Blocking is the secret sauce that transforms your knitting from “homemade” to “handmade.” Whether you’ve just finished a cozy scarf, a detailed lace shawl, or a snug-fitting sweater, learning how to block knitting will elevate your final result. It smooths out uneven stitches, defines lacework, shapes the fabric, and sets your garment or accessory into its final form.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about blocking your knitting — what it is, why it matters, and how to do it for different yarn types and projects.
What Is Blocking in Knitting?
Blocking is the process of wetting or steaming your finished knitted item and shaping it to the correct measurements. Think of it as pressing your work — but instead of flattening, you’re refining the stitches and helping them fall into place beautifully.
There are three main types of blocking:
- Wet blocking: Soaking the entire project in water
- Steam blocking: Using steam to relax fibers
- Spritz blocking: Lightly spraying the fabric with water
Each method works best with different fibers and projects, which we’ll explore below.
Why Should You Block Knitting?
Blocking can make a huge difference, even in the simplest patterns. Here’s why it’s worth the effort:
- Smooths and evens out stitches
- Opens up lace patterns
- Sets the final dimensions
- Makes seams and edges lie flat
- Softens the fabric
If you’ve ever knit a lace shawl and thought it looked crumpled or unimpressive, blocking is the magic that reveals its full glory.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the right tools:
- Blocking mats or a clean towel on a flat surface
- Rust-proof T-pins or blocking wires
- Spray bottle (for spritz blocking)
- Steam iron or garment steamer (for steam blocking)
- Measuring tape
- Wool wash or gentle soap (for wet blocking)
How to Block Knitting Step by Step
1. Wet Blocking
Best for: Natural fibers like wool, alpaca, cotton
Steps:
- Fill a basin with cool or lukewarm water. Add a bit of wool wash if desired.
- Submerge your knitted item. Let it soak for about 20 minutes.
- Carefully lift the piece and squeeze out excess water — do not wring or twist.
- Roll it in a towel to remove more moisture.
- Lay it flat on blocking mats or a towel. Shape it to the desired measurements.
- Pin it in place using T-pins or wires, especially at edges and corners.
- Let it dry completely before removing pins.
Pro tip: Use blocking wires for straight edges and to prevent stretching lace too much in one spot.
2. Steam Blocking
Best for: Acrylics and wool blends
Steps:
- Pin your dry item to a blocking mat in the desired shape.
- Hover a steam iron or garment steamer a few inches above the fabric — do not touch it directly.
- Lightly steam the entire surface, allowing the fibers to relax.
- Let it dry and cool before unpinning.
Warning: Be extra cautious with synthetic yarns — too much heat can “kill” acrylic, meaning it loses elasticity permanently.
3. Spritz Blocking
Best for: Delicate or small items like baby clothes or accessories
Steps:
- Lay your item flat and pin it to size.
- Mist the fabric evenly with a spray bottle filled with water.
- Let it dry completely.
Spritz blocking is a gentler method and great for projects that only need minor shaping.
Blocking Tips by Project Type
- Scarves and shawls: Focus on opening up the lace and getting the length right.
- Sweaters: Match body and sleeve measurements carefully. Don’t overstretch.
- Hats: Use a bowl or balloon to shape the crown.
- Socks: Use sock blockers to define the heel and toe.
Yarn Matters: What Blocks Best
Not all yarns respond the same way to blocking.
| Yarn Type | Best Blocking Method |
|---|---|
| Wool | Wet blocking |
| Cotton | Wet or steam |
| Acrylic | Steam (carefully) |
| Silk | Wet (handle gently) |
| Linen | Wet and pin firmly |
| Blends | Test a swatch first |
Always test block a swatch when using unfamiliar yarns or stitch patterns.
Do You Need to Block Everything?
Not necessarily. Some projects like textured washcloths or chunky knits may not need blocking at all. But if your item looks uneven, curls at the edges, or doesn’t fit quite right, blocking can work wonders.
Final Thoughts on How to Block Knitting
Learning how to block knitting is one of the most rewarding parts of finishing a project. It adds polish, improves the fit, and helps your hard work look its absolute best. Whether you choose wet, steam, or spritz blocking, the key is to handle your knitting with care and give it time to settle into its final form.
So the next time you bind off a project, don’t skip the blocking step — your knitting deserves it.