How to Block Your Knitting

Blocking is the process of reshaping and resizing your knitting. This is especially important of items that will be sewn together such as two sides of a sweater. By blocking these pieces, you can create the proper size and ensure they line up when they're sewn together.

Blocking will also help uncurl edges of a project that was knit in say, stockinette stitch. If you're following a pattern and your finished project doesn't quite meet the dimensions of the pattern, you can try blocking it to get the correct size.

The process consists of dampening the project, reshaping or resizing it, and allowing it to fully dry before working on it again. There are several ways to do this and I'll touch on the most common methods. How you do it isn't as important as the end result, so you can really do this however works best for you.

Misting

This is a really simple way to block your knitting. Lay the knitting on a flat surface and stretch or lay it out to the appropriate dimensions. It's a good idea to place a towel laid flat between the knitting and the surface you're laying it on - this will help it stay in place as it's drying. Using a spray bottle, spray over any part that needs blocking. The knitting should be quite damp but not soaking wet. For really stubborn knitting, you can try adding some weights atop the knitting, but be sure the weights don't hinder the drying process.

Steaming

An iron with a steam feature will make the process go quite fast. Again, lay the knitting out flat and shape it to size. It's extremely important that you don't place the iron directly on your knitting - it can and will most likely cause scorching or other unpleasant results. Place a press cloth on top of the knitting and steam through the cloth.

Pinning

With this method, submerge the knitting in water then pin it to a board in the appropriate dimensions. Let it dry thoroughly, usually overnight.

You can also purchase special wires that will hold a piece to shape as it's drying.

If on the first try with any of these methods your knitting still isn't to the proper shape, simply repeat the steps. It's important to remember that leaving any piece wet for too long may result in mildew or mold. Be sure the location you're blocking in is well ventilated and check frequently on the blocking progress.