Learning how to block your crochet project is another useful skill to add to your crochet toolkit. Although it is not necessary to block every crochet project, it can definitely give crochet projects like doilies and blankets a more professional look and ‘wow’ factor.
When you block your crochet, you are making your crochet dry in a certain size or position. This is usually done by wetting the item and then pinning it into the desired finished shape.
It is useful to block your crochet when you are working on projects with many small identical pieces (like the panels in the Cuddle Robot Baby Blanket). Block the pieces before you sew them together. This means that all the pieces are the same size and will line up nicely making your work look so much more amazing.
One Safety Precaution to Note
When blocking your crochet, you are working with small, sharp pins. Be aware of any children or pets around you when you block your crochet and keep the working environment safe for them.
Tools needed
- Foam Mat
- Sewing Pins
- Ruler or Tape Measure
- Towel
- Spray Bottle (Optional)
You can buy purpose-made blocking boards or blocking mats; however, I had some interlocking foam playmats still around from when my children were small, so I repurposed those.
Are you ready to start? Here are the steps:
Instructions
1. Before you start the blocking process, check your yarn label to see if the yarn can get wet.
2. Submerge the crochet piece in water and then press it in a towel to remove the excess (don’t wring it; this might start felting it). Alternatively, if you have a spray bottle you can fill with water then use that to mist the crochet piece until damp.
3. Lay the crochet piece on the foam mat and start pinning. Use the ruler or tape measure to make sure the edges are straight, and it is the desired size. Readjust the pins if it is not the desired shape or size.
IMPORTANT: Make sure you buy rust-proof sewing pins. You will be working with water and the last thing you want is for your precious crochet project to be ruined with rust.
4. Leave the pieces pinned to the blocking mat until it is completely dry.
5. Once the piece is completely dry remove from the blocking mat, making sure all the pins are safely stored away.
And there you have it. As with any new skill, practice makes better. Why don’t you give it a go and let me know in the comments below how it went. Check out my other useful crochet tutorials and guides.
