Why Blocking Your Crochet Blankets is Essential?
Blocking your crochet items truly enhances, beautifies and puts the finishing touch on your crochet projects. It is is an important step toward making your crochet pieces look more professional and a very effective way to even out tension, especially for open work, to really show off the pattern or shape your finished work to achieve a balanced symmetry. Commonly, blocking is used to help flatten areas where work has curled, enrich the look of lace or textured stitches and highlight stitch delineation.
Should I block every crochet project?
The answer is No. It really depends on what it is and what it is going to be used for. For instance, items like amigurumi, booties or baskets do not need blocking, when items like blankets, dollies, snowflakes, etc. would look much better after blocking. I personally always choose to block my blankets. The end result looks more professional with straight edges, neat stitches and free from creased and curled areas (see images below).
Should I block every crochet project?
If you are not sure which method to follow, check your yarn label and do some research online. You can also block a smaller swatch as a test. It is better to try and fail on a swatch than on your entire blanket.
WET BLOCKING
➀ Wash your item or thoroughly wet it and gently squeeze out excess water.
➁ Lay your project out flat, and gently pat and shape it into the desired finished measurements.
➂ Pin your item in place using rustproof pins or blocking wires.
➃ Let it fully dry.
STEAM BLOCKING
➀ Pin the piece into the desired shape and size on your desired surface. Pins should be close together and evenly spaced so as your item will not be distorted.
➁ Smooth and flatten your project with your fingers as much as possible, working your way around.
➂ Holding an iron or steamer an inch or more above the fabric and moving it slowly above the surface, steam your project well. Do not touch or press the surface of your item.
➃ Leave it undisturbed until it is fully dried.
SPRAY BLOCKING
➀ Lay your project out flat, and gently pat and shape it into the desired finished measurements.
➁ Pin your item in place using rustproof pins or blocking wires.
➂ Mist your way around the project with a spray bottle of clean water until it is totally wet. If some areas pucker up, press the fabric with your hand for a few seconds.
➃ Leave it undisturbed until it is fully dried.
Please watch a detailed YouTube video tutorial by Hooked by Robin on How to Block Crochet.