project with any combination of T-pins, blocking wires, and blocking combs. 
5. Wait until the yarn is fully dry before removing the pins.

How to Block Without a Board, Mat, or Pins

If you don't have a blocking board, mat, or pins, don't worry! You can still achieve a beautifully blocked crochet project using items you probably already have at home. 

Here's how to block your crochet without extra supplies:

1. Follow the steps for wet blocking listed above. Once the excess water is removed from your project:
2. Transfer your crocheting to a fresh, dry towel on a flat surface where it can air dry. Reshape your piece as needed. Depending on your flooring and supplies, you may even be able to press T-pins into your carpet and rug pad below as you would with a blocking board. 
   
   (Note: This approach comes with some risk to your carpet and should be avoided in extremely humid climates.)

3. Keep pets and children from dancing all over your project while you allow it to dry completely.

How to Make a DIY Blocking Board

If you don't have official crochet blocking boards, you may be able to improvise with items you have around the house. Here's how to create a DIY blocking board for smaller motifs like granny squares, hexagons, or triangles.

Supplies

If you don't have a knee pad, try using a piece of styrofoam packaging or wooden pegboard.

• foam knee pad meant for gardening (I got mine for a buck at Dollar Tree)
• 6" wooden shish kabob skewers or dowelsto fit your pegboard
• ruler
• pen
• spray bottle or iron

Instructions

Step 1. Decide how large you want your finished crochet object to be. (Base this on the pattern measurements or measure several of your motifs and take the average.) 

If you're blocking hexagons, you want to measure the width and height to determine a consistent length for the sides.

Blocking Blankets and Other Large Projects

You might find your blocking board too small for large crochet projects, like blankets and afghans. 

How to Block a Granny Square

Smaller motifs like crochet hexagons or granny squares should always be blocked. Blocking helps them all end up the same size, which makes joining the pieces easier and adds a professional, “tidy” look to the final project. 

To block a granny square:

1. Add moisture to the granny square by submerging it in water or spritzing it with a spray bottle. 
2. Gently press out any extra water with a towel. Avoid wringing or twisting. 
3. Lay the granny square on a blocking surface and smooth out any creases. Softly stretch it to the desired dimensions, and place T-pins or knit blockers along the edges of the square. 
4. Let your granny squares dry completely before unpinning and joining together. 

Should I Block Before or After Seaming?

When it comes to blocking crochet, you may wonder whether it's best to do so before or after seaming your pieces together. 

As with many crochet techniques, there’s more than one right way.

Here’s a look at the pros and cons of each approach.

Blocking Before Joining

Some crochet patterns recommend blocking each piece before sewing them together. This approach allows you to adjust any sizing or shaping issues before stitching. (Said another way, it saves your sanity!)

For example, if a sleeve is too narrow for an armhole, blocking may increase the sleeve size slightly.

Blocking Finished Projects

While some patterns may suggest blocking prior to joining, in reality, many maverick crocheters (including me!) choose to sew all the pieces together and block at the end. 

Doing it this way can help smooth out any bumps or unevenness that may have formed during seaming.

What Tools Do You Need to Block Crochet?

To block crochet, you'll need a mat or board, rustproof blocking pins or stainless steel blocking wires, and a source of moisture such as a basin of water or a spray bottle. 

Let’s take a closer look at each of these crochet blocking supplies.

Blocking Mats

While I didn’t own them for my first 30 years of crocheting, foam mats are very helpful because they provide a firm and stable surface to press pins into. 

T-Pins

Using regular sewing pins for blocking might be tempting, but investing a few bucks in T-pins is well worth it. Stainless steel T-pins are rust-proof and sturdy enough to resist the weight of wet yarn.

Knit Blockers (AKA Combs)

Blocking combs are a helpful alternative to T-pins because they do the work of several pins at once. Since the pins are evenly spread across the comb, they also help the blocked edges of your project stay straight while drying.

Tape Measure

For projects that need to be blocked to a specific size, having a tape measure is a must.

Spray Bottle

Crocheters often choose spray blocking because it can be done almost anywhere with minimal supplies. Use a spray bottle with a diffused mist instead of a direct, targeted stream.

Blocking Wires

While not a mandatory supply, blocking wires can help achieve neat and tidy edges and curves in your crochet work. They’re most often used for blocking lace, but they can also be helpful in crochet shawls and blankets.

Old Towels

Terrycloth bath towels are useful for removing excess water from your project after soaking it during wet blocking. You can also lay your project on a flat towel to dry if you don’t have a blocking mat.

Blocking Solution

Using a blocking solution when wet or spray blocking can be helpful, but it’s not required. Some crocheters use no rinse detergents, like Eucalan delicate wash. A small amount of gentle dish detergent, like Dawn, can also work. Just be sure it’s a detergent and not a soap.

When blocking hand-dyed yarn, some people add a small amount of vinegar to the soaking bath to keep the color from fading.

Put Your New Skills to Use

Now that you know all about blocking in crochet, let's put these skills to use! Here are some of our favorite free patterns we've handpicked for you.