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How To Block Crochet – A Step By Step Tutorial On Wet & Steam Blocking
I recently updated my crochet hexagon pattern with brand new photos and a video tutorial and I’ve been crocheting a bunch of them for a new honeycomb baby blanket. But before I start joining them, I knew I have to block them so the stitches (and corners) will align perfectly.
In this tutorial, I will show you how to block crochet using two methods: wet and steam blocking. You will find the two methods explained in detail below, with step by step instructions. These are the methods I use to block my own designs.
I specialize in designing baby blankets and afghans and I often get asked questions about blocking, specifically about blocking baby blankets and crochet motifs, so I decided to answer a few of them here, in this tutorial.
Before we continue, please note that this post might contain affiliate links and I will earn a small percentage should you choose to purchase something, but it will be at no cost to you.
Please note that this post contains affiliate links, I will earn a small percentage should you choose to purchase something, but it will be at no cost to you. You can see my full disclosure policy here. Thank you for supporting my work and this blog.
What does blocked mean in crochet?
Blocking is the process of introducing moisture into fibers in order to manipulate the shape and size of your crochet work. You can do that with either water (wet blocking) or steam (steam blocking).
Why do you block crochet projects?
- Blocking helps adjust the size and shape of the crochet item.
- Blocking helps you get flat corners and straight edges and helps fix unwanting curling.
- Blocking relaxes and enhances the stitches in your crochet project, especially in ones using lacy patterns.
- Blocked crochet items look more professional and the method improves the look and fit of your item.
- Blocking can also be used to give a beautiful drape to your crochet project.
Is blocking necessary in crochet?
Blocking is not necessary but recommended for a few reasons listed below.
- If you are a crocheter who sells their work at fairs or on Etsy, blocking is a must. Your finished project will look professional and put together.
- The same reason applies if you are planning to gift the item as a present.
- If you are working with a lot of granny squares and other motifs that need to be joined, blocking will make your job a lot easier.
- If your project is crocheted with acrylic yarn and you want it to have a beautiful drape (a shawl for example), steam blocking is necessary.
- If you made minor mistakes in your design and shape, blocking will help fix them ( curled corners and edges caused by tight tension, or uneven edges caused by missing out a stitch)
- When working with lacy crochet patterns you will need to block the project to relax the stitches and reveal the pattern.
There are times when even I don’t block my designs.
For example, I never block my hooded blankets because they are made with superbulky yarn which is thick and heavy enough to retain its own shape and it doesn’t need reshaping or stretching.
You can partially block a large project such as an afghan, you don’t need to get the entire project wet. If your corners are rolling up but the edges are ok, just block that particular part of the project.
Is crochet blocking permanent?
Wet & steam blocking are not permanent. While some natural fibers, such as wool, might have a good “memory” and keep their shape after re-washing, other fibers, such as acrylic, might need reshaping after washing.
There is one exception when blocking acrylic yarn is permanent and that is when you overdo the steam block. Overheating the acrylic fibers will partially melt them and will give your work a nice drape that will be permanent. USE THIS TECHNIQUE WITH CAUTION! It can not be undone.
Can acrylic yarn be blocked?
I work with a lot of acrylic yarn in my design and I can definitely tell you YES, you can block acrylic yarn, BUT it will not completely retain its shape after washing. Lay it flat and air dry it again into shape once wet (blankets and afghans should not be hung to dry anyways).
Now that I’ve answered some of your questions about blocking, let’s get down to the actual blocking tutorial.
You can block your crochet items in two ways: by steam or by water. I’ll show you how I do it step by step.
HOW TO BLOCK CROCHET – WET BLOCKING
Wet blocking is the most popular technique when it comes to blocking baby blankets, afghans, granny squares, and other motifs.
There are two ways you can block your items:
1. use a spray bottle to saturate your project with lukewarm water
2. completely submerging the crochet work in lukewarm water (sometimes in water with a few drops of handwash)
No matter which way you use it, the technique is the same. Below I will demonstrate the wet blocking technique with a spray bottle.
Supplies I Used
You will need the following supplies
- blocking board
- rustproof pins
- spray bottle with water
- measuring tape (optional)
Why you need a good blocking board
If you are serious about crocheting, you will need a good-quality blocking board.
There are other options around and different ways to improvise a blocking board, but nothing beats an interlocking blocking board with grid lines. Why? Because you want to make sure your blankets have perfectly straight edges and your motifs are all the same size (just like mine in this pic below).
I am using this one and I love it! It comes in a set of 4 interlocking 12-in by 12-in boards and it’s perfect for small or larger projects. Not to mention, so easy to store away.
I have 3 sets so I can easily block my baby blankets and I am so happy I made this purchase.
Wet Blocking – Video Tutorial
For those who learn better by watching videos, I have created a video tutorial on how to wet block crochet, you can find it onCrafting Happiness YouTube Channel.
How I Block My Crochet Work – Wet Blocking STEP BY STEP For Beginners
Make sure toSUBSCRIBEso you can easily access the videos later.
Wet Blocking – Step By Step Tutorial
Two ways you can go here:
1. use the spray bottle
2. completely submerge your project in water
Step 1: Saturate your crochet work with water
Spraying your work with water is the easiest and most convenient option, especially if you are dealing with large crochet projects like baby blankets and afghans.
Spray your project with water to make it wet, not dripping wet, but just saturated enough with water so you can manipulate its shape.
Squeeze it a few times to soak in the water.
If you want to submerge your project in water, use a bowl or a container big enough to contain your project. Optional, put a few drops of handwash in the water. Place your crochet work in and let it sit for about 5 minutes to soak up the water and relax the fibers.
Take your project out of the container and gently squeeze out the excess water. Do NOT twist it to speed up the process. Place your work in between two towels and press to remove more water out of your crochet work.
Step 2: manipulate the shape
Place your crochet work on the blocking board and gently manipulate it into the shape you want.
Use the gridlines as a guide to straighten the edges and, if you are working with multiple motifs, make them the same size. If your blocking board doesn’t have gridlines, use a measuring tape.
Step 3: pin your project to the board
Use the rustproof pins to pin your project in place to the blocking board. In this example, I used pins only for the corners, but for bigger projects and even for granny squares, you can use as many pins as you need to make sure the edges are straight and follow the grid lines.
So I advise you to buy a set of rustproof pins that have quite a few pieces in the set so you won’t run out.
Step 4: let it dry
Once set, let your crochet project dry. Depending on the size, you might want to give it some time to dry. I left my hexagons dry overnight in a dry, warm place.
When I block my crochet blankets, I usually put them in the guestroom and let them dry for 2 days and sometimes 3 days (when I forget about them!).
Step 5: once dry, remove the pins and enjoy your newly blocked crochet item.
HOW TO BLOCK CROCHET – STEAM BLOCKING
Steam blocking is easier and faster than wet blocking, but not always as effective.
Steam blocking your crochet project will not fix minor crochet errors, but it’s useful when you quickly want to shape granny squares or other motifs or want a garment made out of acrylic yarn to get a nice drape.
Supplies I Use
Why choose a garment steamer over an iron?
Yes, you can use an iron set on the steam function to steam block your crochet projects, but I advise against it. Why? For a couple of reasons.
For one, the steam you get from a garment steamer is far superior to iron. It is also steam that you can focus on a particular area, not just all over the place like you would have when you use an iron. This is particularly useful when you try to overheat your acrylic projects to give them a nice drape.
Second, irons get really really hot and if you are not very careful, you risk touching your crochet work by accident and damage it PERMANENTLY. The iron ruined one of my baby blankets and I learn my lesson.
And third, using a garment steamer is so much easier, especially when you work on a project that is hanging (a shawl hanging on the mannequin for example).
I use a garment steamer just like this one and it made my life so easier. It’s also super useful when you travel and you want your clothes to be crease-free!
Steam Blocking – Step By Step Tutorial
As a crochet designer I specialize in designing baby blankets and afghans, so, I don’t get the chance to crochet many garments. But I know that steam-blocking garments should be done with the garment hanging on a mannequin. This will help with the drape and shape.
Below I will show you how I steam block my crochet motifs when I quickly want to shape them. I use this technique only when my motifs need light shaping or if the corners need flattening.
I don’t steam block my baby blankets or my afghans because it doesn’t help to shape them as much as the wet blocking technique does.
Step 1: pin your crochet work to the blocking board
Use rustproof pins to pin your crochet project to the blocking board. Use as many pins as you need to get the shape you need.
Step 2: steam your crochet work
Hoover the garment steamer over your work until it is damp. Make sure you are moving the steamer back and forth so you won’t over-steam your project (especially if it is acrylic).
If you are using an iron, set it on steam function and hoover it over your crochet work making sure it is close to the work, but not too close to damage your item (maybe 2-3cm above it). Continuously move the iron back and forth and don’t overheat your crochet project.
Step 3: let it cool down
Once your project is damp enough, let it cool and dry. Steam blocking is faster than wet blocking and you will not have to leave your crochet project on the blocking board for days.
Step 4: Once set, remove the pins and enjoy your newly blocked crochet item.
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Happy Crocheting!
As an experienced crochet designer and enthusiast, I have a deep understanding of various crochet techniques, including the crucial process of blocking. Over the years, I've specialized in designing baby blankets and afghans, consistently incorporating blocking methods to enhance the final appearance of my creations. I often receive questions about blocking, especially concerning baby blankets and crochet motifs, which is why I've decided to address some common queries in this tutorial.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts covered in the article:
Blocking in Crochet:
Definition: Blocking in crochet is the process of introducing moisture to the fibers of a crocheted item to manipulate its shape and size. It can be done through either wet blocking (using water) or steam blocking (using steam).
Purpose of Blocking:
- Adjusts the size and shape of the crochet item.
- Aids in achieving flat corners, straight edges, and eliminates unwanted curling.
- Relaxes and enhances stitches, particularly in projects with lacy patterns.
- Gives a more professional look and improves the overall fit of the item.
- Can be used to provide a beautiful drape to the crochet project.
Necessity of Blocking:
- Recommended, especially for those who sell their crochet work or plan to gift it.
- Essential for projects involving granny squares and motifs that require joining.
- Useful for projects made with acrylic yarn, enhancing drape through steam blocking.
- Can fix minor mistakes in design, such as curled corners or uneven edges.
Permanence of Blocking:
- Wet and steam blocking are not permanent; natural fibers like wool may retain shape after rewashing, but acrylic may need reshaping.
- Overdoing steam blocking on acrylic can lead to permanent changes, such as partial melting.
Blocking with Acrylic Yarn:
- Acrylic yarn can be blocked, but it won't completely retain its shape after washing.
- Lay flat and air dry to reshape it once wet.
Wet Blocking Tutorial:
Supplies Needed:
- Blocking board
- Rustproof pins
- Spray bottle with water
- Measuring tape (optional)
Importance of a Good Blocking Board:
- Crucial for ensuring straight edges and consistent sizes.
- Interlocking blocking boards with grid lines are recommended.
Wet Blocking Steps:
- Saturate crochet work with water using a spray bottle or by submerging it in lukewarm water.
- Manipulate the shape on the blocking board, using gridlines or measuring tape as a guide.
- Pin the project to the board using rustproof pins.
- Let it dry, and once dry, remove the pins.
Steam Blocking Tutorial:
Supplies Needed:
- Garment steamer
- Blocking board
- Rustproof pins
Advantages of a Garment Steamer:
- Superior steam quality.
- Allows focused steam on specific areas.
- Safer and easier to use than an iron.
Steam Blocking Steps:
- Pin crochet project to the blocking board using rustproof pins.
- Steam the project until damp using a garment steamer or steam function on an iron.
- Let it cool down.
- Once set, remove the pins and enjoy the newly blocked item.
By following these detailed tutorials, you can effectively block your crochet projects using either wet or steam blocking techniques, achieving professional results and enhancing the overall quality of your creations.
