Should I Block Crochet Projects? The answer is..

Yes! I myself am even guilty of crocheting for two decades without blocking a SINGLE THING. I thought, “eh I’m gonna wash it so what’s the point?”. Right? Wrong. The difference can be quite shocking. If you are in love with that new crochet granny square bag, crochet lace shawl or even the slouchy crochet sweater you just made, blocking will send your pride and joy skyrocketing.

There are so many ways to block your crochet there really isn’t an excuse not to anymore. With blocking boards and even blocking mats…. with accessories at the ready.

You can even block your crochet projects with cardboard if need be.

Blocking Crochet is highly recommended for more than a few reasons.

• If you sell your crochet projects, blocking really is a must. Your finished project will look much more professional and even.

• It evens out your tension. Blocking takes a project and evens out all stitch irregularities. It’s almost impossible to have perfect tension throughout an entire project, especially a large one. Just putting down the hook and picking it back up later can cause some tension fluctuation.

• Blocking before sewing seams together helps tremendously. It will be easier to make sure all the pieces you need to sew together are shaped and sized the same for easy seeming.

• Blocking will soften the yarn which will improve the drape of the item. Especially if you’ve crocheted a wearable piece such as a crochet sweater or vest.

• It will flatten out and smooth out woven ends, hiding them completely.

Blocking your crochet projects is not an intense process. It is important to keep in mind that the intention is NOT to stretch out your item but rather to set the stitches evenly, simply evening out the tension. A slight tension is all that’s necessary, do not over stretch.

Types of Blocking Boards:

- Blocking boards typically have holes spaced about a half in apart with pegs that hold your project to the board. These are great for small items like granny squares of various sizes.

- Blocking mats are larger and there are typically 12” x 12” interlocking squares so you can block larger projects. With these you can use blocking pins.

- If using a piece of cardboard simply be sure to cover it with plastic or plastic wrap prior to setting your crochet project.

To block your projects:

Simply steam or soak your project in water for at least 3 minutes. Wrap it in a towel and squeeze gently! Do not wring or twist, until most of the water is gone. Lay your project out on the blocking board, shape it and pin it.

Let it rest until it is completely dry, at least 2 - 4 hours…. or days (hopefully not days, don’t let it stay wet that long it will be musty and likely ruined).

Some advice.. Take a before and after photo, you will be surprised!