Blocking is the finishing step in any fiber craft project. A common method is wet blocking, where the knit or crocheted item is fully saturated with cool to tepid water, excess water is removed then the project is shaped and allowed to air dry. Pins can be used to hold items in place as they dry for projects like complicated lace shawls but often laying flat to project measurements is enough to reshape a piece.
This process can do wonders for your final product (You've maybe heard Fuchsia say, "Oh don't worry, that sh!t will block out!". And she means it.). Blocking can even out stitches by helping them relax into place, lets natural fibers bloom, and gives you the power to set the final shape and dimensions of your project.
Essentially, blocking your items lets them take their final form which is why we always recommend you block your swatches before measuring your gauge!
Blocking is also a prime opportunity to wash your item! Be honest, how long was that yarn sitting in your stash? And how long was that project being carted around in your project bag? Projects sometimes need a good wash after casting off or after you've worn a finished sweater to every slightly chilly event possible. Right now is the perfect time to wash and reblock your knits to give them a nice reset before sweater season returns.
We currently have two excellent wool-washes for wet blocking in the shop, Soak and Eucalan. Both are super gentle and no-rinse formulas, allowing you to clean your wool without unnecessary agitation that may lead to felting--and both come in large and small sizes. Eucalan contains animal-derived lanolin to act as a natural conditioner. Soak is lanolin-free for those that are sensitive or prefer no lanolin in their project.
Click here for a detailed guide on wet blocking by our friends at Cocoknits!
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