Hi Carol,

I use to never block my finished crochet projects. I didn’t understand the point of it. I would finish a project and be so excited, and impatient, to wear or send off to its intended recipient. But after many years of crocheting I’ve come to learn the noticeable transformation blocking makes on the final piece. It makes the finished crochet project so much crisper and more professional looking.

While blocking isn’t essential for everything because only natural fibers generally benefit from the full effect of blocking, it is an important part of the finishing process. Blocking, which is wetting the crochet fabric and laying it out flat in order to reshape the fabric, relaxes the stitches, help smooth out lumps and bumps in your stitches, and even out lengths. While it won’t fix most mistakes especially those relating to construction such as missed decreases or increases, blocking helps the yarn to bloom and open up the stitches in a lace project to reveal the lace pattern so the piece goes from looking like cooked spaghetti to a masterpiece. Give it a try on your next crochet project.

Materials

• Blocking mat or something to block on (if you don’t have blocking mats, you can use can block on your carpet or use your kid’s play mats)
• Pins
• Wool wash (if you don’t have wool wash, use a few drops of gentle shampoo)
• Lukewarm water
• Towel

Instructions

1. Fill sink or basin with lukewarm water and add wool wash.

2. Submerge piece into the water, pressing out bubbles without agitating.

3. Leave in water to soak for 20-30 minutes.
4. Remove from water and squeezing out water. Do not wring the fabric.

5. Roll the piece into a towel and press to remove excess water.
6. Remove from the towel, lay flat and gently shape with your hands. Pin as needed to shape.

7. Let the piece dry completely.