Blocking is a wonderful fixer of imper-
fections. It involves moistening knitted
pieces, shaping them, and allowing them
to dry so that they hold the proper
shape, to the correct measurements.
To block a project, you need a
padded surface that is big enough to lay
your largest piece of knitting flat, a set
of long, rustproof pins, and a measuring
tape. For wet blocking, you need a clean
spray bottle; for steam blocking, you
need a steam iron or hand steamer.
Wet blocking involves wetting your knitted pieces thoroughly, without using a
steam iron. You can wet the pieces by immersing them in a basin of water or,
even easier, you can pin them to their proper measurements beforehand and
wet them with a spray bottle. Before wet blocking, be sure to read your ball band
to ensure that washing in water is safe for your yarn. Wet blocking is best for
wool blends, some synthetics, and hairy yarns like angora and mohair. It works
wonders on textured and cable knits.
1 Lay a knitted piece flat on a padded surface. Pin only at enough points to
hold the piece straight for the time being.
Wet BlockingBlock Your Knitting.
2 Measure the knitted piece to ensure that it has the same dimensions that the
pattern specifies. Adjust the pins, as necessary, to match the measurements
and to make the piece even.
Note:Do not stretch and pin ribbing at cuffs and hems unless the pattern indicates to do so. After
ribbing is stretched and blocked, it is no longer elastic.
3 When the measurements are correct, pin the piece all around.
4 Wet the piece thoroughly with a spray bottle.
5 Allow the piece to dry and then remove the pins.
Repeat steps 1–5 for all pieces of your project. Be sure that all the pieces are
completely dry before sewing the seams.