How to Block Crochet: Wet, Spray and Steam Blocking

Blocking is the finishing step that makes crochet look its best. By dampening or steaming the fabric and letting it dry in the right shape, you relax the fibers, even out small differences in tension and set the final size.

When blocking helps

• Granny squares and motifs that need to match before joining
• Scarves and blankets with wavy or uneven edges
• Lace and shawls, where blocking opens up the stitch pattern
• Garment pieces that need to match their measurements

You can usually skip blocking for amigurumi, baskets and dishcloths.

What you need

• Blocking mats or foam puzzle mats
• Rust-proof pins, such as T-pins or blocking pins
• A spray bottle, a towel or a steam iron, depending on the method
• A tape measure

Check the fiber first

Always read the yarn label before you start. As a general guide:

Wet blocking

The most thorough method, and the best choice for wool and cotton.

1. Soak. Submerge the piece in cool or lukewarm water, either plain or with a little no-rinse wool wash, for about 15 to 20 minutes, until it is wet all the way through.
2. Lift and squeeze. Support the weight as you lift it out, then gently squeeze out the water. Never wring or twist.
3. Roll in a towel. Lay the piece on a towel, roll them up together and press to remove more water.
4. Pin to shape. Lay it flat on your mats, shape it to the right measurements and pin the edges every inch or two.
5. Let it dry completely. Leave it pinned until it is fully dry, which often takes a day. Unpinning too early lets it spring back.

Spray blocking

The gentlest method, good for cotton, small motifs and pieces you’d rather not soak.

1. Pin the dry piece to its finished shape.
2. Mist it with water until it is evenly damp all over, and pat the water in with your hand.
3. Leave it pinned until it is completely dry.

Steam blocking

The best way to relax acrylic, and a quick option for wool.

1. Pin the piece to shape.
2. Hold a steam iron or garment steamer about 1 in (2.5 cm) above the fabric and let the steam soak in. Don’t let the iron touch the crochet, and keep your fingers out of the steam.
3. Leave it pinned until it has cooled and dried.

With acrylic, go slowly. A little steam softens and relaxes the fabric; too much makes it limp and flat, and the change can’t be undone. Test on a swatch first.

Blocking granny squares in batches

Draw or mark a square the size you want on your mat, then pin each granny square to that outline. Spray cotton or wool squares, or steam acrylic ones, and leave them to dry. Squares blocked to the same size are much easier to join into a straight blanket.

If something goes wrong

• It shrank back after unpinning. It probably wasn’t completely dry, or it is acrylic that needs steam instead of water.
• The edges have points where the pins were. Use more pins placed closer together, or thread blocking wires along straight edges before pinning.

Free patternBeginner Granny SquareBeginner45 minutes